ROOKERY BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE

OUR MISSION & IMPACT

Achieving Goals Since 1978

Our Mission & Impact

Our mission is to serve southwest Florida as a trusted resource for science-based information fostering connected human and ecological communities. The vision of the Reserve is that communities in southwest Florida value nature and prosper in concert with healthy estuaries.

How We Help

  • Manage coastal lands to ensure their health and to serve as a model of appropriate land stewardship for other organizations.
  • Understanding our long history and existing human connections is key to appreciating the entire socioeconomic system.
  • Bridging science, management, and community involvement will lead to resilient, productive, and adaptable ecosystems and human communities.
  • Share scientific information that forms the basis for an appreciation of the value of the environment, which in turn promotes a public sense of ownership of natural resources.

LEADERSHIP

Leadership

Rookery Bay Research Reserve managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in partnership with NOAA, FIU and the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association.

CO-MANAGED LANDS MAP

CO-MANAGED LANDS MAP

Rookery Bay Research Reserve co-manages portions of the Ten Thousand Islands Aquatic Preserve with the Florida Panther and Ten Thousand Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex. We also partner with resource management agencies in our region.

HISTORY

History

In the 1960’s, with farms, buildings, roads and canals springing up across coastal Collier County, residents started to take notice that the once pristine bays and estuaries were showing the effects of development upstream. A 10-mile loop road through Rookery Bay proposed in 1963 would have opened up unbounded opportunities for coastal development, but a new perspective emerged in the community.

The Collier County Conservancy, the National Audubon Society, and the Nature Conservancy galvanized community support that resulted in more than $600,000 being raised to buy 3,362 acres of land that would have been otherwise destroyed. This land ultimately became the Rookery Bay Sanctuary, prompting the birth of a legacy.

PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships

Partnership List | Rookery Bay Research Reserve
Our local, state and national partnerships ensure priority coastal management issues, including environmental change, water quality and habitat protection, are addressed across research, education, conservation and coastal training programs.

DOCUMENTATION

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Legal Documents

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Become a Friend of Rookery Bay

Support this amazing and important ecosystem today and know that your impact will be felt for generations to come.

VOLUNTEER

Take a hands-on approach to supporting our efforts.

DONATE

Your donation will positively impact our coastal treasure, Rookery Bay Research Research.

MEMBERSHIP

Join our family - become a member and take advantage of of membership perks and privileges.