Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

1. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

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Located at the northern end of the Ten Thousand Islands on the gulf coast of Florida, the Rookery Bay Reserve represents one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. An amazing world exists within the 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters of Rookery Bay.

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.

2. Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

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Apalachicola Bay is one of the most productive estuarine systems in the Northern Hemisphere. The reserve protects the region’s biological diversity, as well as the economic value of the natural resources and pristine conditions.

Between 60 to 85 percent of the local population make their living directly from the fishing industry, most of which is done in reserve waters.

Understandably, research projects that target commercial fisheries management and the food chain are a high priority in the Apalachicola Reserve. In addition to its water quality monitoring program, the reserve has engaged in extensive benthic habitat mapping in Apalachicola Bay and has a highly sophisticated geographic information systems (GIS) database, which is used to educate coastal managers and visiting researchers about the area and its ecology.

Other educational offerings include ongoing guest lectures for the community and coastal management workshops for environmental professionals. The reserve's K-12 educational activities are divided between classroom and on-site programs.

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

3. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

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The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations.

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Association

4. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Association

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The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat on and around Sanibel and Capitva.

Delnor Wiggins State Park

5. Delnor Wiggins State Park

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One of the most popular seaside destinations in Naples, the mile-long stretch of white sugar sand at Delnor-Wiggins has been rated one of the best beaches in the nation. The 166-acre park is a tropical paradise for beach lovers, boaters and divers. The beach is a popular spot to sunbathe, swim, beachcomb, snorkel and picnic

Lover’s Key State Park

6. Lovers Key State Park

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A haven for wildlife, the islands and their waters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The two mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing.

Mote Marine Laboratory

7. Mote Marine Laboratory

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Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent nonprofit marine research organization based in Sarasota, Fla., with field stations in eastern Sarasota County, Charlotte Harbor and the Florida Keys. We are dedicated to advancing the science of the sea through the study of marine and estuarine ecosystems, through our public Mote Aquarium and through an education division that provides unique programs for all ages. Showcasing this research is Mote Aquarium, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

8. Conservancy of Southwest Florida

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Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a grassroots organization focused on protecting the water, land and wildlife of the region. We accomplish this through the combined integrated efforts of environmental education, policy and advocacy, environmental science and research and a wildlife rehabilitation clinic.

Naples Botanical Garden

9. Naples Botanical Garden

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Naples Botanical Garden is a world-class destination offering visitors an interactive learning experience as they stroll lush tropical landscapes of Florida, the Caribbean and Brazil in addition to a hands-on Children’s Garden and 90 acres of Native Preserve. Learn about native Florida plants and their impact on natural environments as well as sustainability practices.

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program

10. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program

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Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program is a partnership working to protect the natural environmental in Florida from Venice to Bonita Springs to Winter Haven.

The Eco Living Center at Rutenberg Park

11. The Eco Living Center at Rutenberg Park

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The Eco Living Center at Rutenberg Park provides Southwest Florida residents and visitors the opportunity to discover resources for living lighter on the planet. It provides displays and green product information, eco minded organizational brochures and event notices, Florida Friendly landscaping workshops, ecotourism, paddling, and Park/Preserve brochures, and hosts The Mangrove Gathering Eco Café.