Friends of Rookery Bay Welcomes New Executive Director – Coastal Breeze News

Report on New Leadership and Strategic Direction at Friends of Rookery Bay

Introduction: Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In June 2025, TJ Snopkowski was appointed Executive Director of Friends of Rookery Bay. His leadership is set to enhance the organization’s strategic focus on estuarine advocacy, aligning its core mission with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report outlines Mr. Snopkowski’s background, his vision for the organization, and the critical role Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve plays in advancing global sustainability targets through local action.

Leadership Profile and Vision

Professional Background

Mr. Snopkowski brings a diverse professional background to his role, integrating experience from multiple sectors that are foundational to the organization’s mission. His career includes:

• Non-profit management with organizations such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.
• Academic specialization in natural resource policy and administration from the University of Florida.
• Volunteer engagement with environmental groups including the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Audubon.

Vision for Integrated Health and Environmental Stewardship

Mr. Snopkowski’s strategic vision is rooted in the intrinsic link between environmental health and human well-being. He posits that “Clean water, clean air—those are public health issues too,” noting that ecosystem preservation is a direct investment in community health. This perspective directly supports the following SDGs:

1. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): By protecting the natural resources that provide clean air and water, the Reserve contributes to positive public health outcomes.
2. SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): The protection of the estuary and its connection to the Everglades is vital for maintaining regional water quality.

Rookery Bay’s Contribution to the Global Sustainability Agenda

Ecological Research and Conservation

The 110,000-acre Rookery Bay Reserve is a critical hub for scientific research and conservation, directly contributing to the preservation of biodiversity.

• Life Below Water (SDG 14): The Reserve serves as a nursery for marine life and a site for groundbreaking research. Key activities include shark-tagging expeditions, sea-turtle nest excavations, and fisheries restoration research. The development of an “Adopt-a-Shark” program will further engage the public in supporting these marine conservation efforts.
• Life on Land (SDG 15): As one of the last undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America, the Reserve protects vital coastal habitats that border the Everglades, contributing to broader ecosystem health.

Climate Action and Sustainable Communities

The Reserve’s ecosystems provide essential services that build resilience against climate change and support sustainable community development.

• Climate Action (SDG 13): Mangrove forests act as natural buffers, protecting coastlines and communities from extreme weather events and sea-level rise.
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): By protecting 40% of the Collier County coastline, the Reserve provides critical infrastructure protection, enhancing community resilience.

Education for Sustainable Development

A central component of the organization’s strategy is public education to foster environmental stewardship and awareness.

• Quality Education (SDG 4): The Environmental Learning Center functions as a living classroom. Under new leadership, educational programming is expanding to include new workshops such as nature journaling and moon walks, alongside art exhibits, to connect a wider audience to the Reserve’s mission. The goal is to educate the nearly four million people who recreate in Rookery Bay annually about its ecological significance.

Strategic Initiatives and Collaborative Framework

New Programming and Awareness Campaigns

Mr. Snopkowski aims to elevate the organization’s visibility and impact through innovative programming and strategic partnerships. The primary goal is to transition from a robust nonprofit to a leading environmental advocate by ensuring the public understands the vital role of the estuary. This includes developing new funding streams and public engagement initiatives to ensure long-term financial sustainability for critical research and conservation projects.

Fostering Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the new strategic direction. Mr. Snopkowski emphasizes the cooperative spirit among Southwest Florida’s environmental organizations. By strengthening alliances with partners, Friends of Rookery Bay actively embodies the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Key collaborators include:

• The Conservancy of Southwest Florida
• CREW Land & Water Trust
• Audubon

These partnerships are essential for achieving the shared objective of protecting the region’s natural resources for future generations.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article directly connects environmental conservation with public health. TJ Snopkowski, the Executive Director, states, “Clean water, clean air—those are public health issues too,” and emphasizes that “poor environmental conditions lead to poor health outcomes.” This highlights the role of a healthy ecosystem in ensuring human wellness.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  A central theme is raising public awareness and providing education. The article mentions the “Environmental Learning Center,” “school field trips,” the expansion of “monthly educational workshops,” and new programs like “nature journaling” and “art exhibits.” These initiatives are part of a mission to “educate the public about and bring people closer to Rookery Bay.”

