Welcome to Rookery Bay Reserve
 
Isles of Capri Restoration
Capri RestorationWorking together, 30 volunteers and 8 Rookery Bay staff members planted 2,500 native plants to restore a natural wetland at Isles of Capri in Rookery Bay. Red and black mangroves, interspersed with saltmarsh cordgrass, sand cordgrass, and seaside oxeye daisy are the finishing touches on this project which reconnects waterways that had been cut off from the Gulf of Mexico near Johnson Bay. This was the culmination of a project funded by NOAA’s Community Based Restoration Program. This waterway reconnection and subsequent planting will help revitalize this estuarine ecosystem.
 
Slideshow of Governor Crist's Visit
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Friends of Rookery Bay President Bruce Robertson welcomes the crowd
Governor Charlie Crist greets the crowd before taking center stage
Reserve Director Gary Lytton makes some opening remarks
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Sole introduces the Governor
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Ribbon cutting ceremony
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01/19 
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more about the new bridge
 
New Touch Tank New Exhibits a Big Hit
Hundreds of visitors flocked to the Environmental Learning Center over the holidays to enjoy the new exhibits and touch tank.  Left, Education Specialist Dave Graff explains how the horse conch protects itself from predators. The horse conch, North America’s largest marine snail, is one of several marine species housed in the new tank and available for up close and personal inspection during one of the many programs offered weekly at the center.
 
Guided Kayak Tours Guided Kayak Tours
Join a Rookery Bay naturalist as you enjoy a guided tour which explores the mangrove bays, creeks and rookeries that make this Reserve a valuable treasure. This is a beginners trip and includes brief paddling instruction. However, possible winds and currents may require paddlers to have some upper body strength. Participants must be age 12+ and anyone under 18 must paddle register and paddle with an adult. Fee for the tour includes admission that day to the Environmental Learning Center. Tours are offered Wednesdays and Fridays. Tour times vary. Check calendar for details. Trip limited to 10 participants. Cost $35.00 ($5 discount FORB Members). Pre-registration required: register here or call 239-417-6310, ext 401.
 
Watercolors by Kathy Spalding
Created Exclusively for the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Exhibit

Kathy Spalding limited edition Giclee prints, posters and notecards, individually captured from the Continuum Watercolor that graces the Environmental Learning Center are now available.
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Sponsorship

Support the Friends of Rookery Bay

Sponsors of this site

Friends of Rookery Bay

Rookery Bay NERR
300 Tower Road
Naples, Fl 34113
(239) 417-6310
(239) 417-6315 (fax)
Email: info@rookerybay.org

Upcoming Events

Save The Date

Upcoming events at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center:

  • March 4,
    9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Estuary and Coastal Numeric Nutrient Criteria Development Meeting
  • March 5,
    6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
    Amazing Adventures Presentation
  • March 27,
    6:00 pm
    Batfish Bash
    full details
  • March 29,
    5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
    Sunset Roost Kayak Tour
  • June 8,
    World Oceans Day
see full calendar

Career Openings

Careers at Rookery Bay

The Rookery Bay Reserve employs more than 35 professionals in research, stewardship, education, administration and facilities. Find out how you might join the team!