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 

For the first time in ten years, Least terns have nested on Morgan Beach and for the first time in three years, Black skimmers have returned to Sand Dollar Island. These rare encounters are a promising sign that Rookery Bay’s avian monitoring is making a positive impact on these imperiled species.     

The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center recently welcomed a group of fourth and fifth graders participating in the Grace Place summer camp program. These visits often serve as a child’s first connection to natural Florida and its iconic species.    

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.

The tiniest of tiny baby gecko recently made an unexpected appearance inside the Rookery Bay Administrative Building. The little hatchling was so young it still had a little piece of eggshell attached to its foot when staff found it roaming around inside.  

On Saturday, May 2nd, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve welcomed nearly 900 community members to the 2026 Rookery Bay Community Day. This family-friendly event was dedicated to celebrating the connection between people and the coastal environment.   It was a picture-perfect day filled with smiling kids, families and hands-on fun throughout the Environmental Learning Center grounds.

Spring in Southwest Florida means the return of one of nature’s most remarkable events … nesting season for shorebirds and sea turtles. Beginning April 1, beaches throughout the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve become critical nesting habitat for shorebirds such as Black Skimmers, Least Terns, Wilson’s Plovers and Loggerhead Sea Turtles.  

Rookery Bay Volunteer Orlando Hidalgo recently captured special moments of a bald eagle mother caring for her juvenile in the nest and in flight. The young eagle was observed being fed and preened by its parent and later shadowing her in the air to learn hunting and survival skills.  Juvenile bald eagles look dramatically different from the iconic white-headed adults.

Rookery Bay’s popular Lunch & Learn series continued its successful streak last week. The Environmental Learning Center auditorium was a full house for “Living with Bears in Southwest Florida.” This second program in the 2026 Birds, Bears and Bees series featured Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Bear Biologist Chris Boyce.

The 2025 Science Nite Series at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve ended on a high note… not so much with a bang, but an “Om.” The final evening welcomed Dr. Brent Jackson of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School, who guided participants through a thoughtful and engaging exploration of how time in nature can reduce stress, strengthen personal resilience and support overall well-being.