The facility is free and open to the public on by reservation only. Please call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6039 to schedule your group visit.
This newly established educational resource in eastern Manatee County was created to help tell the story of Manatee County’s uplands ecosystems and the unique creatures that call them home. Inside the facility, visitors will find eight hands-on exhibits. Adults and children alike can climb inside the nest of a scrub jay, touch real fossils dating back millions of years, and discover what Rangers encounter while working a prescribed fire. Visitors can travel back in time to discover the Town of Rye and its residents, learning about the once-bustling pioneer village found in the northeastern section of the preserve. Each of these elements combines to tell the story of the preserve.
Please contact us at (941) 748-4501 ext. 6039 to schedule a group visit.