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  The protection of Rookery Bay is framed as crucial for water quality. The estuary and the adjacent Everglades are described as the “kidneys of the planet,” underscoring their function in filtering and maintaining clean water, which benefits the entire Gulf Coast.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  The core focus of the article is the conservation of the Rookery Bay estuary, described as “one of the last remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America.” The work involves protecting “110,000 acres of protected estuarine habitat,” conducting “shark-tagging expeditions,” and performing “sea-turtle nest excavations,” all of which directly contribute to the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  The article discusses the protection of interconnected ecosystems, including the mangrove estuary and the Everglades. The conservation efforts aim to protect wildlife habitats and biodiversity, as seen in the “wildlife advocacy” and research on local species. The mangroves also serve as a “natural buffer,” protecting terrestrial areas and communities.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The importance of collaboration is explicitly mentioned. Snopkowski highlights the cooperative nature of the environmental community, listing partners like “the Conservancy to CREW, Audubon, and other Friends groups.” The organization also seeks to “expand partnerships” and engage the public through initiatives like the “Adopt-a-Shark program” to ensure financial sustainability and broader support for its mission.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

  The article supports this target by linking the protection of the estuary to “clean water” and “clean air,” which are fundamental to preventing poor health outcomes in the community.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.

  The Friends of Rookery Bay’s work directly addresses this target through its Environmental Learning Center, school trips, public workshops, and outreach efforts designed to “create new advocates, and raise awareness for how vital Rookery Bay is to our future.”

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.

  The organization’s entire mission is centered on protecting the Rookery Bay estuarine wetland and its connection to the Everglades Restoration Project, directly aligning with this target.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.

  The article describes Rookery Bay as “110,000 acres of protected estuarine habitat” and one of the “last remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries,” indicating a direct effort to protect a vital coastal ecosystem.

• Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas.

  The protection of the 110,000-acre Reserve, which constitutes “40% of the Collier County coastline,” is a tangible contribution to this conservation target.

• Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology.

  Rookery Bay is described as a “living classroom and research hub” where “groundbreaking” research is conducted, with methods being adopted “across the country.” This points to the development and sharing of scientific knowledge.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

  The work within the mangrove estuary and its connection to the “Everglades Restoration Project” directly contributes to the conservation and restoration of critical wetland ecosystems.

• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

  The hands-on conservation activities mentioned, such as “shark-tagging expeditions and sea-turtle nest excavations,” are direct actions to protect wildlife and understand biodiversity within the Reserve.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

  The article showcases a civil society partnership (Friends of Rookery Bay) supporting a public research reserve. It also highlights collaboration with other non-profits (“Conservancy to CREW, Audubon”) and engaging the public through programs like “Adopt-a-Shark” to build a broad base of support.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

SDG 14 & 15: Life Below Water & Life on Land

• Indicator for Targets 14.5 & 15.1: Coverage of protected areas.

  The article explicitly states the size of the protected area as “110,000 acres of protected estuarine habitat,” which is a direct quantitative measure of conservation efforts.

• Indicator for Targets 14.a & 15.5: Number of research and conservation projects.

  The article implies this through its mention of specific activities like “shark-tagging expeditions,” “sea-turtle nest excavations,” and “restoration research in Picayune Strand.” The number and success of these projects can be tracked.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Indicator for Target 4.7: Number of participants in sustainability education programs.

  The article mentions that “around four million people recreate in Rookery Bay per year” and that a goal is to increase the “small fraction” who are aware of the conservation work. Progress can be measured by tracking attendance at the “Environmental Learning Center,” “monthly educational workshops,” and other events.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Indicator for Target 17.17: Number of active partnerships and amount of resources mobilized.

  The article implies this by listing several collaborating organizations (“Conservancy to CREW, Audubon, and other Friends groups”). Progress can be measured by the number of formal partnerships. Additionally, the success of fundraising initiatives like the “Adopt-a-Shark program” can be measured by the funds raised to support the Reserve’s work, especially given the “uncertainty” of federal funding.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: coastalbreezenews.com