Learning About Florida’s Estuaries - National Estuary Day 2009

Nearly 900 people attended the National Estuary Day celebration at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples, on Saturday September 26, 2009.

Raising awareness of the value of estuaries is an ongoing effort at the Reserve, and in honor of the nationwide event, visitors enjoyed free boat tours and kayak tours of the Rookery Bay estuary. Thanks to community partners, hundreds of visitors enjoyed views of coastal wading birds loafing at the Reserve’s namesake rookery, as well as dolphins, fish and even a spotted eagle ray.

Those who explored by land were treated to a sneak preview of the new pedestrian bridge across Henderson Creek. The bridge provided a unique glimpse into the upland habitat across the creek where a nature trail is scheduled to open in January.

Another thrill for Estuary Day attendees was the opportunity to explore two brand new exhibits within the Environmental Learning Center (ELC). The Research Vessel Dolphin invited prospective boaters to take the helm, while junior researchers examined the health of our estuary by sorting marine critters caught with a mock trawl net. Kids also listened to bird calls, watched underwater film footage, and even danced along to the sea turtle song. The other new exhibit is the Food Web, where living plankton, magnified up to 100 times its actual size, jump, swim and ooze across big-screen monitors, teaching visitors about these waterborne organisms that provide energy for all marine life.

While the event was a tremendous success, the Reserve was able to reach tens of thousands more people thanks to its partnership with the Naples Daily News. Event coverage was enhanced by a front page banner and graphics explaining the critical role that estuaries play in our ecosystem.