Introducing the Explore Your Estuary series of continuing education classes offered by Rookery Bay Reserve and Edison State College

Join us for intimate nature walks and an estuary cruise.

Each course is led by a biologist or naturalist on staff at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

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With its oppressive heat, clouds of mosquitoes and swampy terrain, Southwest Florida didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for early residents. Despite numerous hardships, people not only managed to survive here but actually thrived for a few thousand years, in part due to the bountiful estuary around which they centered their lives.

Join us in the classroom and on the trail to learn about the unique coastal habitat and rich cultural history of the 110,000 acres that is now protected within the National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Explore an ancient shell mound and the plants and animals that served this coastal community thousands of years ago, the post-Civil War pioneer homestead that was established more than 100 years ago, and the 1960’s grass roots movement that led to the preservation of the slice of paradise we still enjoy today.

Where to Meet: Rookery Bay Field Station, near the end of Shell Island Road. Turn right into parking lot and follow sidewalk up to building.

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Can’t tell a gull from a tern? Do you think all shorebirds look alike? This outdoor class is an introduction to identification and appreciation of the most common birds found on our local beaches.

Explore Tigertail Lagoon on Marco Island and learn about the second most valuable resting and feeding site for coastal water birds on the west coast of Florida. Each year, over 7,000 shorebirds and coastal water birds make their annual migration to spend the winter months at Tigertail Lagoon.

Learn why these expansive lagoon mudflats are so important to feathered migrants and winter visitors escaping the cold northern climate.

Where to Meet: Tigertail Beach parking lot (west end of Hernando Drive) on Marco Island. Parking is $8 or free with current Collier County Beach Parking Permit.

What to bring: Binoculars, bird field guide (if you have one). Consider a small daypack, over-shoulder bag or fanny pack to carry these items in so that your hands will be free while birding. As we will sometimes be wading through water, old tennis shoes or water sandals are recommended. We suggest you bring a dry pair of shoes/socks to change into for the ride home

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An amazing estuarine environment exists where rivers meet the sea along the shores of southwest Florida. This cruise and walk is the ultimate Rookery Bay experience. The day begins on our research vessel for a tour of Rookery Bay. Learn which animals use the estuary as a nursery and how the Reserve staff is studying these species including fish, manatees and sharks.

Then behold the beauty of the barrier island while hiking through a partly-submerged mangrove basin forest trail, across a scrub habitat, and over a dune system while gaining an understanding of what lives there and why. Afterwards, enjoy a quiet walk on the pristine beach while learning about all the many treasures the sea has to offer. Old tennis shoes or water sandals are required for this trip. We suggest you bring a dry pair of shoes/socks to change into for the ride home.

Where to Meet: Rookery Bay Field Station, near the end of Shell Island Road. Turn right into parking lot and follow sidewalk up to building