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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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