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programs, tours and events
at Rookery Bay Reserve
Tuesdays – Fridays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Guided Kayak Tours
Join a Rookery Bay naturalist to enjoy a two-hour guided tour which
explores the mangrove bays, creeks and rookeries that make this
Reserve a valuable treasure. This is a beginner’s trip and includes brief
paddling instruction and all gear. Cost is $59, $49 for members.
Tuesdays – Fridays, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Guided Boat Tours
Explore the unique ecosystem of Rookery Bay through an intimate
boat-based tour. With a maximum of six passengers, these intimate
on-the-water adventures offer a relaxed pace and emphasis on learning
designed to help visitors develop a true sense of place and a deeper
connection to this unique coastal wilderness. Several different trips are
available, each with a different theme. Cost is $89, $79 for members.
Proceeds support the non-profit Friends of Rookery Bay, Inc.
Photography Annual exhibit in the Art
Gallery through April 1
Sponsored by the United Arts Council
in partnership with the Friends of Rookery
Bay, this year’s exhibit was juried by John
Brady, renowned photographer from SW
Florida.
There were a total of 62 entries by 32 Florida artists. We are
exhibiting 32 pieces by 22 artists. $1,600 in prize money, courtesy of
The Ethel and W. George Kennedy Family Foundation, will be awarded
at the opening reception.
The exhibiting photographers are: Peter Berkery, Edwin Cohen,
Christine Cook, Jim Freeman, Nancy Garrison, David Gruskin, Morris
Herstein, Nancy Job, John Johnson, Robert Kenedi, Tyler MacDonald,
Mike Matthews, Laurie Meehan-Elmer, Julie Pekrul, Jane Saull, Sonny
Saunders, Kathy Snead, Joan Sonnenberg, Nancy Springer, Jeremy
Sterk, Donna Valenti and RJ Wiley.
March 1, 12 – 1 p.m.
Lunch & Learn: Studying Estuarine Fish Populations
This talk will provide an overview of 15 years of fisheries data
as it relates to altered freshwater flows in eastern Collier County’s
watershed with special emphasis on the Picayune Strand Restoration
Project and current estuarine conditions.
Patrick O’Donnell joined the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research
Reserve in 1998 as an Environmental Specialist with expertise in
fisheries research. In his position, he heads up two fisheries monitoring
programs in the Ten Thousand Islands to collect baseline data on fish,
sharks and commercially-important shellfish species prior to a large-
scale restoration project slated for the southwestern Everglades in
the coming decade. His projects relies on volunteers to help to collect
fisheries data relevant to restoration activities.
Life in Naples | March 2016
Pre-register for the following programs at www.rookerybay.org/
calendar or call 239.530.5972. Registration fees include admission
to Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center on the day of event.
March 2, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Neighborhood Lakes and Ponds
Workshop
Rookery Bay National Estuarine
Research Reserve, in cooperation with
the Greenscape Alliance, is hosting
two Neighborhood Lakes and Ponds
workshops. Residents and visitors
can learn about the challenges that face healthy ponds and lakes in
Southwest Florida and how native plants in the littoral zone can help
attract wildlife. This free program is perfect for HOA’s and homeowners
with ponds and lakes on their property.
The workshops take place on March 2 at North Collier Regional Park,
and also on April 13 at Naples Botanical Garden, both from 1 to 4 p.m.
The Greenscape Alliance was formed in 2009 as a collaborative
effort to streamline community awareness, compliance, and education
efforts related to the Project Greenscape landscaper training. This
group of local experts agreed to the common mission of protecting
natural resources through innovative strategies that promote Florida-
Friendly Landscaping™ practices in southwest Florida.
For more information or to register for one of the workshops, visit
www.rookerybay.org/greenscape.
March 12, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wing It: A Beginning Birders Workshop
Enjoy this fun and informative class designed
to help you identify birds. Oriented toward the
beginning birder, the classroom session explores
how to use birds’ plumage, shape, behavior and
habitat to recognize various species. It also covers
the effective use of binoculars and field guides. During the second part
of the class you will learn more tricks of the trade during a field trip to a
nearby park where you can enjoy practicing new skills.
March 19, 6 – 10 p.m.
Batfish Bash for the Bay
During our signature fundraising
event guests enjoy a casual atmosphere
featuring cocktail hour among the
aquariums and art gallery, sunset on the
bridge over Henderson Creek, live and
silent auctions, and live entertainment
with dinner and dancing under the stars. Cost is $175 per person. More
information and registration www.rookerybay.org/bash
March 22, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
World Water Day BOGO
In celebration of World Water 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.
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