Rookery Bay Readies for Season of Activities

As the temperature cools down in Naples, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve heats up with activities, events and fun this season. All are encouraged to get outside and enjoy the natural, undisturbed beauty of Rookery Bay’s 110,000 acres of land and water as well as the many programs indoors (in air-conditioned comfort) at the Rookery Bay
Environmental Learning Center.

There is so much to do and see this season – from the 6th Annual Classic Car Show to a well-crafted monthly “Lunch and Learn” series focused on the science and conservation occurring at the Reserve.

Also, together with the United Arts Council, the Rookery Bay Art Gallery will feature two new art exhibitions —painting, photography. The reserves all share the same mission of
long term protection and preservation of these coastal treasures through scientific research, monitoring, education and training.

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!
Events. Fun.

Rookery Bay Art Gallery

Painting Annual Opening Reception
Nov 7 • 5:30 • 7 p.m. FREE.
Registration is required.
Join us for a free opening reception that will include wine, beer and light bites. Experience artwork exploring the power of portrait in the natural world featuring interpretations of animal, insect or even plant-life portraits.

Rookery Bay’s Lunch & Learn Lecture Series:

• Coastal Research in the Reserve
  Crocodiles in South Florida: Making a Comeback?

Nov 21 • 12 p.m. • 1 p.m. $20, includes buffet lunch from Carrabba’s Italian Grille.
Registration is required.
Please join Rookery Bay for one or all the 2024-2025 Lunch & Learn Lecture series presented in Rookery Bay’s auditorium. A hot lunch buffet is included and provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grille. Each lecture features a multimedia presentation about the wildlife, habitats and key conservation projects occurring within Rookery Bay.

Watercolors & Wildlife: Painting with Jan

Nov 12 • Manatees 12:30 – 3 p.m.
Nov 21 • Manatees 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Registration is required.
Paint the beauty of coastal Naples and the wildlife in this watercolor painting class. Local artist Jan Deswik offers step-by-step simple instructions and creative support perfect for beginners or anyone inspired by the coast. All materials are included. Participants will complete a painted piece with matte at each session.

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

Nov 23 • 9:30 a.m. • 12:30 p.m.
Registration is required.
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.

Get Outside and Explore!

Forest Bathing at Rookery Bay

Nov 2 • 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Registration is required.
Enjoy a slow, quiet, guided-sensory and meditative experience in nature. A Certified Forest Bathing Guide will conduct a guided-meditation session and a series of invitations to use your curiosity and senses to connect with nature and yourself. LOOK, LISTEN, SMELL and FEEL what the forest is offering.

Birding with Biologists Workshop – for All Level of Birders (especially beginners!)

Nov 13 • 8:00 a.m. • 11:00 a.m.
Registration is required.

This fun and informative class is designed to help identify the birds around you. Oriented toward the beginning birder, this workshop explores how to use birds’ plumage, shape, behavior and habitat to recognize various species. Practice using your binoculars and field guides at the paved paths of Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, led by local expert biologists from Audubon Florida and Rookery Bay Research Reserve.

6th Annual Rookery Bay Classic Car Show

Nov 16 • 9 a.m. • 2 p.m.
Location: Florida Southwestern State College
7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples 34113

ATTENTION CAR ENTHUSIASTS!

Join the Friends of Rookery Bay at Florida Southwestern State College for this annual event. The 6th Annual Car Show features more than 100 antique, classic, muscle, exotic and high-performance cars. Also includes 20+ vendors, entertainment and family/dog friendly activities for all ages.

Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours

Get out on the water with us!

Join us for a guided boat tour or kayak adventure into the beautiful waters of Rookery Bay Research Reserve. With our kayak tours, 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! 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 or a sunset tour.

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
239-530-5972
Just 15 minutes from downtown Naples 5th Avenue area
300 Tower Road, Naples, FL 34113
RookeryBay.org
Facebook.com/FriendsofRookeryBay
Instagram.com/friendsofrookerybay

All Season Long
RookeryBay.com/events
RookeryBay.org/calendar
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Open
Tuesday – Saturday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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