Kayaking for Conservation

On Saturday, November 2nd, fifteen of Marco Island Academy’s Science National Honor Society members embarked on a mudflats and mangrove tunnels kayak tour with Rising Tide Explorers. The group was advised by Brandon Swope and Zachary Wolfe of MIA and led by Renee, Helen, Derrick, and Ben of Rising Tide Explorers. Students saw various marine and bird species, learned about our mangroves, and discussed the importance of local conservation efforts. Riding Tide Explorers was founded in 2015 when a group of graduate students from FGCU looking for extra income opportunities identified that they had qualifications and experience that well exceeded most eco-tour operations that existed in the area. Part of the proceeds from every adventure go back to the Friends of Rookery,  directly supporting research, education, programs, conservation, staff positions, internships, and more at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.