Programs, Tours and Events at Rookery Bay Reserve August – October 2020

Rookery Bay Research Reserve

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve stretches across 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters, encompassing 40% of Collier County coastline. The Reserve is committed to preservation through research, education and land protection.

The Rookery Bay Environmental Education Center offers a variety of hands-on experiences for all ages, including aquariums, interactive exhibits, an art gallery, nature trails, picnic areas, lectures and classes, exhibitions and receptions and much more. Visitors can also explore the unique ecosystem of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve via Rookery Bay’s boat and daily kayak tours that offer an up-close and personal experience in nature. When you choose to spend the day at Rookery Bay, know that you are exploring one of the last and largest remaining undisturbed mangrove habitats in North America.

To learn more, visit RookeryBay.org

Rookery Bay’s Virtual Family & Educational Activities Web Page

RookeryBay.org/family-activities

The Rookery Bay Family Activities web page is the place to go for all virtual family and education programs continuing to happen at Rookery Bay.

It’s a great way to learn all about nature, wildlife and waters of Southwest Florida. The page is filled with interactive videos, presentations, tours and downloadable activities about everything from sea turtles and sharks to environmental conservation methods and water quality testing. Have some fun with your family and learn about the nature and wildlife with Rookery Bay anytime at RookeryBay.org/family-activities.

Breakfast with the Birds Lectures Virtually Via Zoom

Birds as Bioindicators: What Studying Birds Tells Us About the Health of Our Planet

August 19 • 9:30 – 10:30 am • $10Registration is required rookerybay.org/events

Participants can learn virtually online (as they sip their coffee at home) about the shorebirds and seabirds of Southwest Florida at Rookery Bay’s Breakfast with the Birds Virtual Lectures. The series is presented by Audubon Florida expert Adam DiNuovo and hosted by Rookery Bay Research Reserve.

Adam has been working with shorebirds and seabirds across the United States and beyond for more than 15 years.

“Virtual” Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

August 10 September 21 October 5 9:30 am – 12:30 pm • $55Registration is required rookerybay.org/events

If you want to get the best pictures possible, and truly understanding your camera’s features, this camera online workshop is for you. The 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.

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.

Science Solutions Online Webinar Series: Working Together to Protect Rookery Bay

August 6 • Protecting Shorebirds at the Second Chance Critical Wildlife Area

September 8 • Getting the Water Right at Rookery Bay

October 13 • Restoring the Ghost Mangrove Forest of Fruit Farm Creek on Marco Island 1:00 pm • FREE Registration is required https://rookerybay.org/events/solutions/

From August to October, anyone interested in learning more about Rookery Bay’s 40+ years of conservation efforts can attend FREE online webinars. In addition, environmental and conservation professionals can then take it to the next level by participating in interactive skill building workshops to follow.

Rookery Bay Kayak & Boat Tours– Going Strong All Summer & Fall

Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve for a guided boat tour or kayak adventure into the beautiful waters of Rookery Bay with our exclusive partner: Rising Tide Explorers! All the guides are active local biologists, certified naturalists and certified kayaking instructors making them the most qualified guides in the region. With our kayak tours, guests paddle through beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats and intricate oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like sea stars, large snails, birds, dolphins and manatees! Our boat tours are small 6 passenger boats and offer a comfortable and informative ride. Guests can choose from different tours including a shelling trip to a deserted barrier island, a sunset tour, a backwater plants and wildlife trip, or an excursion to the highest point in Collier Country with a visit to an ancient sand dune.

Contact us at RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.

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