Last weekend the weather was perfect and we decided to go for a kayak ride at the Robinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL. This 487-acre preserve has undergone an incredible transformation from disturbed farmland to coastal and wetland habitats. To restore the land to its natural state, the Natural Resources Department has partnered with a number of state and local agencies. The restoration process is nearly finished! To date, numerous exotic invasive plants have been removed, effectively opening up the land for native plants to flourish. The preserve’s new waterway system will help restore the tidal flow within the coastal habitats.

Robinson Preserve also features numerous recreational opportunities for the community. Resources for low-impact environmental activities include hiking and biking trails and a canoe/kayak launch.  Additional amenities include observation towers and platforms, picnic areas, and a visitors center.

 

 

The tower can be reached by Kayak, canoe, walking or biking.

There were so many mullet jumping out of the water that we thought they were going to jump in the boat.

We packed a lunch and enjoying the peacefulness was just the enticement we needed to pursue purchasing our own.  We took a ride to another preserve and found a booklet on all the waterways for canoeing and kayaking trails of Manatee County.  There are over 75 miles both fresh and salt water to explore and some open waters.  We’re not quite ready for open water  yet but hopefully we’ll get strength in our tired arms to attempt a little more difficulty soon.  If you have a chance (our RV peeps in the area) do it!  It was a great beginner experience.