BRADENTON, Fla. — Charlie Hunsicker helped plan out Robinson Preserve, and says the way it looks now is dramatically different than it was two decades ago.
Once farmland, Manatee County purchased the land in the hopes of recreating a natural coastline.
Now the director of natural resources, Hunsicker recalls the planning and work it took to make the preserve the wildlife destination it is today.
He said the walking trails get birdwatchers close to migratory birds, like White Pelicans, and the springy paved paths make getting around easy, especially for wheelchairs and strollers.
And the crown jewel of the preserve?
The Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology — also known as The NEST.
Built like a tree house in the canopy — with rope tunnels and a play area along the boardwalk — Hunsicker said the NEST and overall preserve are things unique to the area.
“There are many places, like around Tampa Bay,” he said. “In Manatee County, we are pretty proud to have this one here for all of us.”