Volunteers Like Beth Help Keep Rookery Bay Thriving Every Day

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Rookery Bay Research Reserve, contributing their time and talent to help connect people with the Reserve’s coastal environment. Every few months Volunteer Coordinator Donna Young hosts an informational orientation to welcome a new group interested in volunteering. At the last one, seasoned volunteer Beth Thompson took the lead at the Environmental Learning Center Estuary Encounter touch tank. She worked alongside the new summer education interns as they practiced their recently learned skills handling the marine animals.    

Beth has volunteered with Rookery Bay since 2021, donating more than 1,000 hours. She is a certified docent and a member of Rookery Bay’s on-the-water outreach group Team OCEAN. She also assists with school programs and special events. Her dedication to teaching others about the wonders of the Reserve is apparent having worked in Collier County as a teacher for many years.    

Because of volunteers like Beth, Rookery Bay is able to educate community members and the next generation of stewards. Thank you Beth (and all Rookery Bay volunteers) for everything you do for the Reserve!