FRIENDS OF ROOKERY BAY

Achieving Goals Since 1987

Our Mission & Impact

Friends of Rookery Bay’s ongoing mission is to help connect people with southwest Florida’s dynamic coastal environment in support of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

The Friends provide vital monetary and in-kind support for Reserve programs and operations. Our members, volunteers and donors enable us to be a reliable partner to the Reserve and an advocate for preservation and coastal protection.

How We Help

The Friends helps Reserve staff address many challenges in managing our coastal lands and waters. We connect people to Southwest Florida’s coastal environment through an active volunteer recruitment program, outreach efforts, advocacy, and fundraising activities.

ABOUT US

Leadership

Friends of Rookery Bay is a legally constituted 501(c)3 non-profit Citizen Support Organization (CSO) and is governed by a Board of Directors representing a broad cross section of the community.

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Board of Directors | Rookery Bay Research Reserve

History

The Friends were incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1987 to help Reserve staff achieve a better outcome with limited resources.

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Partners

Our partnerships with individuals, businesses, community leaders, foundations and other organizations serve as the backbone to support programs at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and its Environmental Learning Center.

A partnership with the United Arts Council of Collier County since 2003 has enabled us to showcase annual exhibitions of painting and photography juried by local artists to visitors of the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center.

Lavern Norris Gaynor Environmental Champion Award | Rookery Bay Research Reserve

Annual Award

The Friend’s Annual Lavern Norris Gaynor Environmental Champion Award recognizes an individual that embodies the vision, mission and philosophy of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Friends of Rookery Bay. Read more about criteria, past recipients, process and nomination information.

Past Recipients:
2019: Lavern Norris Gaynor
2020: The Clyde and Niki Butcher Family
2021: Francis Rooney
2022: Charlette Roman

Call for Nominations