National Estuaries Day Events at Rookery Bay
This is a fun event, and it’s FREE, and appropriate for people of all ages. This national event being held in our backyard is an annual celebration of the 28 national estuarine research reserves. Called National Estuaries Day, the celebration recognizes the importance of estuaries, the habitat where rivers meet the sea. Rookery Bay Reserve's event includes staff-narrated boat tours, introductory 30-minute kayaking trips, paddle boarding on Henderson Creek, marine critter touch tank, live animal presentations and educational booths. Additionally, there will be crafts and activities for children, behind-the-scenes tours of the science labs, films, music, food and more. Activities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A special art exhibition will also be on display in the gallery and merchandise will be available for purchase in the nature store. In addition, hear "Tales from the Coast," true stories spanning 29 years of coastal stewardship, from former reserve director Gary Lytton. If you can’t make it out for this event, it’s definitely worth putting on your “to visit” list.
Our community is very lucky to have such extensive natural reserves that are diligently cared for as part of the preservation of our natural habitats amidst the residential and commercial growth that has increased greatly over recent years. Those of us that live here know how important all of this is for our future. Located at the northern end of the Ten Thousand Islands on the gulf coast of Florida, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve represents one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Coastal Office in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). An amazing world exists within the 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters of Rookery Bay. Where rivers and streams meet the sea, a unique habitat is formed. A myriad of wildlife, including 150 species of birds and many threatened and endangered animals, thrive in the estuarine environment and surrounding upland hammocks and scrub found within the Reserve.
September 26, 2015
300 Tower Rd., Naples, FL 34113
239-530-5977
