Friends of Rookery Bay Welcomes New Executive Director

Friends of Rookery Bay welcomed their new Executive Director, TJ Snopkowski, to the demanding yet rewarding world of estuarine advocacy back in June of 2025, a world Snopkowski had dreamed of plenty but only recently fully embarked on. Nearly six months later, accustomed to his new role, Snopkowski’s experience at Rookery Bay is only confirmation that he is exactly where he’s meant to be and a reminder that sometimes life has roundabout ways of getting you there.  

Previously, Snopkowski dabbled in corporate settings, worked with nonprofits such as the American Red Cross, and even landed himself the position of Development Director at the American Heart Association in Southwest Florida. But love for nature ran in his blood.Raised in a small town known for its respect toward and passion for natural resources, Snopkowski always thought conservation was a mandate, that everyone had this mindset.  

“Working in public health, predominantly disaster response, reignited my love for the outdoors, wildlife, and conservation,” Snopkowski reflected. “So, I went back to school to study natural resource policy and administration through the University of Florida and immediately knew that this field was where I needed to be.” 

Even as his career flourished in public health, his passion kept circling back to the outdoors. Between classes and work, Snopkowski volunteered at environmental organizations like the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Audubon, furthering his understanding of the link betweenhuman wellness and the environment.  

“Clean water, clean air—those are public health issues too,” he said. “Countless studies have shown that poor environmental conditions lead to poor health outcomes, and by taking care of our ecosystems, we’re also taking care of our bodies.” 

When the opportunity with Friends of Rookery Bay arose, Snopkowski immediately recognized it as a perfect intersection of his experience and calling. “Rookery Bay is, I believe, the most important estuary in the country,” he said. “We border the Everglades—the kidneys of the planet. What happens here affects the entire Gulf Coast.” 

That awareness fuels his enthusiasm to raise the organization’s visibility. “My predecessor, Athan Barkoukis, and the board did an incredible job growing Friends of Rookery Bay into a robust nonprofit,” he said. “Now our goal is to take it to the next level—raise awareness, expand partnerships, and make sure people understand how vital this place is.” 

Many locals, he noted, know the Environmental Learning Center from school field trips, but fewer grasp the full scope of the Reserve’s 110,000 acres of protected estuarine habitat. “We’re 40% of the Collier County coastline,” he said. “Even if you live miles away, the mangroves and water quality that protect your home are influenced by what happens at Rookery Bay.” 

Part of Snopkowski’s leadership philosophy centers on first-hand experience within the Reserve. Early in his tenure, he joined Rookery Bay biologists on shark-tagging expeditions and sea-turtle nest excavations. “There’s no better teacher than being out there yourself,” he noted. “Seeing the work and enthusiasm of our biologists firsthand reminds me why supporting this Reserve is so important.” 

He recalls accompanying fisheries biologist Pat O’Donnell on his restoration research in Picayune Strand—a major component of the Everglades Restoration Project. “The research happening here is groundbreaking,” He explained. “And some of the methods developed at Rookery Bay are being used across the country.” 

That experience inspired one of Snopkowski’s first new initiatives: the forthcoming Adopt-a-Shark program, which will allow the public to help fund local fisheries research while learning about the species that inhabit Reserve waters. He clarified the importance of such initiatives during a time where much of Rookery Bay’s federal funding faces uncertainty.  

In addition to fresh programming and grant application, Snopkowski has spearheaded the expansion of monthly educational workshops within the Reserve, including new nature journaling and moon walk experiences guided by Reserve staff. Snopkowski added, “We’ve got some fun and exciting art exhibits to be displayed in the Learning Center throughout this year.”  

Each additional workshop and exhibit is part of Snopkowski’s mission to educate the public about and bring people closer to Rookery Bay. He pointed out, “around four million people recreate in Rookery Bay per year, and only a small fraction are probably aware of what we’re doing here.” 

Rookery Bay represents one of the last remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America—and one of the most ecologically significant.Not only does it serve as a nursery for countless marine creaturesand a natural buffer that ensures the safety of local residents- Rookery Bay also functions as a living classroom and research hub, where scientists, educators, and volunteers work together to understand and protect the coastal ecosystems that define our way of life. 

Although Snopkowski is still passionate about public health, it wasultimatelyhis compassion for wildlife that got him hooked to Rookery Bay. And over time,he’s found that the Reserve’s mission encapsulates a blend of community resilience, outdoor education,and wildlife advocacy- a perfect fit for Snopkowski’s unique experience and purpose.  

As he looks toward the future, collaboration is a key theme. “The environmental community here is incredibly cooperative,” he said. “From the Conservancy to CREW, Audubon, and other Friends groups—we all share the same goal: protecting Southwest Florida’s natural resources.” 

When asked what legacy he hopes to leave, Snopkowski paused before answering. “I just want to leave the organization better than I found it. It’s already in great condition, but I want to grow it, strengthen it, and ensure its sustainability long term,” he said. “If we can connect more people to nature, create new advocates, and raise awareness for how vital Rookery Bay is to our future, then I’ll feel like I’ve done my job.” 

For those who haven’t visited, he offers an open invitation: “Stop by the Learning Center,” he insists. “If I’m there, I’d love to meet you myself. I’d love to help you understand why Rookery Bay deserves our protection.” 

To learn more about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and to view upcoming events, visit https://rookerybay.org/ and follow Friends of Rookery Bay on social media to stay up to date @friendsofrookerybay.