Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve offers those with professional and personal interest in study marine culture a chance to do so in a protected environment. It is located at the north end of Ten Thousand Islands, which is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is one of the few undisturbed mangrove estuaries left on the continent. The reserve contains 110,000 acres of mangrove forest, protected waters and uplands. Since the area contains the meeting point of the ocean with rivers and streams, there is a unique habitat. There are more than 150 species of birds, many of which are endangered. The goal of the reserve is to provide education, research and land management by working in conjunction with the local communities. The reserve is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Onsite is a 16,500-square foot learning center with classrooms, a 140-seat auditorium, four research labs and a two-story visitor's center. Inside the visitor's center is a 2,300-gallon aquarium. There is also a picnic area and nature store onsite. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities while at the reserve including canoeing and kayaking, hiking trails, fishing, birdwatching, camping and boating.