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.

Naples

Birding with Biologists: Discovering Naples’ Feathered Wonders at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Park

Step into the world of birdwatching with expert biologist Megan Hatten in Naples, Florida. This 3-hour workshop at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Park invites beginners to learn identification skills and experience the region's diverse birdlife up close.

Birding with Biologists: Discovering Naples’ Feathered Wonders at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Park

Experience the Classic Car Show at Florida SouthWestern State College in Naples, FL

Join fellow car enthusiasts at Florida SouthWestern State College in Naples, FL for the annual Classic Car Show featuring 100+ vintage, muscle, and exotic cars alongside vendors and family fun. Discover why this event is a must-visit for automotive fans and locals alike!

Naples

Experience the Art Gallery Reception at Rookery Bay: Celebrate Local Nature-Inspired Creativity in Naples, Florida

Join the Art Gallery Reception at Rookery Bay in Naples, Florida, to explore captivating local photography and paintings inspired by the region’s unique estuarine landscapes. Enjoy complimentary drinks and light bites while celebrating the intersection of art and nature.

Naples

Experience the Ultimate Classic Car Show in Naples, Florida

Discover a day of vintage cars, great food, and family fun at the Classic Car Show in Naples, Florida. Explore over 100 classic and muscle cars while supporting local conservation efforts.

Experience the Ultimate Classic Car Show in Naples, Florida

Naples

Engage and Explore: Science Nite at Rookery Bay in Naples, Florida

Experience an evening of learning and fun at Science Nite, hosted by Rookery Bay Reserve in Naples, Florida. Test your knowledge with an answer hunt, enjoy snacks, and dive into captivating presentations about the region's unique estuary ecosystem.

Engage and Explore: Science Nite at Rookery Bay in Naples, Florida

Naples

Experience the Forest Bathing Wellness Walk in Naples, Florida: A Restorative Outdoor Escape

Discover the calming effects of the Forest Bathing Wellness Walk near Naples, Florida. This guided nature experience invites you to slow down and engage your senses amidst subtropical woodlands for a deeply restorative outdoor escape.

Naples

Hands-On Wildlife Interaction Training in Naples, Florida: Discover Birds and Conservation

Explore the diverse birdlife of Southwest Florida up close with Wildlife Interaction Training in Naples. Gain hands-on knowledge about native species, invasive pythons, and conservation to deepen your connection with nature.

Naples

Explore Marine Science at Rookery Bay Research Reserve: A Summer Adventure for Teens

Dive into marine science this summer at Rookery Bay Research Reserve in Naples, FL. This half-day camp for 7th to 10th graders offers hands-on learning with real scientists, shark research, and coastal habitat exploration.

Explore Marine Science at Rookery Bay Research Reserve: A Summer Adventure for Teens

Naples

Mastering Digital Photography: A Hands-On Workshop in Naples, Florida

Unlock the full potential of your digital camera with expert guidance in this engaging three-hour workshop in Naples, Florida. Perfect for all skill levels, learn essential techniques to capture stunning images in a variety of outdoor settings.

Mastering Digital Photography: A Hands-On Workshop in Naples, Florida

Naples

Explore Nature and Art: Watercolor Painting with Wildlife Inspiration in Rookery Bay

Discover the beauty of Rookery Bay through a 2.5-hour watercolor class with local artist Jan, where you’ll paint the area’s iconic wildlife while deepening your connection to this vital Florida estuary.

Naples

Land-Adventures & Art at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve

Discover how art and nature meet in this unique collage workshop at Rookery Bay. Unleash your creativity amid Florida’s stunning estuarine landscapes and learn the secrets of incorporating natural materials into your artwork.

Land-Adventures & Art at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve

Naples

Creative Art Workshop at Rookery Bay Estuarine Reserve

Discover a one-of-a-kind art workshop at Rookery Bay where music and creativity come together. Perfect for families and art enthusiasts alike, this experience sparks inspiration amid lush estuarine scenery.

Creative Art Workshop at Rookery Bay Estuarine Reserve

Naples

Moon Walk Nights at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve

Step into the nocturnal world of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve with a guided full moon hike. Discover bats, frogs, and night insects come alive in this unique coastal ecosystem.

