Journey to Natural Florida

Take a Ride Down Rookery Bay’s Shell Island Road

When people think of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, most think of beautiful waters, secret islands, white sandy beaches or, perhaps, a boat ride. There is so much more to discover! Rookery Bay Research Reserve is made up of 110,000 acres of land and water. The land areas of the reserve are worth checking out. With a two-and half mile ride down Shell Island Road (just off south Collier Boulevard), visitors can explore a variety of upland habitats and see the real, unaltered Florida firsthand.

Just turn down the road -a wilderness appears that is very different from the manicured neighborhoods and parks of Naples. A pinewood and scrub forest lays to the left and right that seem endless. This is how the natural land of Naples looks in its original state. Rookery Bay’s conservation staff work to protect native species and plants of this area. Kiosks with informational signs along the road explain how the conservation team uses prescribed fire to clear brush for wildlife to move easier and for native plants reliant on fire to flourish.

The next habitat to encounter is a marsh at Briggs Boardwalk. The raised platform trail takes visitors past the scrub forests into a wetlandarea. Signs along the boardwalk inform on what animals and birds to be on the lookout for. The final part of the drive ends at what Rookery Bay Research Reserve is best known for- a bay surrounded by a natural mangrove habitat. This secret spot is a favorite for local fisherman, bird watchers and nature lovers. It also boasts a kayaking trail for the adventurous to try. So, checkout the dry side of Rookery Bay Research Reserve.

It makes for a magical trip back to nature and back in time to the real Florida!

Some of the wildlife to see on Shell Island Road:

• Osprey
• White Tail Deer
• Green Anole
• Gopher Tortoise
• Blue Crab
• Marsh Rabbit
• Rat Snake

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center 239-530-5972 Just 15 minutes from downtown Naples 5th Avenue area 300 Tower Road, Naples, FL 34113

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OpenTuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

Visit Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center – Marine-life touch tanks, aquaria, three loops of trails, scenic water overlook, displays, events, art gallery … fun for all ages!

Just 15 minutes from downtown Naples!

Visit RookeryBay.org to learn more about upcoming events and programs at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. Also, Naturalist-led boat and kayak eco-tours are available all summer long!