The Lunch & Learn Lecture Series hosted at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center invites guests to enjoy a hot buffet from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, while learning something new on the big screen in the comfort of the auditorium.

Each month, experts will focus on a unique, research topic spotlighting Rookery Bay's environmental partners.

Topic: Partnering with Plants

Chad Washburn, Vice President of Conservation (Naples Botanical Garden)

Coastal dune ecosystems are our community’s first line of defense against rising sea levels and intensifying storms. A healthy and diverse beach dune ecosystem provides not only protection from storms and tidal surge flooding, it allows for faster recovery after a storm. Until recently, most of the local native plant diversity required to rebuild our community’s beach dunes after recent hurricanes has not been available for restoration projects. Thanks to a unique collaborative effort between Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Naples Botanical Garden, a seed bank and living collection of the diverse native plant material necessary to restore resiliency to our community’s beaches is being made available. Join us to learn more about these efforts and what you can do to protect our coastline.

Duration: 1 Hour

Please arrive 15 minutes early to get your plate, grab a seat, and enjoy the lecture 12-1 pm.

Rates: Person (Adults): $20

Registration fee includes lunch, presentation and Q & A with speaker, plus complimentary admission to the Environmental Learning Center ($10 value)

Click here to Register