Reinventing the Wheel at Rookery Bay

For decades, Florida’s Rookery Bay Research Reserve has provided science field trips for students in Collier County Public Schools. From elementary to high school, students have had the chance to explore estuaries, study marine life, and gain valuable hands-on experience in these unique Florida ecosystems. However, in recent years, the number of field trips has declined due to a logistical challenge: a severe bus driver shortage. The solution? The Friends of Rookery Bay provided the funding for charter buses to transport the students.

In 2019, field trips were at an all-time high, with 74 trips booked for the 2019-2020 school year. Then, the pandemic hit. When schools reopened, the transportation landscape had changed dramatically and bus drivers were in short supply. From 2022 to 2024, less than 20 field trips took place per year. The lack of transportation also forced some schools to cancel due to the long commute cutting into limited learning hours.

Recognizing the importance of field trips for environmental education, the Friends of Rookery Bay sought innovative solutions. Working with Sarah Falkowski, the Research Reserve’s education coordinator, they decided to fund charter buses, significantly alleviating the strain on the school district and allowing students to enjoy a full field trip experience rather than a truncated version.

“As field trip durations were cut over the years, key experiences—like stepping onto a barrier island or putting feet in the Gulf—were lost,” says Athan Barkoukis, executive director of the Friends of Rookery Bay. “With more support for transportation, students and educators can once again engage fully.”

For many of the students, this was their first time on a charter bus. Handwritten thank-you notes from Collier County students to the Friends highlighted their appreciation, with one student expressing gratitude for “the wonderful buses you provided us.” Many students, despite living in a coastal county, have never been on a boat or visited the beach. One participant described the experience as “broadening their horizons in a huge way.” A teacher also wrote, stating that opportunities like these field trips “help recharge my science batteries.”

“Growing up here, learning about Florida’s ecosystem at the Rookery Bay Research Reserve was paramount in my initial love for it,” says Matea Denisen, student at Florida Gulf Coast University and now a Reserve intern. “It wasn’t until I was in college that I really found my calling. If I hadn’t had that experience in school, I don’t know if it would have stuck as much as it did.” 

While emergency funds supported transportation this year, long-term sustainability remains a concern. The upcoming Friends of Rookery Bay fundraiser aims to secure ongoing financial support. 

“Collier County’s transportation challenges are not unique, and this initiative may inspire other organizations facing similar issues,” says Athan. “Securing alternative transportation could benefit local museums and other educational programs. Plans are already in motion to partner with a nearby museum to help transport students from low-income areas, bridging the gap between art and environmental education.”

The upcoming 2025-2026 school year holds promise, with an increase in planned field trips and continued efforts to secure sustainable funding. By thinking outside the box and prioritizing student access to environmental education, the Friends of Rookery Bay are ensuring that future generations develop a lasting connection with Florida’s ecosystems.