Page 40 - LIN DEC WEB

Rookery Bay Historic Coastal Mangrove Restoration

Project Breaks Ground at Rookery Bay

Research Reserve in Collier County

hovels were at the ready as Rookery Bay National
Estuarine Research Reserve, Florida Department of December 2021 Events
SEnvironmental Protection and key partners including
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, City of Marco Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
Island and non-profit Coastal Resources Group, officially 300 Tower Road, Naples, FL 34114, RookeryBay.org
broke ground on the Fruit Farm Creek Mangrove Restoration Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Project 15 years in the making in Marco Island. More than Adults: $8, Children ages 6-12: $5
40 project supporters, local environmental group leaders Children Under 6: FREE
and citizens were on hand to celebrate the beginning of this Friends of Rookery Bay members: FREE
project, considered the largest mangrove restoration in Florida Active and Retired Military personnel and family: FREE
history. Association of Nature Center Administrators Reciprocal Program
More than 64 acres of dead mangrove trees and 159 acres Members: FREE
of dying and critically damaged forest will be brought back
to life decades after roads cut off tidal flows that nourish this Rookery Bay Holiday Hootenanny - Sip and Shop
important habitat along State Rd. 92 (also known as San December 2, 2021 • 4 – 7 p.m. • FREE
Marco Rd) which connects the City of Marco Island to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Nature Store
town of Goodland. Construction is soon to begin with the Friends of Rookery Bay will host a Holiday Hootenanny at the nature
installation of culverts under the road to increase the water
store in the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center,
flow and removal of debris and sediment to restore the forest
300 Tower Road, Naples. The sip and shop event will feature
and the natural beauty of the area.
one-night-only specials, light refreshments, holiday movies, kids’ crafts,
Mangroves are an important habitat and food source for
music, reindeer games and more festivities of the season. Highlights
the bird, fish and other wildlife of southern Florida. They will include discounts on memberships and ecotours, adopt-an-animal
also protect the local community by acting as a buffer during
packages and savvy shopper prizes.
hurricanes and storm surges. In addition, mangroves add
economic value through tourism and the fishing industry.
Lunch & Learn Lecture: Florida History &
Rookery Bay Research Reserve encompasses 110,000 acres
Pop Culture Series – “Florida Soul”
of land in southern Collier County and makes up 40% of
December 8 • 12– 1 p.m.
the county’s coastline. Visit the Rookery Bay Environmental
Free online via Zoom or attend in person at the
Learning Center to learn about the environment of coastal
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center for
Southwest Florida and experience the natural world hands-
$20 (cost of catered lunch from Carrabbas)
on with marine life touch tanks, interactive exhibits and
Registration is required RookeryBay.org/#calendar
coastal habitat displays. The two-story, modern learning center
is air conditioned and includes an art gallery, naturalist- This presentation looks at the people and the music that define
led programs, gift shop, three trail loops, a nature viewing Florida Soul, from Ray Charles, to Sam and Dave, James Brown to
platform over the water and more! Kids and grown-ups alike Bobby Purify and many more. The state of Florida’s rich, but under-
can explore the Center and discover the plants, fish and appreciated musical heritage comes to life in music, words and
wildlife that call Rookery Bay Research Reserve’s 110,000 vintage photos.
acres home.
Rookery Bay Research Reserve also offers guided boat Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop
tours or kayak adventures into the beautiful waters of Rookery December 13 • 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • $55
Bay Reserve. With our kayak tours, guests paddle through Registration is required RookeryBay.org/#calendar
beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats and intricate If you want to get the best pictures possible, and truly understanding
oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like sea stars,
your camera’s features, this camera online workshop is for you. The
large snails, birds, dolphins and manatees! Our boat tours class covers the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to
are small six passenger boats and offer a comfortable and
use your camera's shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes
informative ride. Guests can choose from different tours
to create images with impact and creativity.
including a shelling trip to a deserted barrier island or a sunset
tour. Find out more at RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.

40 Life in Naples | December 2021