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Location
The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is located between Naples and Marco Island, one mile south of Tamiami Trail East (US 41) off Collier Blvd (SR 951.) From I-75 take exit 101 and travel south six miles.
Conference Rental
The ELC facilities are available for your conference, meeting or other event. For details:
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Environmental Learning Center
The Environmental Learning Center is a 16,500 square-foot facility with four research laboratories, classrooms and 140-seat auditorium, and two story visitors center. The visitor center offers a variety of hands-on experiences, including 2,300-gallon aquarium and interactive exhibits addressing research and stewardship efforts ongoing within the Reserve, as well as a nature store, gallery and picnic area.
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Open
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| Monday - Saturday |
9:00 am - 4:00 pm |
| Closed Saturdays May– October |
Closed on National Holidays
The Learning Center will be closed November 11th in honor of Veteran's Day. |
Admission
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| Adults |
$5.00 |
| Children Ages 6-12 |
$3.00 |
| Children Under 6 |
No Cost |
The Environmental Learning Center is designed for self-guided tours. Coastal Connections daily programs are available with admission. Self-guided tour audio wands - $2
Group Tour Guide: $50/guide for 45-60 minute tour of facility. Up to 20 visitors per guide.
Reservations for tour guides are required – call 239-417-6310 to book your group tour.
Your group is welcome to have lunch during your visit to the Environmental Learning Center. Lunch space reservations and fee required. A drink vending machine is available on-site. Please bring bag lunches in a cooler for your group.
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Coastal Connections Daily Programs
Join our team of naturalists for a closer look at some of the remarkable creatures that inhabit our coastal environment.
From sea shells to orchids, these 45-minute programs are offered daily at 11 am and 2:00 pm and are included with regular admission.
Starting in June, the Environmental Learning Center is bringing back Kids FREE Fridays! Kids under 12 (accompanied by adult) can enjoy Munchin’ in the Mangroves, our featured fish feeding experience, as well as a special hands-on, kid-friendly program about snakes, turtles, sharks or manatees, and a fascinating nature film wraps up the day. The entire family is invited to enjoy their lunch on our patio.
Walk Through Time
Walk Through Time
Join a Rookery Bay naturalist for a one-hour guided historical walk on Shell Island Road. Learn about the mighty Calusas and the pioneering families of the Little Marco Settlement.
Walk Through Time is suspended until Fall
New Chickee
With a generous donation to the Friends of Rookery Bay, Patricia Duffy-Johnson helped the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve add a new structure to the Environmental Learning Center facilities. An authentic Seminole chickee has been erected on the grounds in honor of the late Harold Johnson. Mr. Johnson enjoyed being outdoors and was always interested in learning more about the coastal environment, so Mrs. Johnson decided to provide a shady location for the Estuary Explorers fourth grade students and other educational programs that are conducted at the Environmental Learning Center. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Mrs. Johnson and her closest friends on Saturday, March 24, in advance of the Southwest Florida History and Archaeology Festival.
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