November programs, tours and events at Rookery Bay

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9 a.m. to4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays year round, with special “Science Saturdays” on the last Saturday of every month. Enjoy the two story visitor center, art gallery, gift shop, nature trail with viewing platform and more. Themed naturalist programs are offered daily on topics such as manatees, sharks, sea turtles, Estuary Encounter marine life exhibit and more. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6 – 12, and free for kids under 6 and Friends of Rookery Bay members. Located at 300 Tower Road, one mile south of the intersection of US 41 and Collier Boulevard.

Guided Boat and Kayak Tours

Two-hour guided kayak tours let you explore backwater bays and mangrove tunnels while learning about your surroundings from an experienced guide and naturalist. Tours provide opportunities to see wildlife such as wading birds, osprey, fish and dolphins. Tours include free admission to the Environmental Learning Center on day of trip and proceeds support the non-profit Friends of Rookery Bay, Inc. Kayak and boat tours are offered Tuesdays through Fridays from November through April.

Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar

November 1 | 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m

Homeschool Day

Homeschool students will use microscopes to view and identify different types of plankton and will learn about the key roles they play at the base of our estuarine ecosystems.

November 6 – February 1

Painting Annual Exhibit

Hosted by the Friends of Rookery Bay and the United Arts Council of Collier County, this year’s exhibit will be juried by Morgan Paine, painting professor at Florida Gulf Coast University.

November 11 | 8 – 10 a.m.

Birds of the Beach workshop

In this class, Adam DiNuovo of Audubon Florida will discuss the life history of these birds and the amazing journeys many of them make annually. Classroom session followed by field trip to practice identification skills.

November 13 | 9 – 11:30 a.m.

Essentials of Digital Photography

If you want to get the best pictures possible, and truly understanding your camera’s features, the Essentials of Digital Photography: How to get the most from your digital camera workshop is for you. Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction and is renowned for his ability to communicate to a wide variety of students.

November 15

America Recycles Day

Enjoy Buy one/Get one FREE admission to the Environmental Learning Center

November 16 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Painting Annual Reception

Enjoy wine and cheese and mingle with the artists. The Painting Annual exhibit reception is free to attend.

November 21 | 12 – 1 p.m.

Lunch & Learn

Hear from expert speakers and enjoy a meal during the Lunch & Learn Lecture Series. Registration fee is $15 (includes lunch).
Friends of Rookery Bay members receive a 10% discount. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. This month’s lecture is with Rick Smith (Patrick D. Smith, Jr.), creator and host of “Patrick Smith’s Florida Is A Land Remembered,” with stories and excerpts from his father’s book.

November 25 | 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Friends of Rookery Bay Adventure Race and Fun Run

Enjoy a 3k kayak along Henderson Creek and a 5k trail run at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center to benefit the Friends of Rookery Bay. All participants will receive a t-shirt, giveaways, post-race refreshments and free admission to the Environmental Learning Center. Awards will be presented to the top finishers in each category: men, women, relays,
tandem-teams, surf-skis.

November 25

Science Saturday

Science Saturdays provide an opportunity for families to spend the day at the Environmental Learning Center enjoying programs, labs and activities centered around a different science theme, on the last Saturday of every month. This month’s theme is Plankton! Scheduled activities include: Estuary Encounter, Activity Lab, Show & Tell and Nature on the Silver Screen.