Rookery Bay Director Jeff Carter Participates in Panel on Mangroves

Rookery Bay Research Reserve was honored to take part in a special panel discussion on mangroves at the Naples Baker Museum, alongside representatives from the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and artist Nathalie Alfonso, whose work is currently featured in the Entangled in the Mangroves exhibit. The evening opened with a moving Miccosukee poetry reading and drum ceremony, celebrating the deep cultural and ecological significance of mangroves to the Tribe’s history and traditions. Moderated by Reverend Houston Cypress of the Miccosukee’s Otter Clan, a Two-Spirit poet, artist, and ecological activist, the discussion explored the intersection of art, culture and science within the Everglades ecosystem. Panelists, including Rookery Bay’s Director Jeff Carter, shared insights about how mangrove forests protect our coasts and nurture the wildlife that call them home. Staff from Rookery Bay and Friends of Rookery Bay were also on hand for this exceptional evening event.