Programs, Tours and Events at Rookery Bay Reserve

August 6 – 10 | Summer Institute for Marine Science

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Students with an interest in marine science are invited to participate
in a very special opportunity to learn about the coastal environment with
Rookery Bay staff and local researchers during the Summer Institute for
Marine Science, August 6 – 10. This weeklong program brings students
into the estuary for hands-on experiences relating to ecology, marine
biology, sustainability and citizen science.
Activities will include kayaking, mudflat exploration and pulling a trawl
net behind a research reserve vessel to learn about the animals of the
Rookery Bay estuary. PLUS! We’ll take field trips to nearby environmental
centers, including MOTE Marine Lab, FGCU Vester Field Station and the
Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
The Summer Institute for Marine Science is for students entering
8th, 9th or 10th grade. Space is limited to 15 students and registration is
required. This program was made possible with funding support from the
Community Foundation of Collier County.

August 13 | Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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. This class
covers the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to use
your camera’s shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to
create images with impact and creativity. Some previous camera or
photography experience is recommended, and a desire to learn. 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. Cost is $55.

August 14 | Breakfast with the Birds: Back from the Brink- Using
Social Attraction to Save Seabirds

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Learn about birds at this summer lecture series! Adam DiNuovo has
been working with shorebirds and seabirds across the US and beyond for
more than 15 years. He is currently the Shorebird Stewardship Program
Manager for Audubon Florida. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Lecture begins at
9:30 a.m. Enjoy pastries, coffee and juice. Cost is $15.

August 17 | National Honeybee Day

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

In celebration of National Honey Bee Day, the Rookery Bay
Environmental Learning Center offers “buy one, get one free admission.”
Higher price prevails. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must pay at
door.

September 4 | Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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. This class covers
the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to use your
camera’s shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to create
images with impact and creativity Some previous camera or photography
experience is recommended, and a desire to learn. 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.
Cost is $55.

September 29 | National Estuaries Day – Special 40th
Anniversary Event

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Don’t miss this FREE annual celebration of the 29 Estuarine
Research Reserves around the nation. Called National Estuaries Day,
the celebration recognizes the importance of estuaries. Also called
“cradles of the ocean,” this habitat is found where rivers meet the sea
and is where many species of fish and shellfish start their lives. This
annual event includes staff-narrated boat tours (bus transportation
provided to the boat), introductory 30-minute kayaking trips and standup
paddleboarding demos on Henderson Creek, Estuary Encounter
interactive marine life exhibit, kids’ crafts, Junior Scientist activities,
behind-the-scenes tours of the science labs, films, a food truck and more.
Admission is free and activities are available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Sign-up begins when doors open at 9 am. Age
restrictions apply.
“VIP Express” Passes Available
Skip the line! Check out our “VIP Express” pass, available for our
11 a.m. boat tour with the option to reserve space in one additional
activity, front-row seating for Live Oak’s video presentation and more! A
limited number of these tickets will be sold. Cost is $25 with proceeds
supporting the Friends of Rookery Bay.

October 15 | Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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. This class
covers the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to use
your camera’s shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to
create images with impact and creativity. Some previous camera or
photography experience is recommended, and a desire to learn. 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. Cost is $55.

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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 US41 and Collier Boulevard.

Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar. Friends of Rookery Bay member discounts apply to most events