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At the northern part of the Ten Thousand Islands on Florida’s gulf coast, there is magical world of pristine, unspoiled, mysterious mangrove forests, protected waters, and uplands. The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve occupies 110,000 acres of one of the last remaining North American mangrove estuaries undisturbed by human activity.

Rookery Bay is formed where streams and rivers meet the sea, creating a unique, magical habitat. This wonderful estuarine world surrounded by scrub and hammocks is home to some very special animals, including about 150 species of birds, many of which are threatened and endangered. These animals thrive in the estuarine environment and surrounding upland hammocks and scrub found within the reserve. Take a tour of Rookery Bay and learn more about the research conducted to protect and preserve this rare natural oasis.

Address: Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113, 239-530-5940

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Go bird watching in the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Take the kids to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens Have a picnic in Lowdermilk Beach Park on your weekend getaway See over one hundred historic cars at The Revs Institute Stroll through the Bird Gardens of Naples Hike at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Admire the galleries at The Baker Museum Relax on the beach at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Walk along the boardwalk in the Bird Rookery Swamp Sign up for a guided tour of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary See fluttering butterflies at Clam Pass Park Go shopping at The Village on Venetian Bay Take the kids to the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples See the interactive exhibits at the Naples Depot Museum Take a tour of Naples Historical Society's Historic Palm Cottage Explore the native gardens at the Collier County Museum Enjoy water-based activities at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon Take an art class at the Naples Art Institute Watch a production of The Naples Players at the Sugden Community Theatre Check out the Naples Winter Wine Festival Go fishing in Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

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