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Rookery Bay Research Reserve There are many activities and
events happening at
Offers a Natural Fun Time Rookery Bay National Estuarine

for Everyone Research Reserve that may seem
off the beaten path,
Even but still offer an opportunity for a unique nature
experience in Naples.
just a few ideas: those who may If you are someone who isn’t really into
prefer
air conditioning! environmental science or may not desire an
adventure paddling through the Everglades,
Rookery Bay Research Reserve might be the right
Visit place to discover something that speaks to you and

Rookery Bay’s brings out your inner nature lover.
Sunday
Farmers Market

Healthy eaters and those looking for that unique item will
find Rookery Bay’s Sunday Farmers Market the best place
to spend a Sunday morning. Open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the
Environmental Learning Center’s tree-lined parking lot at Enjoy
300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113. Enjoy live music, fresh
produce and herbs, skincare, fresh seafood, hot food, baked a Scenic View and
Some Shopping
goods, smoothies, gourmet meats and more!
Rookery Bay’s Overlook Bridge begins at the floor
to ceiling windows of the second floor of the Environmental
See Learning Center and crosses the water to three loops of walking
a Rookery Bay trails. The bridge offers some of the best views of wildlife (and
human life) in the area. Guests often spot manatees in the
Coastal mangrove-lined river as well as a variety of fish, kayakers, boaters
Art Exhibit and an abundance of local birds. After a bridge walk, shop in the
nature store for clothes, jewelry, stuffed animals, toys, cards as
Did you know Rookery Bay is home to an art gallery hosting
well as coastal artwork, books and paintings. There is something
up and coming local artists from all over Southwest Florida? For
for every budget!
more than 15 years, Rookery Bay has partnered with the United
Play Online
Arts Council of Collier County to host juried photography, paint
and mixed-art exhibits for local artists focused on flora and fauna. “I-Spy”
From February 1 - April 27, 2023, visitors can see the
2023 Natural Selections Photography Annual Exhibit in the at Rookery Bay for
Animals, Birds and
Rookery Bay gallery.
Plants
Bring the kids and grab your phone to get engaged and enjoy
nature with Rookery Bay’s latest project to connect the community
Discover with the outdoors. The iNaturalist web page for Rookery Bay enables
Your Inner visitors to discover all the cool animals, birds and plants that call the
Reserve home. With a quick download of the app, visitors to the
Monet Environmental Learning Center, Briggs Boardwalk or any other part
Paint the beauty of the coast and the wildlife of the area of the Reserve can play along by snapping photos of what they see
with a watercolor painting class. Each two and half-hour and becoming part of a citizens’ science project that actually helps
class spotlights a natural theme from shells to birdlife to Rookery Bay scientists learn more about the plants and wildlife of
local waterways. Held in classrooms at the Rookery Bay the Reserve. It’s fun for all ages and a social way to learn about the
Environmental Learning Center, all materials are included. nature around you.
Participants complete a painted piece at each session. https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/rookery-bay-research-reserve-elc-campus
https://rookerybay.org/events/

78 Life in Naples | February 2023