The Friends of Rookery Bay is a nonprofit organization that fundraises and works to build up the community surrounding the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Through their efforts, the Friends of Rookery Bay helps to preserve this vital piece of Southwest Florida’s coastal environment for generations to come. The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a unique partnership between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, and Florida International University. Located in Collier County, this 110,000 acre reserve is responsible for managing the wildlife and habitat in the area, encompassing 40 percent of the county’s coastline. The Reserve focuses on research, education, and conservation, while the Friends of Rookery Bay works to build the local community and raise funds to support the Reserve’s efforts. Together, the two organizations are committed to ensuring the protection of Southwest Florida’s precious coastal environment for years to come.