NAPLES (Oct. 7) – The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, will reopen Monday, Oct. 10. The two-story nature center with aquariums, a touch tank, natural history exhibits, walking trails, art gallery, butterfly garden, picnic areas and nature store is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Regular admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. During the month of October, admission is free for military and first responder families. While boat tours are paused at this time, kayak tours and rentals are available. Residents of Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties can receive 25% off a kayak tour or rental with the code “SWFLSTRONG” during checkout at rookerybay.org. For more information, call 239-530-5972.
Upcoming events include:
Oct. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. – Lunch & Learn Lecture Series on the topic "What is the National Estuarine Research Reserve System?" with Jay Black, Rookery Bay's Research Coordinator, and Jeff Carter, Rookery Bay's Stewardship Coordinator. The $20 fee includes lunch from Carrabba's Italian Grill. Reservations required at rookerybay.org.
Oct. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop. Instructor Sonny Saunders discusses a camera’s shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to create images with impact and creativity. Fee is $55 and reservations are required at rookerybay.org.
Nov. 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. – Painting Annual Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony. Held in conjunction with the United Arts Council of Collier County. Light refreshments served. Free.
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