WHAT WE DO
Research | Education | Conservation | Training
Committed to Learning Experiences
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve operates programs in coastal research and monitoring, land and water resource management, and environmental learning and decision-maker training.
WHAT WE DO
Research
The Research Department monitors water, weather, and wildlife to detect short-term events and long-term change. Like watchdogs for wildlife and wild places, researchers can detect differences before they become problems for the environment, community, or local businesses.
Education
The Education Department coordinates programming at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center for all ages. Reserve educators help schoolchildren on field trips as well as Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center visitors understand the role they play in preserving this unique coastal environment.
Conservation
Reserve resource managers work closely with all sectors here at the Reserve including research, education, and coastal training program teams to provide a strong science to management connection. Insuring that science is leading the way for innovative natural resource management is crucial to adapting to constantly changing ecological systems. Additionally, Reserve staff work hand-in-hand with contractors and volunteers to further protect habitat and sustain native biodiversity. Resource management team activities include land acquisition, habitat and hydrologic stranding response, prescribed fire and cultural resource monitoring.
Training
The Coastal Training Program provides science-based information, training, and tools to individuals who make professional decisions that affect coastal resources. We serve as a forum for Southwest Florida professionals working to resolve environmental issues of local significance. A range of services are available and are aimed at a wide variety of professionals.
Make a Difference
If you live in Southwest Florida, the Reserve protects YOUR backyard. If you live outside Southwest Florida, the Reserve lands impact YOU because many migratory birds visit or winter here. And, the seafood you eat may have started its life in our estuary waters, which are a “nursery of the sea.”
Become a Friend of Rookery Bay
Donate Now to support this amazing and important ecosystem, and your impact will be felt for generations to come.
