The program is designed to engage students in the process of science and incorporates critical thinking, high-level questioning, and scientific techniques. Students investigate the impacts of survivorship and have close encounters with estuary residents. The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve provides an amazing world for students to discover within its 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands, and protected waters.

The collaboration between Rookery Bay Research Reserve and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida enables more students to experience the estuary than ever before. The program allows for up to 60 students per visit and direct access to estuarine waters via our Good Fortune II pontoon boat. A visit to the Reserve empowers students to think critically about our region’s water concerns, the value of ecosystem services, and ways they can connect to our coastal resources.

Overall, the SURVIVORS field trip is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the coastal environment of Southwest Florida and engage with the process of science.

This year’s summer camp welcomed 124 first through sixth-grade campers to our Nature Center. Eight different camp groups explored our campus over 20 days, including our Dalton Discovery Center and John & Carol Walter Discovery Wing, electric boat tours on the Gordon River, arts and crafts in our Ferguson Learning Lab, and more. Campers also went on several field trips, some groups visiting the Naples Botanical Garden, Everglades City Airboat Tours, Naples Zoo, Rookery Bay, Pure Florida, Tigertail Beach, Everglades Wonder Gardens, and Keewaydin Island.

Our Summer Camp Director, known to the campers as “Coral,” credits our summer camp with helping children “stay curious and keep learning.” Thank you for another amazing year of summer camp, and we cannot wait to welcome more young explorers to our campus next year!

For more information about our summer camp, visit conservancy.org/summercamp.

In the morning, several of our Educators were able to join Dr. Win Everham on an incredible swamp walk deep into a flooded cypress dome, taking the opportunity to explore firsthand the types of sacred habitats that we work so hard to teach people about. These are truly magical wetlands, and it’s a blessing for us to continuously fall in love with the flora and fauna that make this area so special. While that was occurring, our other Educators were able to show off the mobile classroom on our Learning Adventures Bus (LAB). This is one of our greatest resources for community outreach, as it allows us to bring our programs to far more local Floridians across our five-county area than we’d previously been able to reach. For this conference in particular, we were able to demonstrate our program highlighting the Conservancy’s sea turtle research that we rolled out last summer and share how we lead mobile classroom programs with our peers.

Overall, this conference was a massive success, and we thank FGCU for hosting us and Dr. Jackson for coordinating the conference. We were able to showcase how incredible of a resource the LAB is for us in our Education mission, explore the biodiverse wetlands that we get to teach about, and were grateful to meet over 85 other environmental educators who are also passionately working so hard to save Southwest Florida’s natural landscape!

This exciting hands-on experience was part of a long-term effort in maintaining the health of local reefs through work such as outplanting coral fragments and sponges, along with removing any pests that may impact coral growth and development.

Starting with a training seminar on outplanting corals and sponges, Jordan and Ally learned the intricacies of coral restoration and the efforts I.CARE and its staff and interns put forth to aid in this important mission.

Afterwards, they were given a quick tour of one of Mote Marine Labs coral nurseries located in Islamorada. I.CARE partners with Mote to help outplant these corals once they’re ready to begin their lives on the reef. 

During their dives, Jordan and Ally actively participated in reef maintenance by removing predatory corallivorous yellow-footed snails (Coralliophila abbreviata); a species that is native to the Florida keys, but can over-prune coral reefs and leave them more susceptible to disease and bleaching.

Rising water temperatures in the Keys does not allow for corals to be outplanted too late into the summer, as it lowers their chances of survival. However, removing pests such as yellow-footed snails gives corals a greater chance of healthy growth.

Jordan and Ally’s participation in this project highlights the Conservancy’s efforts to promote environmental conservation throughout South Florida. This trip not only supported coral reef restoration, but also deepened the Conservancy’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. If anyone is interested in volunteering with I.CARE, more information can be found at here.