Moon Walk Nights at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve

wildlife nature

Naples

Nature Journaling at Rookery Bay Research Reserve

At Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve near Naples, Florida, nature journaling provides an immersive, hands-on way to engage deeply with the coastal ecosystem. Slow down, observe, write, and draw to uncover the subtle details of this richly biodiverse estuarine reserve.

Nature Journaling at Rookery Bay Research Reserve

Naples

Mastering Community Preserve Management: Essential Workshop for HOAs and CAMs in Naples, Florida

Improve your community’s natural preserve management skills with this engaging workshop in Naples, Florida. Learn ecosystem services, regulations, and prescribed fire techniques essential to sustainable stewardship.

Naples

Perfect Paint Pairs at Rookery Bay: A Creative Outdoor Experience in Naples, Florida

Discover a vibrant watercolor workshop for pairs at Rookery Bay in Naples, Florida. Enjoy coastal wildlife, expert guidance, and a memorable creative escape just steps from the bay.

Perfect Paint Pairs at Rookery Bay: A Creative Outdoor Experience in Naples, Florida

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.

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve fleet

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve team

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve — Events, Workshops & Marine Education

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve offers a diverse calendar of estuarine education and community-focused events in Southwest Florida. Whether searching for birding workshops, marine science camps, lecture series, or family-friendly festivals, visitors will find programs that combine research-driven learning with hands-on experiences.

Popular Programs and Key Events

Lunch & Learn Lecture Series — Monthly lectures at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center featuring environmental experts and a buffet from Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Complimentary admission to the center accompanies the lecture.
Birding with Biologists — A three-hour beginner birding workshop at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park led by expert biologists, focused on species identification, behavior, and binocular techniques.
Classic Car Show — Annual car show at Florida SouthWestern State College with vehicle and vendor registration options, entertainment, food trucks, and family activities supporting Friends of Rookery Bay.
Art Gallery Reception — A local photography and painting showcase presented in partnership with United Arts Collier, featuring complimentary wine, beer, and light bites.
Seabird Social: Decoy Painting Workshop — A hands-on Festival of Birds event where participants paint decoys to support seabird nesting and conservation.
Science Nite & Rookery Bay Community Day — Evening science programs and community celebrations that bring research, outreach, and fun together.
Wildlife Workshop Series — Hands-on sessions covering marine creatures, invasive Burmese pythons, and local mammals.
Coastal Real Estate Workshop (Hybrid) — Professional development for real estate professionals and consultants on coastal/inland properties, seawalls, boat lifts, and regulations.
Marine Science Camp (7th–10th graders) — Half-day camps with lab experiences led by scientists focusing on sharks, sea turtles, and conservation.

Why Attend Rookery Bay Programs

Research-led instruction: Programs are designed around estuarine science and delivered by biologists and scientists.
Community partnerships: Events collaborate with organizations like Friends of Rookery Bay, United Arts Collier, Florida SouthWestern State College, and Carrabba’s Italian Grill to expand reach and impact.
Hands-on learning: From decoy painting for seabird conservation to field birding practice, activities prioritize active participation.
Youth education: Marine science camps give middle and high school students lab-based experiences and direct contact with coastal research.

Plan a Visit — What to Expect

Expect informative lectures, practical workshops, family-friendly festivals, and volunteer-driven events. Locations include the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, and Florida SouthWestern State College.

Keywords & Search Terms

Rookery Bay, estuarine reserve, Lunch & Learn, birding with biologists, marine science camp, Classic Car Show, Art Gallery Reception, Seabird Social, Festival of Birds, Science Nite, wildlife workshop, coastal real estate workshop, Southwest Florida conservation, environmental education.

Final Notes

For those searching for meaningful coastal education and community events in Southwest Florida, Rookery Bay’s calendar delivers a blend of science, stewardship, and public engagement. Whether registering for a lecture, enrolling a student in camp, or joining a hands-on workshop, participants directly support estuarine research and conservation efforts.

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.