FRIENDS OF ROOKERY BAY
Our Mission & Impact
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
Leadership
History
Partners
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.
Annual Award
Past Recipients:
2019: Lavern Norris Gaynor
2020: The Clyde and Niki Butcher Family
2021: Francis Rooney
2022: Charlette Roman
2023: Pat and Ray Carroll
2024: To be announced March 14, 2024
STAFF DIRECTORY
The Executive Director and staff manage daily operations to support the Friends and Reserve.
Athan Barkoukis: Executive Director
Phone: 239-530-5990
Email: director@friendsofrookerybay.org
Cathy Bolinger: Accountant
Email: accounting@friendsofrookerybay.org
Janet Wolfe: Customer Service Manager
Phone: 239-530-5947
Email: friends@rookerybay.org
Robin DeMattia: Marketing Consultant
Email: robin@robindemattia.com
Amelia Horadam: Events Manager
Email: events@rookerybay.org
Raquel Herrera: Visitor Services Specialist
Phone: 239-530-5977
Email: visitors@rookerybay.org
Sarah Mae Freeman: Customer Service Specialist
Phone: 239-530-5972
Email: s.freeman@rookerybay.org
DOCUMENTATION
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E-Newsletter
SO MUCH TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE
In the 2,300-gallon mangrove aquarium centerpiece, a 14-foot sculpted red mangrove tree soars up through an open atrium into the Center’s second story. A climb-in “bubble” provides visitors with close-up views of mangrove prop roots that provide shelter for fish inhabitants. Interactive and hands-on exhibits provide opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore and expand upon their knowledge of Florida’s estuaries.
The “Estuary Encounter” exhibit houses more than a dozen species of marine animals for guests of all ages to discover during regular visiting hours. Observe and interact with a sea star, spider crab or lightning whelk.
There’s even a “Today and the Future” area that provides an overview of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and sea level rise, and how they might affect various forms of life in southwest Florida. The exhibits include an interactive guessing game dispelling myths about climate change, a touchscreen carbon calculator which gives people an opportunity to see how their personal choices measure up on an international standard, and a demonstration of ways people can make a difference in their homes and daily lives.
Created Exclusively for the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
The exhibit hall is graced by a 120-foot long Continuum of Life watercolor by the late local artist Kathy Spalding, who painted 30 individual prints and stitched them all together to illustrate the connections between habitats. Beginning in the skies of the Gulf to Keewaydin’s barrier island, it flows – like nature itself – across the sand, into the shallows around red mangroves creeping into the mudflats and finally up to the high lands and swamps. All along the way are the birds, fish, plants and animals that create a living symphony here. Prints and notecards are available for purchase in the store.
Above the stairs, visitors can enjoy Gaskin 8, a 22-foot tall framed photograph donated by renowned black-and-white landscape photographer Clyde Butcher.
As the bridge begins to slope down to meet the ground, visitors experience a brief trek through tangled mangroves, palms and oaks. Resurrection ferns, bromeliads, and even orchids can be seen growing along the furrowed cracks of oak tree bark. Looking up, it is easy to see the pockmarks of pileated woodpeckers and other insectivores in the upper reaches of expired pine snags.
- An old homestead dating back to post-Civil War times when squatters began to farm this rugged terrain.
- A primitive swale system designed to drain the land during driving summer rains.
- Sanseveria (an ornamental plant commonly associated with early homesteads).
- A cement rainwater storage cistern that collected rainwater running off the old home’s roof and stored it through the dry winter months, when it could be used for cooking and watering livestock.
You can now purchase select items in the comfort of your own home. Free Shipping with every purchase! Saw something you liked in our store during your visit? Email naturestore@rookerybay.org with your request.
• Special Celebrations
• Evening Socials
• Birthday Parties
• Unique Wedding Venue
• Workshops or Seminars
*Additional $400 security & cleaning fee (subject to change)
Theater with padded seats and side tables.
Equipped with projector and sound system.
Environmental Learning Center admission included.
For smaller meetings, lectures or workshops.
Equipped with projector and screen.
Environmental Learning Center admission included.
Includes the Patio, Chickee, and Open Courtyard.
Evening functions ONLY; starting after 4:30pm.
Outside catering vendor required.*
Includes the Exhibit Hall, Mezzanine, Classrooms and Auditorium.
Evening functions ONLY; starting after 4:30pm.
Outside catering vendor required.*