Saturday, November 14, 2026
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center features aquariums, touch tanks with marine critters, natural history, environmental and wildlife exhibits, an art gallery, picnic area and walking trails. Hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children ages six to 12 and benefits the Friends of Rookery Bay, a nonprofit that supports the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Guests may apply their admission fee toward Friends of Rookery Bay membership on the day of their visit. Active and retired military personnel and family members are free year-round, as are guests on kayak and boat ecotours booked through the Friend of Rookery Bay.
All events take place at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road in Naples, unless otherwise noted. For more information go to RookeryBay.org
Take a look at what’s happening!
Sundays – January through May 28, 2023
March 5, 12,19, 26
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Free
More than three dozen vendors will offer fruit, vegetables, local seafood, cottage foods, international cuisine, local honey, guacamole, baked goods, specialty coffee, organic skincare, clothing, handmade jewelry, accessories, art and more. Live music will be featured each week. The nature center will not be open, but the Friends of Rookery Bay will offer special promotions to market attendees.
March 8: Drones and Hi-Tech Mapping of Rookery Bay Research Reserve
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
$20, includes buffet lunch from Carrabba’s Italian Grille
Registration is required www.rookerybay.org/calendar.
Please join Rookery Bay’s Lunch and Learn Lecture – Mapping in the Reserve. Rookery Bay Research Reserve GIS Specialist and Drone Pilot Jill Schmid will present about hi-tech computer imaging and drones used to show changes in the habitats of the 110,000 acre of the Reserve in the auditorium. Lunch buffet will be provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grille.
The 2022-23 lecture series, “Research in the Reserve," focuses on key conservation projects occurring within Rookery Bay's 110,000 acres of land and water. Rookery Bay scientists and biologists will present their current findings and ongoing research to protect the wildlife, plants and water of Southwest Florida.
March 9 - Painting Subject: Sea stars
March 23 – Painting Subject: Sea life of Rookery Bay
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
$85, (includes all materials)
Registration is required www.rookerybay.org/calendar.
Paint the beauty of coastal Naples and the wildlife of estuary waters in this watercolor painting class. Local artist Jan Deswik offers step-by-step simple instructions and creative support perfect for beginners or anyone inspired by the coastal environment and wants to bring it to life in a one-of-a-kind painting. Each class spotlights a natural theme from shells to birdlife to local waterways. Held in classrooms at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, all materials are included. Participants will complete a painted piece with matte at each session.
March 14
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Virtual Program Via Zoom
$15
Registration is required www.rookerybay.org/calendar.
Southwest Florida is a critical stopover site for thousands of migrating and wintering shorebirds and seabirds. In this program, Rochelle Streker of Audubon Florida and Collette Lauzau of Rookery Bay Research Reserve will discuss the life history of these birds and the incredible journeys many of them make annually. Join Rookery Bay for a 1.5-hour zoom session to learn ID skills and discuss the amazing journeys of migrating and wintering shorebirds.
March 18
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
$55
Registration is required www.rookerybay.org/calendar.
If you want to get the best pictures possible, and truly understanding your camera’s features, this camera workshop is for you. The class covers the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to use your camera's shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to create images with impact and creativity. Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction and is renowned for his ability to communicate to a wide variety of students. No previous camera or photography experience is necessary, just a desire to learn.
Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve for a guided boat tour or kayak adventure into the beautiful waters of Rookery Bay Reserve. With our kayak tours, guests paddle through beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats and intricate oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like sea stars, large snails, birds, dolphins and manatees! Our boat tours are small 6-passenger boats and offer a comfortable and informative ride. Guests can choose from different tours including a shelling trip to a deserted barrier island or a sunset tour. Find out more at RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.
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