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Citizen Science Helps

                                                     Coastal Wildlife Thrive at Rookery Bay




                                    Get Involved at Rookery Bay           t Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve,
                                    Love nature?                          protecting coastal habitat is a community effort. Through
                                    You can be part of protecting it.  A hands-on citizen science projects, residents, students and
      Rookery Bay Environmental     Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research   visitors are helping scientists understand how fish and wildlife use
      Learning Center               Reserve offers a robust volunteer training   the Reserve before and after major restoration work. This data plays
      239-530-5972                  program, making it easy for community   a critical role in ensuring restoration efforts truly improve habitat
      Just 15 minutes from downtown Naples 5  Avenue area   members and visitors to get involved!   and strengthen coastal resilience.
                       th
      300 Tower Road, Naples, FL 34113  No prior scientific background required.   Restoration projects at Shell Island Road and Marco Shores,
      RookeryBay.org                Volunteers of all ages and experience   supported by the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, focus on restoring
      Facebook.com/FriendsofRookeryBay  levels support research, education and   natural water flow, mangroves and nursery habitat essential for
      Instagram.com/friendsofrookerybay  conservation across the Reserve.  juvenile tarpon and other fish and wildlife. These nationally
                                                                   recognized projects highlight the importance of Southwest
      All Season Long               Volunteer Opportunities Include:
      RookeryBay.com/events         Citizen Science & Monitoring:   Florida’s coastal ecosystems to both wildlife and the local economy.
                                                                      Led by Coastal Training & Engagement Specialist Rachel
      RookeryBay.org/calendar       Assist with bird surveys, sea turtle   Schenenberg, citizen scientists collect baseline data by surveying
      Sign Up for the monthly e-newsletter  monitoring, shark research support,   birds and wildlife, reviewing trail-camera footage, monitoring fish
      Open                          wildlife cameras and habitat assessments.  activity and testing water quality. This information allows scientists
      Tuesday - Saturday            Education & Outreach:          to measure how restoration improves habitat over time as well
      9 a.m. to 4 p.m.              Serve as a docent at the Environmental   as helps fish and wildlife thrive while keeping the community
      Tickets                       Learning Center (ELC), help with school   connected to the science happening every day at Rookery Bay.
      $10 for adults                programs, guided trail walks and youth
      $5 for ages 4-12              education.
      Children 3 and under are FREE
      Keep up with what’s happening -   Special Events & Festivals:
      Follow Friends of Rookery Bay  Support public programs, lectures,
                                    community events and seasonal
                                    celebrations.

















                                                                                                       Scan the QR Code to check out our events













                                                                                                          Visit RookeryBay.org
                                                                                                          to learn more about upcoming
                                                                                                          events and programs at the
                                                                                                          Rookery Bay Environmental
                                                                                                          Learning Center.
                                                                                                          Also, Naturalist-led boat and
                                                                                                          kayak eco-tours are available
                                                                                                          all summer long!
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     Life in Naples |February 2026                                                                                           79
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