Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Review

In the midst of 110,000-acre Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve, the center dramatically interprets the Everglades environment and local history with interactive models, aquariums, original art, a film, tours, and classes. It's on the edge of the estuary, about five minutes east of Marco's north bridge on Collier Boulevard. In 2009 the center debuted a $1 million, 250-foot pedestrian bridge that spans the reserve's creek from the center's second floor, and connects with a half-mile nature trail that can be followed by guided or self-guided tour. Kayak tours are also available. Other new exhibits include an interactive research boat with bird sounds and glass-bottom-boat video, and exhibits about the Gulf of Mexico and global climate change.