Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Programs

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, beaches, land and protected waters stretching from south Naples to the border of Everglades National Park. All ages can learn and discover Rookery Bay’s coastal waters and wildlife with a visit to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. It’s a fun way to experience nature Handson through marine-life touch tanks, aquariums, interactive exhibits and wildlife displays.

The two-story center is fully air-conditioned and includes an art gallery, naturalist-led programs and events, three trail loops, a nature viewing bridge over the water, butterfly garden and more! Kids and grown-ups alike can explore and discover the plants, fish and wildlife that call this natural unspoiled area home.

Rookery Bay Research Reserve is also a place of science, conservation and environmental monitoring. While visiting the Environmental Learning Center, visitors can learn about efforts to monitor the water and maintain the land of the reserve as well as protect wildlife through sea turtle and shorebird monitoring. In addition, biologists study the fish of the reserve. They collect data on the fish species that use the estuary as a nursery for their young –even apex predators such as bull sharks.

With the interactive project map on RookeryBay.org, everyone can find out more about research in the reserve. The map is updated in real-time and allows users to see the many projects of staff members, interns and visiting scientists, who come from around the world to utilize the Reserve as a “living laboratory.” Over the years, more than200 visiting scientists have conducted research in the Reserve.

ART GALLERY RECEPTION

The Ocean Decade Exhibition is a mobile global art display focused on promoting awareness of the ocean’s significance. Aug. 14

ESSENTIALS OF DIGITALPHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Get the best pictures possible and a true understanding of your camera’s features. No previous camera or photography experience is necessary. Aug. 17, Sept. 21, Oct. 19.

FOREST BATHING

An alternative wellness and meditative practice focused on the senses. Oct. 5

BIRDING WITH BIOLOGISTS

Oriented towards the beginning birder, a fun and informative class designed to help identify the birds around you. Oct. 11

300 Tower Rd. Naples, FL 34113(239) 530-5972 RookeryBay.org15 minutes from downtown Naples!Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 4pm.