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Fun in the Sun or Air-Conditioned Comfort
Experience Natural Naples

at Rookery Bay Research Reserve and the Environmental Learning Center

here are so many activities and events happening at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research
Reserve this winter season. Some are off the beaten path - on the water, beaches and trails and
T others happening right inside the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center each day.
Rookery Bay Environmental A visit to the Reserve is the perfect opportunity to create a unique nature experience in Naples by
Learning Center taking a guided kayak tour, walking a nature trail, enjoying a scenic river overlook, painting with
239-530-5972 watercolors or even learning about local wildlife during a lunch and learn session. It’s totally up to you!
Just 15 minutes from downtown Naples 5 Avenue area At Rookery Bay, visitors can discover a more natural Naples and get a little closer to the “real” Florida.
th
300 Tower Road, Naples, FL 34113
RookeryBay.org
Facebook.com/FriendsofRookeryBay
Instagram.com/friendsofrookerybay
All Season Long
RookeryBay.com/events
RookeryBay.org/calendar
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Open
Tuesday - Saturday 7 ways to experience Rookery Bay Research Reserve
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets Boat Tours to a Secluded Shelling Spot Create a “Coastal” Monet All Your Own
$10 for adults Enjoy a small boat tour and explore a remote part of Paint the beauty of the water and wildlife at a watercolor
$5 for ages 4-12 Keewaydin Island, a natural, living barrier island with an painting class. Each spotlights a natural theme from manatees
Children 3 and under are FREE incredible diversity of life and some of the best shelling in to birdlife to local waterways. Held in classrooms at the
Naples and Marco Island. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, all materials are
included. Participants complete a painted piece with matte at
Biologist-led Kayaking Tours each session.
Navigate a kayak with expert biologist guides through hidden Feb. 11 – Sea Turtles 12:30 – 3 p.m.
corridors of mangrove tunnels while exploring the waters of Feb. 20 – Sea Turtles 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rookery Bay. See fish, birds, manatees and dolphins up close.
Feel the “Omm in nature” with Forest
The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Bathing
Center Enjoy a slow, quiet, guided-sensory and meditative experience
So much to do and see at the Environmental Learning Center. in nature. A Certified Forest Bathing Guide will conduct a
Hold a Sea Star in your hand at the touch tank, wander guided-meditation and offer a series of invitations to use your
through the latest art exhibit in the beautiful gallery, learn curiosity and senses to connect with nature and yourself. Look,
about indigenous people and pioneers who called this area listen, smell and feel what the forest is offering you.
home, relax in a giant rocking chair with water views, cross the Feb. 1 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
scenic overlook bridge and enjoy one of three loops of trails.
Connect Art and Nature at Rookery Bay’s
Lunch & Learns Art Gallery and Receptions
A monthly lecture by an expert presenter that includes a hot Join exhibiting photographers for Rookery Bay’s 2025 Natural
buffet from Carrabba’s Italian Grill and free admission to the Selections Photography Art Exhibit and Reception. The art on
Environmental Learning Center display reflects the flora and fauna of Florida and shows how
Feb. 13 – 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. art offers another pathway to experiencing the beauty
“Partnering with Plants and the Naples Botanical Garden” of nature.
by Chad Washburn, Vice President of Conservation, Exhibition: February 3, 2025 – Visit RookeryBay.org
to learn more about upcoming
Naples Botanical Garden. April 25, 2025 events and programs at the
Reception: Thursday, February Rookery Bay Environmental
6, 2025, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Learning Center.
Also, Naturalist-led boat and
(registration required) kayak eco-tours are available
all summer long!

Life in Naples | February 2025 79