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Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Trails Through Time...
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR), in cooperation with local community partners, has developed a trail system to provide public access and interpretation of natural and cultural resources within the Reserve.  Trails are designed to introduce visitors to the various native plant communities, ranging from mangrove-forested wetlands to upland buffer lands such as pine flatwoods and oak scrub habitats.  In addition, the Reserve's trail system provides an excellent opportunity to learn about ongoing restoration projects, prescribed fire regimes, wildlife, protected species, and both historical and cultural resources of the Reserve.  Furthermore, through the use of designated access points visitors can enjoy the Reserve's coastal environment.

Trails Through Time...
Located near the end of Shell Island Road, the Trails Through Time is a series of three trails each approximately ¼ mile long.  Botanical signage has been installed along the trails to assist visitors in identifying the various native trees and ecosystems.

Shell Mound Trail
This trail was designed and constructed by RBNERR through a collaborative effort with Collier County Public Schools.  It follows a mangrove fringing shoreline adjacent to pre-Calusa historical sites and an active habitat restoration project.  Through self-guided interpretive signs, visitors can learn about pioneers who previously lived in the Rookery Bay area, and the role the local community played in establishing the Reserve.

Monument Point Trail
This trail is linked to the Shell Mound Trail, providing visitors with access to Henderson Creek and the Children's Monument.  The monument serves as a historical tribute recognizing the efforts of school children involved in helping to raise initial funds for purchasing core lands around Rookery Bay in the 1960's. 

Cat Claw Trail 
This trail was designed and constructed by RBNERR in collaboration with Collier County Audubon Society, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Friends of Rookery Bay.  The trail follows a natural storm berm that traverses through a tropical hardwood forest, and provides excellent views of fringing red mangrove and black mangrove forests.
Trails Through Time Map

Click here for printer-friendly map and description (PDF 421 kb).
 
Locator Map
Major Activities
Walking

Trail Lengths/Surface: All three trails are approximately 1/4 mile long.

The trails are unpaved.

Fee: None

County: Collier

Nearby Cities: Naples and Marco Island

Access/Directions:
 Trails Through Time...
From the North-Naples: Head South on US 41.  Turn Right on Route 951 (Collier Blvd.) and travel approximately 3 miles. Turn right on Shell Island Road just past the brown Briggs Nature Center sign.

From the South-Marco Island:  Head North on Route 951 (Collier Boulevard). Turn Left on Shell Island Road just past the brown Briggs Nature Center sign.

Contact Information:
 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
300 Tower Road
Naples, Florida 34113
239-417-6310.

Notes: Rookery Bay's Environmental Learning Center

The Reserve, with support from the State Legislature, NOAA, the Friends of Rookery Bay and others, has built, furnished and endowed an Environmental Learning Center and Marine Laboratory. The 16,500 square foot Center is located on a 10-acre site on Tower Road adjacent to Route 951 (Collier Boulevard) near Marco Island.

The Center provides a state-of-the-art facility to address the changing needs of our rapidly growing community and the pristine estuary that attracted many to Southwest Florida. Visitors to the center have the opportunity to experience Rookery Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands through self-guided exploration, interactive exhibits, encounters with researchers and biologists, participation in field education programs, and wildlife observation.

Rookery Bay's Environmental Learning Center-
Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm                                            

Admission: Adults $5.00, Children Ages 6-12 $3.00, Children Under 6 No Cost

For additional information please contact the Reserve at 239-417-6310.