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.
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. Now Open
Now OpenChildren 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
Sponsors of this siteFriends of Rookery Bay
Rookery Bay NERR
300 Tower Road
Naples, Fl 34113
(239) 417-6310
(239) 417-6315 (fax)
Email: info@rookerybay.org
Facilities
LocationThe 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.
Conference Rental
The ELC facilities are available for your conference, meeting or other event. For details:
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Print Coupon
Coupon
Print this coupon to enjoy $1 off admission during your next visit to the Environmental Learning Center!
At the ELC
World class exhibits
- 2,300 gallon mangrove aquarium.
- View a working lab
- Shop the Palmetto Patch Nature Store
Art Gallery Exhibits
Daily ProgramsRegister for EventsAnd much more...
Butterfly Garden
The Friends of Rookery Bay, with the help of several dedicated volunteers, have revamped the native plant and butterfly garden along the patio behind the Environmental Learning Center. Arbors, new plants and a lot of TLC have helped transform this area into a haven for butterflies, caterpillars, bees and people.
Nature Store
Palmetto Patch Nature Store
Find books, souvenirs and gifts from the estuary at the Palmetto Patch Nature Store. Find out how you can save 10% on your purchase during your next visit to the Environmental Learning Center!
Walk Though Time
Cultural History Walks
From Dec. 1 To May 1 Only
Hourly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, join a Rookery Bay naturalist for a free one-hour guided historical walk on Shell Island Road. Learn about the mighty Calusas and the pioneering families of the Little Marco Settlement. Participants should be prepared to encounter rough, wet terrain and biting insects. Closed-toed shoes and insect repellent are strongly recommended. Turn onto on Shell Island Road and proceed 2 1/2 miles down the paved road to the Rookery Bay Field Station parking lot.