Located in Naples, Florida, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses 110,000 acres of one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. Managed through a public-private partnership involving the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, and Florida International University, the Reserve is dedicated to research, education, conservation, and professional training. Its unique coastal environment stretches from downtown Naples through the Western Everglades, covering 40 percent of Collier County’s coastline. The Reserve’s Environmental Learning Center offers interactive exhibits, art galleries, and trails, providing visitors with hands-on experiences that highlight the region’s ecological significance. The Reserve offers a variety of eco-tours including boat and kayak excursions that explore the estuary’s diverse habitats, such as mangrove tunnels and mudflats. These tours, operated by Rising Tide Explorers, provide all necessary equipment and instruction, catering to participants as young as three years old. Primitive camping is available year-round in designated areas north of San Marco Road, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings while adhering to conservation guidelines. The Reserve also hosts educational events, lectures, and art exhibitions, appealing to families, nature enthusiasts, and researchers alike. Through its comprehensive programs and protected lands, the Reserve fosters a deep connection between the community and Southwest Florida’s coastal environment.