Description

Explore Collier is proud to host

Seining at Tigertail Beach
and private tour of the Environmental Learning Center at Rookery Bay
Saturday, June 28th - registration will open soon!
$15 per person | Ages 10 years+

Tigertail Beach Seine Netting Experience: Leadership Collier Environmental Immersion

Connect with Marco Island's Critical Coastal Ecosystem

Leadership Collier members: Gain firsthand insight into one of our community's most valuable natural resources through this immersive environmental field experience at Tigertail Beach.

As decision-makers and community leaders, understanding our local ecosystems isn't just educational—it's essential. This seine netting experience offers a unique opportunity to directly engage with the coastal environment that drives our tourism economy, protects our shorelines, and contributes to Southwest Florida's exceptional quality of life.

What you'll experience:

• Participate in the ancient collection method of seining alongside Rookery Bay’s environmental educators
• Sleuth the lagoon to examine some of the diverse marine species that call our local waters home
• Collect water quality measurements and learn how Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve works to protect our estuaries and estuarine water quality
• Network with fellow professionals while gaining perspective on the importance of estuaries to our community and beyond

This hands-on activity delivers more than facts—it provides context for how healthy estuaries impact our community's sustainability, resilience, and economic prosperity. The insights gained will inform your leadership decisions when addressing coastal development, water quality initiatives, and community planning.

Wear attire that can get wet, close-toed shoes or water shoes, sunscreen, and a towel! Bring your curiosity and an open mind. You'll leave with valuable connections—both with fellow leaders and with the natural systems that make Collier County thrive.

Schedule:

8:45-9:00 AM- Arrive at Tigertail Beach Park
9:00-9:15 AM- Welcome, quick overview of the activities, split groups
9:15-10:45 AM- Groups participate in seining, mudflat exploration, and birding
10:45-11:15 AM- Groups cross lagoon, beach exploration (or continue seining, etc.)
11:15 AM-11:30 PM Wrap up
11:30-12:00 PM- travel to Environmental Learning Center at Rookery Bay
For information about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve visit the Rookery Bay website here.
12:00-12:30 PM- Lunch on back patio (bring your own lunches)
12:30-1:30 – tour of Environmental Learning Center at Rookery Bay and presentation