Explore the Coastal Paradise in your Backyard
Tucked into the corner of northwest Bradenton, Robinson Preserve includes 679 acres of coastal grasslands, saltern, marsh, and mangrove habitat. These systems support a variety of rare wildlife,
presenting careful observers with an opportunity to see roseate spoonbills, wood storks, white pelicans, bald eagles,
and least terns in their natural environment. Sprouting up from the salty soil are a vast array of intriguing plants, including saltwort, glasswort, and succulent sea purslane.
Robinson Preserve offers visitors numerous ways to explore the coastal habitats. Scale the 40-foot tall observation tower for a
view of four counties and five water bodies or check out the view from the camera in the Valentine House Visitor’s Center. Bike
or roller blade on 2.5 miles of paved trail, and hikers can explore more than 5 miles of shell and coastal trails. For paddlers, Robinson Preserve’s 2.5 miles of blueways present a chance to navigate through
mangrove tunnels, marshes, and more. The opportunities are endless.
It takes a Community to build a Preserve
The restoration work at Robinson Preserve represents an incredible partnership between numerous local, state, and national agencies. Florida Communities Trust was the County’s significant partner with a grant of $6 million applied to the County’s $10 million purchase of the property. Additional supporters included Southwest Florida Water Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Gulf of Mexico Foundation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
These agencies have contributed financial assistance and consulting services, supporting Manatee County’s commitment
to preserving and restoring sensitive lands and natural resources.