Friends of Rookery Bay

Friends of Rookery Bay Learn more at rookerybay.org. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
300 Tower Road, Naples, Florida
Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Visit the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center to enjoy aquariums, a touch tank, natural history exhibits, walking trails, an art gallery, gift shop, and to book boat and kayak eco-tours. Adults: $10
Children 6-12: $5
Children

06/18/2026

Donate -
https://givebutter.com/save-the-bay-2026-ds0gxu

In 1963, a 10-mile road dubbed the “Road to Nowhere” was proposed through Rookery Bay. If built, it would have devastated Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. But this community stepped up. Local residents rallied together and raised over $600,000 to protect 3,362 acres of land—laying the foundation for
what is now the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Now, it’s our turn. We’re launching a grassroots campaign to Save the Bay, and we need your help. In honor of the 63 years since that first community-led
effort, Friends of Rookery Bay is working to raise $63, 000 by June 30, 2026 to support vital conservation, research, and education programs. Just like the local students who once collected spare change to protect this place, you can make a difference today.

Set your own fundraising goal, Share your personal link with friends and family, Help protect Rookery Bay for generations to come, it’s as simple as that!

Rookery Bay’s mangrove forests and coastal waters support an incredible diversity of wildlife — from dolphins and birds ...
06/17/2026

Rookery Bay’s mangrove forests and coastal waters support an incredible diversity of wildlife — from dolphins and birds to fish and invertebrates that rely on these habitats to survive.

Eco-tours operated by Rising Tide Explorers give visitors a chance to explore these ecosystems alongside a local biologist while learning about the science behind them.

Did you know that proceeds from Rising Tide Explorer tours help support conservation, education, and outreach efforts in Rookery Bay?

🌿 Learn more at rookerybay.org

🌊 What We Do: Coastal TrainingBehind every smart coastal decision is strong science—and the ability to turn that science...
06/16/2026

🌊 What We Do: Coastal Training

Behind every smart coastal decision is strong science—and the ability to turn that science into action.

At Rookery Bay, the Coastal Training Program bridges that gap by connecting research with the people making decisions about our coast. The data and discoveries happening in the field—from water quality monitoring to habitat restoration—help inform the trainings, workshops, and conversations that guide real-world solutions.

The program brings together coastal decision-makers to better understand and manage Southwest Florida’s ecosystems. From facilitating stakeholder meetings to building partnerships and hosting workshops, the Coastal Training team helps turn complex environmental challenges into collaborative, science-based solutions.

The program serves a wide range of professionals shaping our coast, including:
• State, federal, and municipal agency staff
• Elected and appointed officials
• Natural resource managers
• Planners and floodplain managers
• Landscape professionals

Since its inception:
📊 6,000 professionals have participated
📈 99% reported increased knowledge
🔁 92% have applied what they learned to their work

That impact extends far beyond the classroom—informing policies, improving practices, and protecting the ecosystems we all depend on.

Because when research meets decision-making, real change happens. 💙

🐦 Critter of the Week: Anhinga 🌿If you’ve ever spotted a bird perched with its wings fully spread, soaking up the sun, y...
06/14/2026

🐦 Critter of the Week: Anhinga 🌿

If you’ve ever spotted a bird perched with its wings fully spread, soaking up the sun, you’ve likely seen an anhinga. Often called the “snake bird” for its long neck that glides just above the water, this unique species is perfectly adapted for life in Southwest Florida’s wetlands and estuaries.

Unlike most waterbirds, anhingas don’t have waterproof feathers. This might sound like a disadvantage—but it actually helps them dive deeper and move more easily underwater as they hunt for fish. After a swim, you’ll find them drying off in the sun, wings outstretched in a signature pose.

Anhingas spear their prey with sharp, pointed beaks, making them incredibly skilled hunters beneath the surface. You’ll often see them quietly swimming with just their neck visible, blending into the water like a stealthy predator.

Here in Rookery Bay, anhingas are a common but fascinating sight, playing an important role in the ecosystem as both predator and indicator of healthy wetlands.

Next time you’re exploring the Reserve, keep an eye out—you might just catch one striking its iconic pose.

Since 2021, Beth has been volunteering with Rookery Bay, assisting with school programs and special events! She is also ...
06/13/2026

Since 2021, Beth has been volunteering with Rookery Bay, assisting with school programs and special events! She is also a member of Team OCEAN and is a certified docent!

Recently, she helped lead a volunteer orientation where she gave a tour of the Enivronmental Learning Center to the newest interns and local community members inquiring about opportunities at Rookery Bay. Her dedication to teaching others about the wonders of the Reserve is apparent, having worked in Collier County as a teacher for many years.

We want to spotlight Beth for donating over 1,000 hours to Rookery Bay! Because of volunteers like her, we are able to educate community members and the next generation of stewards!

06/12/2026

Ladies and gentlemen… Rookery Bay ☀️🌊

Last Friday, the Rookery Bay Education Team led the first Student Institute for Marine Science (SIMS) Camp this Summer!S...
06/11/2026

Last Friday, the Rookery Bay Education Team led the first Student Institute for Marine Science (SIMS) Camp this Summer!

Students went out to Tigertail Beach on Marco Island to survey fish and marine life by wading in the water with a large net. Some typical critters they catch are small fish, crabs, and worms.

SIMS Camp is just getting started and there's still time to sign up! If you know a 7th - 10th grader who enjoys science, the ocean, or getting their hands on coastal critters, be sure to send them this way. We have all sorts of different field trips perfect for different interests.

June & July SIMS Camp Schedule:

- June 12: Invertebrate Investigation - Join staff in the lab for an exciting exploration of coastal critters and learn about their amazing adaptations. Students will use microscopes to take an in-depth look at some of the smallest estuary inhabitants: plankton!

- June 26: Sleuthing the Lagoon - Ever wonder what it’s like to be an animal living in an estuary? Experience their unique habitat by surveying fish with an ancient method of collection, scooping crabs and worms out of sand and observing birds wading through water. (Pictured Above)

- July 10: Sleuthing the Lagoon

- July 17: Sleuthing the Lagoon

- July 24: Biology on Bike -Explore the uplands on a bicycle and learn to identify plants and animals and how scientific data is collected at the Reserve.

- July 31: Invertebrate Investigation

Sign Up at https://rookerybay.org/events/kids-families/

The Friends of Tigertail have generously provided funds for Camperships (scholarships for campers) in honor of Ken Kubat. Awards are $100 to cover the cost of 1-day of camp at Tigertail Beach and a t-shirt. To apply for a Campership, go to https://forms.gle/fwaqcHhVP8So4cUi8

❗️The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center will be closed from June 14 to June 19 for maintenance ❗️🚤 Boat and kaya...
06/10/2026

❗️The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center will be closed from June 14 to June 19 for maintenance ❗️

🚤 Boat and kayak tours are still available at rookerybay.org

💙 Thank you for your patience

Address

300 Tower Road
Naples, FL
34113

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+12395305972

Website

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