ROOKERY BAY COMMUNITY DAY
Saturday, May 2, 2026 9AM-2PM
Rediscover Rookery Bay Research Reserve on Rookery Bay Community Day. The annual FREE event will feature family fun for everyone! Rookery Bay is yours to Explore, Enjoy and Protect!
- Face Painting
- Kayak Demos
- Photo Booth
- Food Trucks
- Hands-on Marine Touch Tank
- Art Exhibition
- Book Signing
- Sneak Peek Boat Tours – registration required
Thank You Supporters!
Face Painting
Not just for kids! Everyone can enjoy fun and exciting face painting through out the event by some amazing artists.
Kayak Demos
Our affiliated eco-tour partner, Rising Tide Explores, will be on site to show you and your family just how easy and fun our kayak tours can be by hopping on one of their kayaks into Henderson Creek for a small demonstration.
Performance
Get ready for a soulful, high-energy performance by Charlie Pace, blending rock, blues, and raw storytelling into an unforgettable live experience. With a powerful voice and genre-crossing sound, she brings authentic emotion and dynamic stage presence to every song.
Food Trucks
Worked up an appetite? No problem! On Community Day at Rookery Bay you can sit down next to our butterfly garden and enjoy a some delicious food.
- Gator Creek BBQ Company
- Farmer’s Corn
Touch Tank
From sea stars to lightning whelks, touch some of favorite Rookery Bay critters and hear about what makes them unique from our docents at our hands-on marine touch tank.
Art Exhibition
The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center art gallery presents local artists that represent the flora and fauna of Rookery Bay.
Book Signing
Susan Levine
10am-1pm
10am-1pm
Susan, who is a Naples resident is enchanted by the wildlife, particularly the birds. She is a Florida Master Naturalist and excited to share all that she has learned with children through her books. Susan blends her interest in wildlife with her imaginative storytelling to entertain and teach young children, while being a great resource for teachers and parents.
- Jenny’s First Catch
- Gilbert’s Migration Vacation
Book Signing
Bob Gonzalez
10am-1pm
10am-1pm
Come meet Naples based author Bob Gonzalez at Rookery Bay Day on Saturday May 2nd, where he will be signing copies of his book “A Flicker in the Water”. Bob is an avid outdoorsman having spent many years on the Gulf Coast waters.
- A Flicker in the Water
Make a Difference
80% of polled 2019 attendees rated the educational programming as Excellent and 70% said they learned something that they will apply to a future action.
Support the Reserve’s Education Program
Donate to support amazing programs that educate our future community leaders.
