Celebrate the Easy Season at Rookery Bay Research Reserve

November is truly a special month to experience the beauty and wonder of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. With cooler temperatures, drier days and a quieter pace before peak season, this is the perfect time for residents and visitors alike to enjoy all the Reserve has to offer.

Whether you love boating, fishing, birding, shelling, trail hiking or exploring the water by kayak, Rookery Bay provides endless ways to connect with the natural world; and it’s only 15 minutes from busy downtown Naples!

Just as the wildlife becomes more active in the cooler months, so does the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. This season brings an exciting lineup of programs and events. Some programs are brand-new and others longtime favorites, but they are all designed to inspire, educate and delight.

From creative art workshops to science talks and even classic cars, November at Rookery Bay is filled with opportunities for all ages and interests.

For those living full time or part-time in Naples, close to Rookery Bay, these months are a reminder of how lucky the community is to have 110,000 acres of conserved coastal habitat so easily accessible. Whether you attend a class, bring your child to camp, explore a trail or simply enjoy the view from Rookery Bay’s boardwalk or scenic overlook bridge, you are part of the ongoing story of protecting and celebrating this special natural place for generations to come to enjoy.

Spotlight Event: The Annual Rookery Bay Classic Car Show – Nov. 15

One of the most popular community gatherings of the season returns on November 15. The Annual Rookery Bay Classic Car Show, onsite at Florida Southwestern State College (7505 Grand Lely Drive in Naples) showcases more than 100 antique, classic, muscle, exotic and high-performance vehicles.Guests can also enjoy vendors, entertainment and family-friendly activities.

NEW THIS SEASON

Moon Walk: Nights in Nature – Experience

Rookery Bay under the glow of the full moon on a guided evening walk with a biologist. Discover bats, frogs and nocturnal insects in this magical after-dark adventure. November 5

Perfect Paint Pairs – Bring a partner, a family, friend or loved one and enjoy a fun watercolor session where duos create coastal wildlife-themed artwork together. November 8

Rookery Bay Nature Collage – Create layered works of art using natural materials like shells, sand and leaves in this creative class led by artist Monique Olsen. November 1

Nature Journaling – Slow down and deepen your connection to the natural world through words, sketches, and observations. November 14

Returning Favorites

Forest Bathing Wellness Walk – Join a guided meditation in nature designed to restore calm and clarity. November 1

Watercolors & Wildlife with Jan – Enjoy watercolor painting with a focus on Rookery Bay’s “Spirit Animals,” guided by artist Jan Deswik. November 6 & 20

Birding with Biologists – Learn bird identification techniques and practice in the field with local experts. November 22

Essentials of Digital Photography – Hone your camera skills with longtime instructor Sonny Saunders. November 22

Marine Science School Break Camp – Middle and high school students spend a day as marine scientists, exploring estuaries and wildlife in hands-on activities. November 24.

Science Nite Series: Oceans, Plastics, and Peace of Mind – Back by popular demand, Rookery Bay’s evening science talks return with a thought-provoking theme that touches on environmental challenges and personal well-being. Each Science Nite combines education with fun featuring interactive displays, food and drinks and opportunities to mingle with neighbors and experts alike.

November 25: “Megalodons, Mermaids and Climate” – Marine Scientist Ellen Prager and Meteorologist Dave Jones answer fascinating ocean and atmosphere questions with humor and insight.

Register at RookeryBay.org/events

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

300 Tower Rd.

Naples, FL 34113

All Season Long

RookeryBay.com/events
RookeryBay.org/calendar

Sign Up for the monthly e-newsletter

Open
Tuesday – Saturday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets
$10 for adults
$5 for ages 4-12
Children 3 and under are FREE

Rookery Bay Events November:

• Nov 1 Nature Collage
• Nov 1 Forest Bathing Wellness Walk
• Nov 5 Moon Walk: Nights in Nature
• Nov 6 Art Gallery Reception: Gulf to Glades
• Nov 6 Watercolors & Wildlife (Fish)
• Nov 8 Perfect Paint Pairs (Fish)
• Nov 14 Nature Journaling
• Nov 15 Annual Rookery Bay Classic Car Show
• Nov 20 Watercolors & Wildlife (Fish)
• Nov 22 Birding with Biologists Workshop
• Nov 22 Essentials of Digital Photography
• Nov 24 Marine Science School Break Camp
  • (Sleuthing the Lagoon)
• Nov 25 Science Nite: Megalodons,
  Mermaids & Climate