Participants explored these habitats through our touch table game learning about how animals use mangroves for protection. They also demonstrated how water flow from storm surge can affect us as humans on land while mangroves assist in protecting our homes, businesses, and land from these dangerous storms.

To combine everything they learned in the mobile classroom, participants enjoyed an outdoor relay race where they became ocean creatures that must receive their basic needs without being caught by a predator which inspired them to craft their own unique mangrove ecosystem. Overall, the program blended education and fun with interactive learning to gain a better understanding of these important ecosystems.

What’s in your yard right now?

This week is National Invasive Species Awareness Week and while a lot of us are probably pretty familiar with the more infamous invasive animals like Burmese pythons and lionfish, invasive plants are also a huge problem and often fly under the radar.

Many of the common plant species sold in big box stores and nurseries are non-native invasive species that can escape from our yards and start outcompeting and displacing native species. This can irreparably harm our native ecosystems, so wherever possible, please consider replacing these species with their prettier and far more beneficial native alternatives!

By adding these native plants to your landscape, not only are you keeping dangerous invasive species from spreading, but you’re also making your home part of the natural fabric to support your local wildlife. With proper research to make sure you pick a plant that will fit your landscape and living situation, this can become a very easy and rewarding step toward being a better steward of the land you live on.

New panther program on the Learning Adventures Bus

Driving to community events and after-school programs all over Collier County, this year the Conservancy’s Learning Adventures Bus (LAB) will be focusing on Florida panthers! Our educators will teach students about these elusive big cats, the ways scientists find and study them, and the importance of wildlife corridors for their long-term health. Through fun STEM-based games and hands-on science activities, students will become stewards of Florida’s most iconic – and endangered – state animal.

Updated daily talks on hurricanes, climate change and more

The education team hosts two daily talks at our Nature Center at 11:15 AM and 1:15 PM. Learn about the invasive species disturbing our ecosystem, immerse yourself in hurricane and climate change conversations with our Science on a Sphere exhibit, and understand the work of treating over 4,000 injured, sick, and orphaned native animals each year at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. Stop by a daily talk from Tuesday through Saturday to learn more about the Southwest Florida environment and the wildlife in our area.

Launch of Watery Wonders and Good Fortune II field trips

October marked the launch of the season’s Good Fortune II school trips. This science-based program offers seventh-grade students in Collier County the opportunity to get out on the water for hands-on data collection using real-world scientific tools. The Conservancy’s 35-passenger pontoon boat, the Good Fortune II, transports participants to conduct assessments and observations aimed at gauging the health of the estuary. This includes comparing water quality, plankton samples, and salinity at two different locations within the bay to assess its health.

Additionally, Watery Wonders, a specialty field trip for third graders in partnership with Collier County Public Schools, has returned. This program takes students on a three-hour journey where they explore key ecological concepts and discover why water is so critical to life in Southwest Florida. From dip-netting for small aquatic organisms in the Shotwell Wavering Family Filter Marsh to learning about plant biology, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and the water cycle while exercising their creativity at our three STEAM Stations, these field trips leave students knowing more about our unique ecosystems and what can be done to preserve them.

Conservancy education programs funded in part by:

While some aspects of Halloween are quite haunting, our wildlife is not to be feared. Certain species are deemed as “scary” or “creepy,” but these connotations can often hinder the protection and safety of wildlife. In taking a further look, we can see that these critters are not so spooky after all.

Snakes

There are around 50 species of native snakes in Florida, but only six of these are venomous. Nonvenomous snakes might still bite, generally only when provoked, but their bites are harmless so there is nothing to truly fear. Venomous snakes do have a more vicious bite, but encounters between venomous snakes and humans are quite rare as most snakes are just as afraid of humans as we are of them! If you spot a snake, the best thing to do is give them their space so they do not feel threatened and can slither away.

Spiders

Some species of spiders may look a little creepy, but these critters are not so bad. For example, the golden silk orb weaver is the largest spider species in Florida and looks a bit frightening. However, these spiders craft gorgeous golden webs that shine in the sun. Plus, spiders are excellent at pest control and keep many unwanted insects out of your way — without you even knowing!

