Rookery Bay
Located at the western edge of the Everglades on the Gulf coast of Florida, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses 110,000 acres of native habitats including pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters. The Reserve represents one of the few relatively undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America, and serves as an outdoor classroom and laboratory for students and scientists from around the world.
Visit the Environmental Learning Center and experience hands-on exhibits, life-size mangrove, watch a short film about Rookery Bay Reserve, explore the nature store and the art gallery displaying works of local artists or take a trip down the nature trail.
Snook, redfish, tarpon abound in the backwaters for the fisherman to challenge. Use the several boat ramps to launch a shallow-draft boat, rent a canoe or kayak to explore the wildlife, take a leisurely drive down Shell Island Road to birdwatch or walk the many walking trails within the Reserve.
This is a wonderful educational experience that is available to all living or visiting Naples, Florida. The Learning Center is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-4pm and is located between Naples and Marco Island, one mile south of Tamiami Trail East (US41) off of Collier Boulevard (SE951). For more information, call 239-417-6310 or visit the Rookery Bay website.