EXPLORE THE OPPORTUNITIES

YEAR-ROUND EXCITEMENT

All Ages
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Year-Round Excitement, Fun and Education

All Ages

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center offers a variety of activities throughout the year. From activities for kids and families, to lectures and classes that teach you all about our coastal environment, to exciting annual events that help to support the continued efforts of the Rookery Bay Staff. There is something for everyone year-round.

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Throughout the year

TEACHERS ON THE ESTUARY

Teachers
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TEACHERS ON THE ESTUARY

Teachers

Field Trip Information

Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) is an annual, two-day workshop for K-12 teachers that provides hands-on, field-based, professional teacher development opportunities. Teachers from Collier County and around the state learn about issues facing estuaries in southwest Florida during field trips into the estuary and experience hands-on sessions led by educators and community partners focusing on water quality, invasive species, and watershed management.

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Annually

SELF-GUIDED GROUP VISIT

All Ages
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SELF-GUIDED GROUP VISIT

All Ages

Group Rates

Self-Guided, Group Rate (adults and/or children, excluding school groups)

  • 10-person minimum and 20-person maximum
  • Discounted rate of $8 Ages 13 and older; $3 children Ages 4-12; 3 and under free (paid in advance)
  • Group must be scheduled > 2 weeks prior to visit (based on availability)
  • Group admission does not include special programs or tours
  • Your group is invited to bring lunch and enjoy our back patio overlooking the pollinator garden. Some drinks and snacks are available in our Nature Store for purchase.

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HOURS OF OPERATION
Year Round

OUTREACH REQUESTS

All Ages
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Outreach Requests

Outreach Information

Learn about research, education and conservation programs in the 110,000-acre Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, encompassing 40% of Collier County’s coastline from Naples to the western edge of the Everglades. All requests must be submitted at least four weeks in advance (based on availability).  Allow five business days for a response. Thank you for your interest!

OUTREACH REQUEST FORM
Year Round 

HOMESCHOOL

Grade 3 - 12
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HOMESCHOOL

Homeschool Information

Currently Unavailable. If you are interested in visiting the Environmental Learning Center as a self-guided group, please fill out the form below. (Based on availability)

GROUP VISIT REQUEST FORM
Currently Unavailable

ESTUARY EXPLORERS

Elementary School Field Trip
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ESTUARY EXPLORERS

Elementary School Field Trip
3rd - 5th Grade ONLY

Field Trip Information

Estuary Explorers is designed to engage elementary school students with the estuarine environment through hands-on labs at the Environmental Learning Center. This Field Science Experience focuses on the practice of science and interdependence. Collier County Public School teachers can contact the Elementary Science Coordinator for registration information.

Coordinated through CCPS

SURVIVORS

Middle School Field Experience
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SURVIVORS

Middle School Field Trip
7th Grade

Field Trip Information

SURVIVORS is designed to engage students with the estuarine environment; showcasing the challenges of living in an estuary and the organisms that are constantly adapting to these different conditions. Students will be introduced to aspects of water chemistry, species adaptations, general ecology, and the various ecosystem services of their local estuaries. Rookery Bay Research Reserve and The Conservancy of Southwest Florida work in partnership to create an engaging experience. Students will have the opportunity to mimic current research both in the field station and on board the Good Fortune II vessel. Collier County Public School teachers can contact the Middle School Science Coordinator for registration information.

Coordinated through CCPS

BENEATH THE BAY

High School Field Experience
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BENEATH THE BAY

High School Field Experience

Field Trip Information

Beneath the Bay is a boat-based education program that highlights the diversity and productivity of our local estuarine ecosystem. Students get their hands wet interacting with estuarine organisms and get hands-on experience with water quality tools all while experiencing the interconnectedness of the estuary. Collier County Public School teachers can contact the High School Science Coordinator for registration information.

Coordinated through CCPS

Help Make a Difference!

Volunteer at Rookery Bay

Hundreds of volunteers play a vital role in the preservation, restoration and management of our mangrove estuary. Opportunities are endless. Training is provided. A passion for our coastal environment is a must. Join one of our monthly volunteer orientations and learn about supporting our coastal treasure, Rookery Bay Research Reserve!
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