Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center The Environmental Learning Center is a 16,500 square-foot facility with four research laboratories, classrooms and 140-seat auditorium, and two story visitors center. The visitor center offers a variety of hands-on experiences, including 2,300-gallon aquarium and interactive exhibits addressing research and stewardship efforts ongoing within the Reserve, as well as a nature store, gallery and picnic area.
 
Hours of Operation

Open
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Also open Saturdays - November through April.
Closed on National Holidays

Admission
Adults $5.00
Children Ages 6-12 $3.00
Children Under 6 No Cost

The Environmental Learning Center is designed for self-guided tours. Coastal Connections daily programs are available with admission. Self-guided tour audio wands - $2

Group Tour Guide: $50/guide for 45-60 minute tour of facility. Up to 20 visitors per guide.

Reservations for tour guides are required – call 239-417-6310 to book your group tour.

Your group is welcome to have lunch during your visit to the Environmental Learning Center. Lunch space reservations and fee required. A drink vending machine is available on-site. Please bring bag lunches in a cooler for your group.
 
Coastal Connections Daily Programs

Join our team of naturalists for a closer look at some of the remarkable creatures that inhabit our coastal environment.

From sea shells to orchids, these 45-minute programs are offered daily at 11 am and 2:00 pm and are included with regular admission.
view upcoming events

complete schedule of daily programs
 
Pedestrian Bridge
Pedestrian Bridge
Photo by D. Graff/RBNERR

The new pedestrian bridge was installed at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. The bridge will lead visitors from the second floor of the center across Henderson Creek to a proposed interpretive trail, scheduled to open to the public in time for the Nature Festival in January. The bridge was funded with a NOAA grant and matched by funds from the State of Florida. A helicopter hired by the bridge manufacturer was seen and heard circling over the area as it captured the installation on film. The center portion of the bridge has a free span of 75 feet, designed to minimize impact on vessel navigation on the creek.
read more
 
Climate Change Exhibit
Walk through time Newest Exhibit

After nearly one year of planning, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has unveiled a new exhibit in the Environmental Learning Center. The new, permanent exhibit provides an overview of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and sea level rise, and how they might affect various forms of life in southwest Florida. The exhibit includes an interactive guessing game dispelling myths about climate change, a touchscreen carbon calculator which gives people an opportunity to see how their personal choices measure up on an international standard, and a demonstration of ways people can make a difference in their homes and daily lives.
 
Walk Through Time
Walk through time Walk Through Time

Join a Rookery Bay naturalist for a one-hour guided historical walk on Shell Island Road. Learn about the mighty Calusas and the pioneering families of the Little Marco Settlement.

Note: Cultural History Walks will resume on Tuesday December 15! The walks will take place on Tuesdays at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm. FREE.
flyer and directions
 
Chickee Hut
New Chickee Hut With a generous donation to the Friends of Rookery Bay, Patricia Duffy-Johnson helped the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve add a new structure to the Environmental Learning Center facilities. An authentic Seminole chickee has been erected on the grounds in honor of the late Harold Johnson. Mr. Johnson enjoyed being outdoors and was always interested in learning more about the coastal environment, so Mrs. Johnson decided to provide a shady location for the Estuary Explorers fourth grade students and other educational programs that are conducted at the Environmental Learning Center. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Mrs. Johnson and her closest friends on Saturday, March 24, in advance of the Southwest Florida History and Archaeology Festival.
 


Menu

Now Open

Now Open

Children of all ages will have the opportunity to climb aboard Rookery Bay Research Reserve’s newest research vessel, the R/V Dolphin, where they can explore the estuary. Our “junior scientists” can learn about our estuarine organisms by categorizing animals found in a trawl net, measuring and tagging sharks, viewing underwater scenes, and much more. A second exhibit features live displays of plankton, local drifters of the estuary which include tiny, floating plants and animals that form the base of the food web. An interactive touch tank is also available as part of daily programming offerings.

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

Facilities

Location

The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is located between Naples and Marco Island, one mile south of Tamiami Trail East (US 41) off Collier Blvd (SR 951.) From I-75 take exit 101 and travel south six miles. Environmental Learning Center

Conference Rental

The ELC facilities are available for your conference, meeting or other event. For details: