The Manatee River is in in Manatee County, Florida and runs between the cities of Palmetto, to the north, and Bradenton, to the south. It is a 36-mile-long river in the northeastern corner of Manatee County and flows into the Gulf of Mexico at the southern edge of Tampa Bay. Wildlife in the river include manatees and alligators, as well as, various types of fish. Shrimp is, even, harvested from its waters. Around the Manatee River is a birder's paradise with many species of birds can be found. My favorite is the wood stork, which is listed as endangered species. A few of the birds are considered threatened such as the snowy plover, bald eagle, Florida scrub-jay, and peregrine falcon. Other common birds that can be seen around the Manatee River include cattle egret, white ibis, great blue heron, and yellow-crowned night heron. Human development has a great impact on the environment of the Manatee River. Development (slash & burn) had increased greatly in the area surrounding the Manatee River and surrounding area, and not surprisingly, the water quality within the river has decreased. The use of organic pesticides is increasing danger in the ecological communities. The destruction of the forested wetlands and uplands for housing tracts, etc. in the area has caused excess nutrients to build up in local reservoirs. Also, in these reservoirs there have been increased levels of lead, zinc, and copper. Earth Day in Palmetto has included clean-ups of the banks are local wetlands. We need to pledge to stop polluting these essential waterways. They are home to the creatures who call this river home. It is, also, affecting the health of people who get their water from it. read more