Go Play Outside!
Let your kids connect with nature at these top spots
You may be eager to explore the shell- strewn beaches and pristine preserves that make Sanibel and Captiva islands so breathtaking. But what about your kids? Can you convince them to trade in their iPad app or Wii game for a hike i n the woods or a canoe ride through mangroves?
Many of the islands’ outdoors- related organizations are making efforts to reach out to younger visitors and residents with programs that teach them how to enjoy and respect the natural assets that surround them. Doing so helps kids forge a connection with nature and allows them to get hands- on with something other than an electronic device.
At the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, interactive kids’ activities at the visitor center are designed to give the younger set a greater understanding of the site’s many ecosystems and their inhabitants. Kids can touch bones, furs and skins related to some of the animals found in the preserve. A game of detective to solve a mysterious manatee death or a Velcrobacked puzzle to build a roseate spoonbill make learning fun.
The more than 6,000- acre refuge frequently hosts family- friendly programs covering topics ranging from alligators to native plants. One of the easiest ways to explore the site is via the newly repaved Wildlife Drive, where visitors can spot some of the more than 400 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and fish that utilize the refuge. Families can also check out the refuge by canoe, kayak, bicycle or tram tour or take a hike on the Wulfert Keys and Shell Mound Trails, which are short enough for little legs.
“We don’t want kids to sit indoors; our goal is to get people outdoors,” says supervisory refuge ranger Toni Westland. “Kids are our future voters and beyond. Maybe they’re not going to be a park ranger or biologist, but they’re hopefully still going to get out and enjoy that intrinsic value to nature that you can’t put a price tag on.”
The Sanibel- Captiva Conservation Foundation also works to protect and preserve some of the islands’ environmentally sensitive land. Families can start out at the foundation’s nature center, which features a touch tank and other exhibits that help explain the organization’s mission. The nearby Butterfly House holds examples of the insect at all
OUR GOAL IS TO PROMOTE MARINE CONSERVATION, AND THE BEST WAY WE CAN DO THAT IS TO ALLOW PEOPLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE OCEAN. AND KIDS TEND TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE OCEAN BASED ON INTELLECTUAL EXPLORATION.” — BRUCE NEILL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OF THE SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL
stages of life as well as the native plants it uses for feeding and breeding.
Four miles of interconnected trails sit behind the n ature center. Just about anyone can make the less- than- a- mile round trip to an observation tower overlooking the Sanibel River. “It’s amazing that in crazy February traffic you can come out here and have a nice, quiet, little walk in the woods,” says Kristie Anders, the foundation’s education director. “And when you explore the trails as a family, kids are engaging in the outdoors and letting nature speak to them.”
The hospital at Sanibel’s Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife ( CROW) may be off- limits to the general public. But the CROW Healing Winds Visitor Education Center utilizes plenty of techy touches to explain the entire process of treating an injured animal, from admission and diagnosis to, hopefully, release.
Kids can try their hands at virtually doctoring animals like a golf ball- swallowing snake through the touch- screen “Be the Vet” game. Throughout the center, actual case files, photos and X- rays offer details on past patients, such as an armadillo that was hit by a car and a cormorant that ingested five fish hooks. Live video feeds offer glimpses of current patients, while a new animal ambassador program introduces visitors to a few of CROW’s permanent residents ( which can’t be released back into the wild due to physical or emotional reasons).
“Unfortunately, nine out of 10 patients admitted are here because of direct contact with humans,” says Rachel Rainbolt, CROW’s education coordinator. “Going through the center opens people’s eyes to the reasons why patients are admitted. It tugs at their heartstrings and gives them a sense of personal responsibility to want to do better both for the natural environment and the native wildlife that lives there.”
Visitors to Sanibel and Captiva often leave with an impressive shell collection. Sanibel’s Bailey- Matthews Shell Museum tells the story behind those treasured finds from local beaches.
In the Children’s Learning Lab, kids can use a magnifying glass to examine details
UNFORTUNATELY, NINE OUT OF 10 PATIENTS ADMITTED ARE HERE BECAUSE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH HUMANS. GOING THROUGH THE CENTER OPENS PEOPLE’S EYES TO THE REASONS WHY PATIENTS ARE ADMITTED.” — RACHEL RAINBOLT, EDUCATION COORDINATOR OF THE CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE
on smaller specimens and see shells that look like their names ( think turkey wing, cat’s paw). Fun facts and a tank ( just for looking, not touching) provide information on the creatures called mollusks that use shells as their homes.
A scavenger hunt helps youngsters explore the main section of the museum, which showcases examples of shells that might wash up on the islands’ shores and features displays that focus on subjects like the Calusa Indians and other early shell collectors. Young visitors who complete the hunt leave the museum with a coloring book, pencil and a shell of their own.
To get out on the water from which all those shells came, book an excursion with Captiva Cruises; boats depart from McCarthy’s Marina and South Seas Island Resort on Captiva. Wildlife- watching cruises in the afternoon or at sunset prove popular with families. Dolphins are often spotted during these trips, along with long- legged waterfowl and other examples of local fauna.
The beach and shelling cruise to Cayo Costa State Park combines time on the shore with time at sea. Passengers disembark to swim, sunbathe and search for souvenirs in the sand at this spot known for its shelling and accessible only by boat.
For a deeper understanding of the local environment, kids can enroll at Sanibel Sea School. The nonprofit offers half- and fullday programs at its Sanibel headquarters and Captiva’s South Seas Island Resort that let young participants literally get their hands wet while learning about things like algae, bivalves and seahorses.
“Our goal is to promote marine conservation, and the best way we can do that is to allow people the opportunity to fall in love with the ocean,” says Bruce Neill, the school’s executive director. “And kids tend to fall in love with the ocean based on intellectual exploration.”
Classes teach scientifically accurate information in a way that’s engaging and appealing to children. “So often, kids either have fun or they learn,” says Neill. “They don’t usually do both simultaneously. Our goal is to do both.”
That approach often creates a whole new generation willing to take on the role of water warrior. “The kids who come into our courses leave different people,” says Neill. “It becomes transformative to them, and they see themselves as a part of the environment.” Beth Luberecki is a mom and a Venice– based freelance writer who’s a frequent contributor to TOTI Media. Learn more about her at bethluberecki.com.