We tell the Florida story...
We offer outdoors tours, classes, field trips, and day camps
in parks and on the water for groups of all ages.
Our Mission is to give a sense of Florida as “home” by hearing the stories of the land and learning the science of sustainability.
...and to encourage greater appreciation of Florida’s rich history and conservation of Florida’s wildlands for future generations of people, native plants and animals. |
"Fraley has 25 years experience in environmental and agricultural research, and with a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Florida, she really knows her stuff. Her love of teaching and educating is obvious as she strives to help people appreciate Florida’s rich history and to promote the conservation of wild Florida." - Posted by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com
Around the Bend Nature Tours offers nature-heritage experiences at various locations in Manatee County, including:
- Ancient Indian temple mound at Emerson Point Park, Palmetto
- Audubon Felts Preserve
- Family Dip-Net Experience at any park (catch, identify, and release)
- Manatee Mineral Springs Archaeology experience
- Other locations upon request, and depending on season.
All of the Around the Bend guides are Professionally Certified Master Naturalists through the University of Florida and the National Association of Interpretation.
Karen Fraley
Owner/Naturalist
Karen has been teaching and developing natural science programs since 1993, drawing on her 20 years experience in environmental and agricultural research. She has a B.S. in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida. Karen started Around the Bend Nature Tours as a sole proprietor in 1999 and became an LLC in 2008. She loves to share the Florida Story...
Russell Owens
Master Naturalist
Russell has been sharing his considerable knowledge of native plants with our field trip programs. Retiring after 25 years with the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research Center.
Russell has an A.A. from Manatee Community College
with USF coursework in Systematic Botany.
Stephanie Kubilius
NAI Heritage Guide
Stephanie combines her degree in Geography from Georgia State University with her love of history. She developed Eating History as a course that teaches History, Culture, and Geography, while stimulating the senses with the smells, sounds, textures and flavors of simply prepared ethnic foods. Stephanie has adapted this course for great student and family experiences with Around the Bend Nature Tours!
Emma Mason
Master Naturalist
Emma brings us 20 years of experience in Scouting. With Girl Scouts she completed many leadership training courses and was a leader trainer. Emma has organized summer encampments with over 300 girls. Emma was the first woman assistant Scout Master with the Boy Scouts Council of South Florida. She is a Certified Florida Master Naturalist completing all 3 University of Florida Modules. Emma is a favorite guide with all ages!
Greta Man
Master Naturalist
Greta has traveled extensively all over the world observing nature. Greta has been a volunteer with various children’s programs in Pinellas County since moving to Florida in 1991. She is a Certified Florida Master Naturalist completing all 3 Ecosystem Modules through the University of Florida Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences. Ask Greta about Native American Technology - if she hasn't already asked you!
Shawn Carper
Marine Naturalist
Shawn has a Masters in Marine Botany from University of Hawaii – she can answer your dip net questions! She worked as a field biologist for the National Park Service in Hawaii doing lots of snorkeling, diving and indentifying.
The past 5 years she has owned and operated Kumon Math and Reading Center tutoring students of all ages, and before that she substituted in the Manatee County School system for 9 years. Shawn loves getting wet with Around the Bend!
Rick Meyers
Naturalist
Rick has been teaching science and environmental education in Florida since 1973. He has been active with many local, state and national environmental groups through the years including the SWFWMD Basin Board and the Manatee County School District, initiating their environmental program in 1984. Rick always enjoys bringing his understanding of Florida's nature and heritage to those who choose to walk "Around the Bend".
Sherry Svekis