February Events

Registration required at www.rookerybay.org or call 239.540.5940

Feb. 4 (noon to 1 p.m.)

Lunch & Learn Lecture

“When Good Plankton Go Bad: Examining Florida Red Tide & Other Harmful Algal Blooms.” Join Dr. Rozalind Jester, Professor of Marine Science at Edison State College as she explains red tide and harmful algal blooms – what are they, why do they happen and how can they affect you and other marine life. What can you do to help? Lunch and dessert provided by Carrabba’s and Costco. Lectures are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Feb. 4 (5:30 to 7 p.m.)

Opening Reception for “Photography Annual” exhibit

Friends of Rookery Bay and the United Arts Council of Collier County present the “7th Annual Florida Juried Photography Exhibit” featuring the flora and fauna of Florida from Feb. 4 through March 27. The juror is preeminent photographer Clyde Butcher. Cash awards will be presented, and wine and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Admission is $3 for the public and free for participating artists and their guest as well as members of the United Arts Council and the Friends of Rookery Bay.

Feb. 10 – 14 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Art Class: Drawing Animals in Nature

Don’t pass up a chance to learn the secrets to the Hammond Blended Pencil Technique! Learn how to draw realistic animal drawings in graphite. Based on Lee’s new book Draw Animals in Nature (available in the nature store) everything you need to know about capturing images of wild animals in their natural environment will be revealed. Lee will show you how to accurately draw nature, by covering skies, trees, grasses and leaves. You will also learn to draw many different types of wildlife including furry forest creatures, jungle animals, birds, and water animals. Supplies not included. Cost is $375. Maximum class size is 14 people.

Feb. 12 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Darwin Day

In celebration of the birthday of evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin, the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center offers “buy one, get one free admission.” Higher price prevails. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Feb. 24 – 28 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Art Class: Colored Pencils

Learn how to accurately draw “anything” during this five-day drawing class. Using her best-selling book “Lifelike Drawing in Color,” as a guide, Lee Hammond will share her drawing secrets for drawing anything in colored pencil. Students will learn how to accurately depict a variety of subjects from still life, animals, flowers, scenery and more. No experience required. Hammond has been a professional artist and art instructor for more than 30 years. She has published more than 35 art instruction books. Supplies are not included. Cost is $375. Maximum class size is 14 people.