Robinson Preserve is a 487-acre coastal preserve located in northwestern Bradenton, in the Palma Sola area, across the street from the Palma Sola Botanical Gardens.
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. Funding for Robinson Preserve was provided by Florida Communities Trust Florida Forever Program as well as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Florida Communities Trust, Army Corps of Engineers, and Southwest Florida Water Management District.
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.
=Things to Do=
The development and implementation elements of recreation programs appropriate for the Robinson Preserve property were determined by requesting input from area conservation groups, including information from the Florida CommunitiesTrust, and the Florida Department of Transportation. Input was analyzed by the Board-appointed citizens of the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Advisory Committee, coordinated by staff liaisons from the various County departments. The recreation programs were presented to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners and approved through a detailed management plan.
Robinson Preserve’s recreation plan, which combines all recreational uses on the property, includes the following elements:
- Hiking and nature trails
- Kayak/canoeing trails and launch
- Environmental education
- Non-motorized bicycle trails
- Rollerblading
- Managed fishing
- Picnic areas
- Wildlife viewing areas
- Group camping
- Observation tower
Hiking: Available on all trails.
Accessibility: There is one paved trail that begins at the entrance of Robinson Preserve and traverses the entire preserve ending at Manatee Avenue. Most of the trails are packed shell through the preserve. Please help to protect the habitat and resident wildlife by remaining on designated trails at all times.
Kayak/Canoeing: The launch is available near the entrance to the preserve. The Blueways Trails connect to the Manatee River, Perico Bayou, and Palma Sola Bay, comprising over 3 miles of internal trails. A 5-mile roundtrip adventure would start at the launch and meander through the preserve to Palma Sola Bay and back.
Bicycling: Available on designated trails only.
Rollerblading: Available only on the paved trail.
Fishing: Available throughout the preserve, subject to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations.
Picnicking: Available at the various sites throughout the preserve on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Wildlife Viewing: A variety of birds and wildlife can be seen throughout the preserve in the restored native ecosystems.
Group Camping: Available for groups by reservation only. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 1807 for more information or to reserve the campground.
=Getting There=
Robinson Preserve Address:
1704 99th Street Northwest
Bradenton, FL 34209
Driving Directions:
From Central Manatee County: Take SR 64 (Manatee Avenue) west to 75th Street West. Turn north on 75th Street West and drive to 17th Avenue Northwest. Turn left and continue to the end of the street. Robinson Preserve is located on the corner of 17th Avenue Northwest and 99th Street West.
From West Manatee County: Take SR 64 (Manatee Avenue) east from Anna Maria Island to 75th Street West. Turn north on 75th Street West and drive to 17th Avenue Northwest. Turn left and continue to the end of the street. Robinson Preserve is located on the corner of 17th Avenue Northwest and 99th Street West.
Open Daily - Hours vary by season. Operating times are listed at each preserve location.
Valentine House:
- Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. *
- Sundays: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. *
Additional times vary according to season
* Center is staffed by volunteers; hours subject to volunteer availability.