Bats

Yes, vampire bats are real, but they do not live in Florida! Florida has 13 recognized native bat species, with some being common across the state and others living in small areas or migrating throughout the year. These flying mammals are insectivores and eat plenty of moths, flies, ants, mosquitoes and more — some bats can even eat their body weight in insects each night. Additionally, bat guano, or droppings, contains a lot of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium, making it a great fertilizer to aid plant growth.

This year’s Summer SLAM (Summer Learning Adventure Modules), supported by Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) grant funding, is a dynamic two-part program that combines the innovative Learning Adventures Bus (LAB) and an engaging new field trip to our campus.

Student Programs Manager, Tonya Zadrozny, says that the LAB visits will include opportunities for campers to actively participate in science activities tailored to their age group, ensuring an enjoyable, free and educational experience for all. 

A sea turtle nesting game, created by Educator Tyler Byrd, using the LAB touch table is a unique way to learn. The game walks students through the difficulties sea turtle hatchlings face from egg to hatching. Students click on a sea turtle and lead them toward the water while trying to avoid any obstacles and predators. After, we discuss the ways in which we can keep beaches safe for sea turtles.

“It has been a lot of fun seeing kids getting excited about science and learning how they can protect hatchling sea turtles!”

Tyler Byrd, Conservancy Educator

The Summer SLAM program strongly reflects the Conservancy’s mission of protecting Southwest Florida’s natural environment and quality of life. Through hands-on activities, like the sea turtle hatchling game and nest excavation, campers develop an understanding of conservation efforts.

Jenna Book is an Education Intern working with the LAB for the summer. She recalls a time when she watched a 5th grader become extremely interested in the sea turtle excavation activity.

“He asked us about sea turtle eggs, including how they were able to breathe and if they were still affected by gravity. It is really cool to see kids who take a genuine interest in these activities and really immerse themselves in the wonders of science.”

Jenna Book, Education Intern

The inclusion of the Learning Adventures Bus and campus field trip allows campers to connect directly with their local environment. By offering this program free of charge to students from underserved communities, the Conservancy ensures equal access to environmental education and STEM learning. The Summer SLAM program embodies the Conservancy’s commitment to preserving Southwest Florida’s natural resources for future generations.

Tonya Zadrozny, student programs manager, explains, “From the mesmerizing sea turtle nesting game on the LAB’s touch table to a mock sea turtle nest excavation, campers will have the chance to immerse themselves in the captivating world of these majestic creatures. They will explore the life of a newly hatched turtle and step into the shoes of a field scientist, deepening their understanding of conservation efforts while having fun.”

As part of the Summer SLAM, campers will also receive an invitation to visit our Nature Center for a field trip, extending their learning adventure. The field trip, also made possible by NCEF grant funding, will further enhance their understanding of the local environment and provide hands-on experiences that will leave a lasting impression. 

From engaging exhibits to activities combining art and science, the campus visit will be an unforgettable opportunity for campers to connect with nature and deepen their appreciation for the natural world.

Tonya Zadrozny

As an added bonus, participating campers will receive a take-home science kit, empowering them to continue their exploration of nature in their own surroundings. The kit will provide resources and materials for further scientific discovery, enabling campers to continue their journey of learning and exploration long after the program has ended.

By offering this comprehensive two-part learning experience at no cost to participating camps, supported by NCEF grant funding, we aim to ensure that every camper has the opportunity to engage in enriching educational activities. We believe that access to high-quality environmental education should be available to all, regardless of financial constraints.

Funding for the purchase and operation of the LAB has been provided by: Aileen S. Andrew Family Foundation; Jay & Patty Baker; Collier Community Foundation; The League Club; Naples Children & Education Foundation; Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation; South Florida Water Management District; The Stranahan Foundation; and three individual donors who wish to remain anonymous.