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What is an                                                                                                                                A Slice of Italy in the Heart of Naples


    Estuary?

       Rookery Bay Research
     Reserve has one of the
     most unique and beautiful
     mangrove-lined estuaries in
     North America. An estuary
     is a place where fresh water
     meets salt water creating a
     super-productive habitat for
     wildlife and a prime nursery
     for fi sh, birds and all kinds
     of marine animals. Th  ere
     are 30 National Estuarine
     Research Reserves (NERRs)
     in North America along
     the East Coast, West Coast,
     Great Lakes, Puerto Rico
     and Alaska; protecting more
     than 1.2 million acres in the
     United States. Each NERR
     off ers a diff erent type of
     habitat and experience, from
     the muddy marsh land of                       Rookery Bay Experience
     Mississippi to deep cold bays
     in Alaska. But, the one thing                                                                                                                                        Cosmos uses only the freshest ingredients. Our menu features fresh
     they all have in common is                   the True Nature of Naples
     they act as a natural refuge                                                                                                                                         homemade pastas, specialty pizzas, seafood, sandwiches and more!
     and nurturing environment
     for animals, fi sh, birds … and                                                                                                                                      Introducing his family’s generations-old recipes and the experience of
                                       Located just 15 minutes from downtown         At the Center, guests learn about the waters,
     even people.
                                   Naples, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research   birds of Rookery Bay and animal life as well as                                      his career, owner Gianluca Corso has given Cosmos Ristorante and
                                   Reserve encompasses 40% of Collier County’s   experience it hands-on with educators at the marine
    National Estuaries             most beautiful, naturally-preserved beaches and   life touch tanks. Guests are encouraged to look,                                     Pizzeria that unique, intimate and irresistible Sardinian-style Italian
    Day Celebration                coastline. Th  e reserve itself includes 110,000 acres   touch or hold a sea star, sea urchin, giant conch                             flair that you’ll find nowhere else.
                                   of land and water! Visitors can explore on foot,   snail or pistol shrimp. Behind the Center, a scenic
    at Rookery Bay –               by boat and kayak or with a visit to the state-of-  overlook bridge leads to three loops of nature trails
    Saturday,                      the-art Rookery Bay Environmental Learning   for all levels. Visitors can also enjoy the outdoor
    September 24, 2022             Center, fi lled with interesting interactive coastal   patio for lunch and the serene butterfl y garden.
                                   and natural history exhibits. Th  ere is also an art   While crossing the bridge to the trails, visitors may
     9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
                                   gallery onsite currently showcasing a photography   see boats and kayaks or even get a special surprise
     Rookery Bay Environmental
                                   and painting exhibit about Rookery Bay’s land and   and spot a manatee, dolphin or even a juvenile bull
     Learning Center
                                   wildlife called “Th  e Land Th  ey Love: Rookery Bay   shark in the water below!
     300 Tower Road, Naples,
     FL 32113                      Reserve.”
     RookeryBay.org

     • Mini-Guided Boat
        Tours – Registration
        Required. Visit
        RookeryBay.org/#estuariesday
     • Kids Crafts and Activities
     • Food Trucks
     • Live Music
     • “What’s Under the
        Microscope” Lab for all ages
     • Fishing Clinic
     • Interactive Trivia
     • Rediscover Rookery Bay Film
     • Discounts in Nature Store
     80                                                                                        Life in Naples | August, September, October 2022
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