1st DEP Roots of Adventure Kids Event Hosted at Rookery Bay Research Reserve
More than 35 children and their parents spent a day exploring Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve last week during the inaugural “Rookery Bay Roots of Adventure Kids Event.” The half-day experience was held in conjunction with the 40th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School (EPSS) and gave conference attendees' families an opportunity to experience Rookery Bay’s estuary and Environmental Learning Center through hands-on science and outdoor exploration.
Presented by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as part of the Environmental Permitting Summer School, the program introduced youngsters and their parents to the Reserve's diverse habitats, wildlife and ongoing scientific research while encouraging environmental stewardship among the next generation.
The idea for Roots of Adventure grew from an outing hosted by Rookery Bay for the DEP Secretary's Office last year during the Permitting Summer School. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert, other staff members enjoyed an educational boat tour and trawl for marine life led by Rookery Bay’s education team. The success of that day on the water, inspired the Secretary's Office to partner with the Environmental Permitting Summer School to establish the Roots of Adventure Kids Event. This program will be offered during the conference each year (which is always held on nearby Marco Island).
Kids were divided into two age groups, allowing each group to experience activities tailored to their interests and abilities. Elementary-aged students visited Rookery Bay's Environmental Learning Center, where they toured the art gallery, explored interactive nature exhibits, observed native aquarium species and enjoyed one of the facility's most popular attractions: the Estuary Encounter touch tank.
Meanwhile, middle and high school students traveled to Rookery Bay's Shell Island Road Field Station, where they boarded a Conservancy of Southwest Florida research vessel to become scientists for the day. During their field excursion, students collected water samples, measured salinity using refractometers, gathered plankton and learned about the ecology and natural history of Rookery Bay's estuarine system.
The two groups reunited at the Environmental Learning Center for lunch before participating in a plankton laboratory session using samples collected during the boat trip. With the help of microscopes and identification guides, the kids (and their parents) examined and identified a variety of plankton and zooplankton, gaining firsthand experience with the tiny organisms that form the foundation of the estuary's food web.
A big thank you to Rookery Bay Education Coordinator Sarah Falkowski for coordinating the event alongside Sarah Hoffmeister, Director of External Affairs for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Special thanks also to the many Rookery Bay staff members and volunteers whose efforts created an educational and memorable experience for participating families, as well as to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for providing a research vessel and educational support throughout the day.
By combining hands-on science, outdoor exploration and environmental education, Roots of Adventure introduced young participants to the unique ecosystems of Southwest Florida while inspiring curiosity, stewardship and an appreciation for Florida's natural resources.
Rookery Bay looks forward to meeting next year’s group for the 2nd Annual Roots of Adventure Kids Event.