Robinson Preserve

ROBINSON PRESERVE, a coastal wetlands habitat in northwest Bradenton, is under the ownership and management of Manatee County. Serving as a crucial wildlife corridor in conjunction with nearby Perico Preserve, it encompasses mangroves, tidal marsh, and former farmland. The preserve is flanked by the mouth of the Manatee River to the north, Perico Bayou to the west, and Palma Sola Bay to the south. Opened to the public in 2007, the preserve has undergone continuous habitat restoration efforts.

In 2016, the County leased the Winston Tract, a 52-acre property just south of the existing preserve, primarily dense with mangroves. Birding is successful along its perimeter. Simultaneously, a 150-acre “expansion” parcel, now under a protected conservation easement, allowed the preserve to grow to over 680 acres. This expansion introduced more natural areas, a tree canopy walk, trails (including a rubberized pedestrian-only trail), and an educational center known as the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology (NEST), complementing the existing five miles of paved and unpaved hiking and biking trails, lakes, paddling creeks, bridges, boardwalks, and an observation tower. Additional habitat restoration, including pavilions and restrooms, was completed in early 2021.

Restrooms are conveniently located near entrances at 9th Avenue NW and 17th Avenue NW. To explore the perimeter of the Winston Tract, a parking lot south of Manatee Avenue (opposite 107th Court West) provides access via the Manatee Avenue Walk-Through Entrance, connecting to both Robinson and Perico Preserves. Leashed dogs are permitted, and there are no admission fees.

The preserve features a paved trail starting at the entrance and traversing the entire area, concluding at Manatee Avenue. While most trails are packed shell, it is essential to stay on designated paths to protect the habitat and resident wildlife.

A Must-See at the Preserve:

• Newly expanded areas and NEST Center areas are the best places to spot ducks. This is also home to woodpeckers, Bald Eagles, cuckoos, warblers, and more depending on the season. 
• North -Main Entrance will get you great views of peeps, wading birds, rails, swallows and raptors. 
• The Manatee Ave. Walk-Through entrance takes you across Perico Bayou and the southern part of Robinson Preserve. 

eBird 226 species recorded

There are 3 main Hotspots for this preserve:

North Entrance w/Valentine House- Address: 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL 34209 Directions

eBird Hotspot 

eBird Printable Checklist

Parking Robinson Preserve, Winston Tract- Address: 9800 Manatee Ave, Bradenton, FL 34209 Directions

eBird Hotspot 

eBird Printable Checklist

Robinson Preserve South Entrance to Expansion with NEST facility – Address: 10299 9th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209 Directions

eBird Hotspot

eBird Printable Checklist

Birds you may see Year-Round

• Ducks
• Waders
• Shorebirds
• Magnificent Frigatebird
• Least Tern
• Great Crested Flycatcher
• Osprey
• Gulls
• Terns
• Herons
• Egrets
• Roseate Spoonbill
• Wood Stork
• Brown Pelican

During Migration

• Swallows 
• Warblers
• Savannah Sparrow
• American White Pelican 
• Northern Shoveler 
• American Wigeon 
• Blue-winged Teal
• Redhead