Explore Rookery Bay: Hands‑On Estuarine Science & Community Events
Attend lectures, birding workshops, family festivals, and youth marine camps that connect people to Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems.
Featured Programs & Events
From Lunch & Learn lectures to marine science camps and birding workshops — engage, learn, and contribute.
About Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a Southwest Florida research and education organization that connects people to coastal science through lectures, workshops, community events, and youth camps.
It presents the Lunch & Learn Lecture Series at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, pairing a buffet from Carrabba’s Italian Grill with monthly presentations by environmental experts and complimentary center admission. The Reserve offers guided experiences such as Birding with Biologists, a three-hour beginner workshop at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park led by expert biologists focused on identification, behavior, and binocular skills.
Annual and community events include the Classic Car Show at Florida SouthWestern State College with vehicle and vendor registration options, family-friendly activities, and Friends of Rookery Bay fundraising; an Art Gallery Reception in partnership with United Arts Collier showcasing local photography and painting; and Rookery Bay Community Day. The Reserve also hosts Science Nite, the Seabird Social decoy painting workshop during the Festival of Birds, and a wildlife workshop series addressing marine animals, invasive Burmese pythons, and local mammals.
Professional learning opportunities include a hybrid workshop for real estate professionals on selling coastal and inland properties, seawalls, boat lifts, and regulations. Educational programs for youth include a half-day marine science camp for 7th–10th graders with hands-on lab experiences led by scientists focusing on sharks, sea turtles, and conservation.
Rookery Bay emphasizes research-driven programming, community partnerships, and practical learning to advance conservation and public understanding of estuarine ecosystems. Programs welcome residents, students, scientists, and visiting nature enthusiasts year-round.
Get Involved — Attend an Event or Support Conservation
Reserve a seat for the next lecture, register a classic car, or sign up for a workshop to experience Rookery Bay’s research-led programs.