DEP’s Rookery Bay Reserve to Host Dive Into Oceans

NAPLES – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve will host Dive into Oceans, a three-day event to engage children of all ages in the amazing world of Florida’s oceans. Students from twelve local middle schools will participate on April 28 and 29. The event will be open to the public on Saturday, April 30.

Now in its seventh year, the public event features an opportunity for guests ages 10 and older (who also meet height requirements) to learn firsthand about SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) from certified divers providing instruction in a 17,000-gallon pool temporarily set up on the Rookery Bay back lawn. The event also includes:

• Dive Into Oceans Art Show featuring work by Collier County students
• Plankton lab with views of microscopic organisms
• Guided science lab tours
• Guided nature walks
• Guided kayak tours (cost additional)
• Touch tank
• Nature films
• Children’s activities
• Drawing for water-related prizes and giveaways

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 6-12 and free for members.

A food vendor will be on site throughout the day. For more information please call (239) 417-6310 ext. 401 or visit www.rookerybay.org.

Student Days: April 28 and 29, 2011
Public Event Day: April 30, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
300 Tower Road
Naples, Florida