The Wandering Disciple

Like a sentinel watching out for intruders, a Mockingbird sits atop a tree keep the echo of Mockingbirds safe from predators. The official state bird of Florida, the Northern Mockingbird can be found throughout Florida and are known for their highly vocal skills and their ability to mock other animals sounds. Mockingbirds live in social colonies called echos. This mockingbird was found along the hiking trail at Robinson Preserve, a nature park along the Manatee River in Bradenton. (Photo: April 14, 2011)

A short climb up the 40-foot observation at the Robinson Preserve provides a bird's eye view of the Salt Marsh and nearby Tampa Bay.  (Photo: April 14, 2011)

The Osprey Loop Trail boardwalk takes hikers from the observation tower to Tampa Bay along the 3-mile Osprey Loop Trail at Robinson Preserve. The 487 acre preserve located along Tampa Bay is home to mile of hiking trails giving you an up close look at the wildlife that reside along the coast. (Photo: April 4, 2011)

The boardwalk at Robinson Preserve takes you on a scenic walk though the preserve.  The 487 preserve located in western Manatee County features several miles of hiking trails that meander through various ecosystems.  (Photo: April 14, 2011)

The elevated boardwalk of Robinson Preserve leads hikers through the tidal marshes and on to Terra Ciea Bay. Located on the south side of the bay, the 487 acre Robinson Preserve is home to several miles of hiking trails. (Photo: April 14, 2011)

Bradenton, Florida: Located in northwestern Bradenton, Robinson Preserve is a 487 acre wetland preserve that provides great outdoor recreational activities while helping to preserve the delicate ecosystem. The parcel of land that is now the preserve was once slated to become a 400 home golf course community. Seeing the importance of property to the local ecosystem, Manatee County approached the owner and developer of the property and purchased the property in 2003. Work then began to restore the land to its natural state. Manatee County sought help from various state and local agencies to help remove the exotic plant species and develop and plan for preservation of park. Today the restoration project is nearly completed and the land is thriving. Native plants and animals are doing well in the preserve and the waterways are now some of the best in the area. Robinson Preserve offers plenty of activities to help you get out and enjoy the great outdoors. There are miles of hiking/bik...