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Programs, Tours and Events at Rookery

Bay Reserve

ONGOING

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9am to 4pm Monday through Saturday.

At Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, you can learn about environmental science and the natural world through
actual hands-on experiences with marine life touch tanks, exhibits and coastal habitat displays. The two-story modern visitor
center is air conditioned and includes an art gallery, naturalist led programs, gift shop, nature viewing platform over the water and
more! Kids and grown-ups alike can explore the center and discover the plants, fish and wildlife that call Rookery Bay Research
Reserve’s 110,000 acres home. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6 – 12, and free for kids under 6 and Friends of Rookery Bay
members. Located at 300 Tower Road, one mile south of the intersection of US41 and Collier Boulevard. Learn more and register
for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar. Friends of Rookery Bay member discounts apply to most events.

Naturalist Led Kayak Tours at Rookery JANUARY 2020 EVENTS
Bay Research Reserve – All Year! Science Saturdays 9am – 1pm
Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve for a kayak adventure $5 Admission for adults, FREE for kids 12 and under •
into the beautiful backwaters of Rookery Bay Reserve with our Facility is open 9 am to 4 pm
exclusive partner, Rising Tide Explorers! All the guides are • January 4 – Invasive Species
active local biologists, certified naturalists and certified kayaking
instructors making them the most qualified guides in the region. • January 11 – Birds of a Feather
The whole family can enjoy a memorable and educational • January 25 – Skulls & Bones
adventure into the estuary. With our kayak tours, guests paddle
through beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats and At the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Science
intricate oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like Saturdays are sure to unleash your inner scientist or marine
sea stars, large snails, birds, dolphins and manatees! biologist with hands-on discoveries for all ages. Every Saturday a
different theme at Rookery Bay, enjoy eco-crafts, a presentation, a
Book at rookerybay.org
featured film and our “Lessons in Laboratories” program from
In the Rookery Bay Gallery – 11 - 11:45 am.
Annual Painting Exhibition Lunch & Learn Lecture: Rookery Bay & the
November 3, 2019 – January 9, 2020 Included with Next Generation of Scientists – The Sea
Admission to Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Turtle Nesting Program: Connecting Science,
The Friends of Rookery Bay and the United Arts Council Stewardship and Education
of Collier County present the Annual Painting Exhibition January 10 • 12 – 1pm • $15
with works submitted by artists from Collier and Lee counties.
Following Rookery Bay’s environmental mission, works share a Registration is required www.rookerybay.org/calendar
central theme of flora and fauna. Please join us for the third in a series of five lectures - The Sea
Turtle Nesting Program: Connecting Science, Stewardship and
Education. Jill Schmid, Rookery Bay GIS Specialist and Sarah
Norris, Rookery Bay Environmental Specialist will co-present on
the sea turtle monitoring and research program at Rookery Bay
Research Reserve. Lunch will be provided.
The 2019-20 lecture series focuses on key projects occurring at
Rookery Bay and the collaboration of senior scientists and up-and-
coming young staff members or interns. During co-presentations
of findings and information, the teams will highlight the
importance of mentorship in science and how working together
with today’s young professionals positively impacts the future of
environmental ecology and conservation in Florida.

78 Life in Naples | January 2020