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programs, tours and events

AT ROOKERY BAY RESERVE
register at www.rookerybay.org/calendar

Hill as you enjoy the remarkable view. You will also DiNuovo of Audubon Florida will discuss the life
learn about the specially adapted trees, shrubs history of these birds and the amazing journeys
and wildflowers that survive in this coastal scrub many of them make annually. Winter shorebirds
ecosystem. This tour allows guests the opportunity are notoriously difficult to ID, so practicing the skills
to experience a place few visitors get to see. learned in this class is essential. You will learn how
Participants must have the physical ability to get into to use plumage, size, and behavior to help with
and out of a boat tied to shore. Cost is $109, includes identification. The classroom session will be followed
same day admission to the Environmental Learning by a trip to Tigertail Beach, one of the most important
Center. Also offered Dec. 30. winter shorebird sites in Florida, where we will see
many of the birds discussed. This class is geared
Dec. 16, 2 – 5 p.m. toward those with some birding experience. Cost is
Treasure Island Boat Tour $40, registration is required.

The treasure on Dec. 21, 2 – 5 pm
this interesting island Essence of Estuary Boat Tour
isn't gold, silver or
pirates' booty. It is the Have you ever visited a place with the hope you
amazing ecological might come away with a profound understanding
treasure of a rare of its essence rather than just a snapshot? This
tropical hardwood tour is designed to “get you there.” You will drift
hammock. You will through the bays and backwaters of Rookery Bay
enjoy a leisurely boat trip through the estuary to Reserve, learning about plants and animals, but more
the island, disembark, and hike about 1/2 mile on importantly, how they fit into the complex tapestry
a primitive trail in a shaded forest dripping with of this special place we call an estuary. Bring your
ferns and bromeliads. Your naturalist guide will curiosity and be rewarded with discovery and insight.
introduce you to the fascinating plants that make this You will journey back in time and learn how human
community of life unique and will share interesting history and natural history intersect. Your guide
stories of how human history and coastal ecology adapts the tour to changes in weather, tides, and
intertwine. This tour requires the physical ability participants’ interests so no two tours are ever the
to step down into, and up from, the boat at a dock same. Participants will be on the boat the entire time
and walk 1/2 mile on uneven terrain. Cost is $109, and must have the physical ability to step on and off
includes same day admission to the Environmental of the boat at our dock. Cost is $109, registration is
Learning Center. Also offered Dec. 23, 28. required. Also offered Dec. 26.

Dec. 17, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Dec. 26 (Monday)
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is
Southwest
Florida is a critical closed in honor of the Christmas holiday.
stopover site
for thousands Jan. 2 (Monday)
of migrating Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is
and wintering
shorebirds. In closed in honor of the New Year.
this class, Adam

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, adding Saturday hours October through April.
Enjoy two-story visitor center, film, art gallery, gift shop and nature trail with viewing platform. Themed naturalist programs offered daily on
topics such as manatees, sharks, sea turtles, marine life touch tank and more. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6 – 12, and free for kids

under 6 and Friends of Rookery Bay members 300 Tower Road, one mile south of the intersection of US41 and Collier Boulevard.
239.530.5977 • rookerybay.org.

70 Life in Naples | December 2016