Sanibel Sea School

Sanibel Sea School at the Blue Ocean Film Festival

2009-06-13T16:22:00.003-04:00

What is Sanibel Sea School doing at a film festival? Well, the same thing we’re always doing – marine conservation. And boy, are there a lot of conservationists here with us! This is the heart of ocean photography and filmmaking. We have seen some awe inspiring and beautiful photography by National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry . We’ve also seen some terrific films that we’re trying to get to come to Sanibel Sea School – the Cove, Dugong and Din, Saving Luna, Riddle in a Bottle – lots of great stuff!

While we’ve been here, we’ve pitched some ideas to National Geographic and Discovery Channel! (Don’t buy the popcorn yet. We’re still learning how to do this!) And a real highlight – we’ve had the privilege of talking about Sanibel Sea School to Carl Safina, author of the award winning Song for the Blue Ocean and Eye of the Albatross as well as founder of the Blue Ocean Institute. In fact, we’ve told a lot of filmmakers, producers, scientists and conservationists about Sanibel Sea School. And we’ve heard a resounding chorus of encouragement!

You know what’s interesting about all this? Most of these folks started out the same way we did – loving the ocean by running around and exploring it! Which is really exciting for Sanibel Sea School. If we have any part in growing a little girl or boy into tomorrow’s Carl Safina, we’ll have done a fine thing for this ocean planet. And in the meantime, if we find partners in telling the world about Sanibel Sea School and our mission of experiential education, that’s also a fine thing.

So we have lots of homework to do following up with all kinds of requests. One crew might even come to Sanibel in July to film a segment for a children’s show. You never know what might happen on down the road. As for now, it’s been an education for us to find out more about these filmmakers and leading voices in ocean conservation. And we have enormous respect for the task before them of raising money to produce films that will in turn raise awareness. As a speaker said last night – “You are either an activist or an inactivist.” All right, then! Let’s change the world! How about it?

A New Bus For Sanibel Sea School

2009-05-20T07:31:00.001-04:00

In the early months of 2009 Sanibel Sea School was fretting about transportation. With the kids, the buckets, the nets, the volunteers, the life preservers, towels and water bottles, the Sanibel Sea School bus couldn’t handle any more. “Have you ever seen those foreign movies with buses full of families, caged chickens and bundles stacked to the ceiling? It was getting to be like that. No chickens but plenty of sloshing buckets” says Sanibel Sea School Director, Bruce Neill. Enter Sanibel Sea School Board member, Don Wildman.

When Don heard the plea for more transportation, a bell went off in his head. His son Mark Wildman is the Vice President of Marketing for a company called The Parking Spot. Perhaps you’ve seen their spotted shuttles at airports throughout the country. Don realized that maybe, just maybe, Mark could figure out how to retire a used Parking Spot shuttle to a little Sea School in need.

And so it was that JoAnn Paul, Sanibel Sea School’s diligent and obviously committed bookkeeper flew across the country to Austin, Texas to retrieve a shuttle for Sanibel Sea School and single handedly drove it across the many miles, and over the bridge to its future home. All along the way, Doc Bruce would ring up JoAnn’s cell phone. You know how that drive goes: I’m in Texas. I’m in Texas. I’m in Texas. I’m in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama. I’m in Florida. I’m in Florida. I’m in Florida. It’s a long one.
So now Sanibel Sea School is the proud owner of a new bus – with buckets and nets in the luggage rack and happy kids and adults in the seats. All thanks to Don Wildman, Mark Wildman and the Parking Spot with a commendation for service above and beyond the call of duty by JoAnn Paul.

Sanibel Sea School is a non-profit dedicated to marine conservation through experiential education. You can find out more about
Sanibel Sea School by looking online at sanibelseaschool.org.

Sanibel Sea School Gets NOAA Grant to Produce Podcasts

2009-03-10T11:13:00.000-04:00

Sanibel Sea School is located on a barrier island and offers people a unique place to enjoy and learn about nature. Now the school is reaching out in new ways with technology to engage more people with Gulf of Mexico issues. Through a grant funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal Services Center (NOAA CSC) in support of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, Sanibel Sea School will be reaching people live with podcasts and videocasts to show the public an inside look into the complex ecosystem that makes our Gulf so unique.

The Gulf of Mexico Alliance is a partnership of the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, with the goal of significantly increasing regional collaboration to enhance the ecological and economic health of the Gulf of Mexico. Environmental Education is one of the six priority issues that the Alliance has addressed as regionally significant. In order to effectively engage this priority, the GOMA Environmental Education Network, coordinated through the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, received a grant from NOAA’s Coastal Services Center to fund Gulf-wide environmental education projects. The Alliance Education Network awarded funding to seventeen projects in the five Gulf States this month.

There was a large response of Florida applicants for the GOMA grant and Sanibel Sea School was able to beat out the competition with their innovative proposal to reach a new sector of people. Be looking out this summer on www.sanibelseaschool.org for live podcasts and videocasts from the Island. Exciting topics to expect: “The Mighty Gulf of Mexico,” “Coral Reefs on the Gulf,” and “The Wandering Tarpon.”

The Final Clue Has Been Found

2009-01-24T07:42:00.001-05:00

Marcia Kimball braved chest-deep water and finally found the final clue on Friday.

Congratulations and Happy Hunting Next Year.

And Here We go For the Last Week

2009-01-22T14:05:00.002-05:00

And for the Grand Finale.

Let us first go back to week Number Three.

Start there to find a trail that will lead you home.

Be prepared to find your way with compass,

and let's not stay altogether dry.

Good Luck.

The Final Clue

2009-01-22T13:00:00.001-05:00

Will be here in 2 hours, please come back.

Week Number 7

2009-01-16T22:47:00.002-05:00

Sanibel Sea School along with sponsor and partner Lily and Co. are preparing for the arrival of the January 30th Bonefish Ball by holding a scavenger hunt every week. This is lucky week number seven with Bonefish Ball just around the corner! Every week participants follow clues in search of a laminated Bonefish Ball token that marks the spot for treasure provided by Lily and Co. Players are notified online as soon as the token is found at sanibelseaschool.org by clicking on the blog button. No purchase necessary to play!

Sanibel Sea School is a 501(c) 3 dedicated to marine conservation through experiential education. Founded in 2006, the Sea School teaches kids and adults about the ocean and these islands. This summer in response to heavy demand, Sanibel Skills Summer Camp will expand a little to include Urchin Week for kindergarteners and Survival and Surf weeks for teens.
Join this season of Ocean Celebration by participating in the last two all-island scavenger hunts. Thanks to Lily & Co. this week’s prize is a gorgeous hand-blown glass piece from McDermott Glass Studios in Cape Cod Massachusetts.

Seventh Heaven:
History, history, it’s no mystery.
Where have I seen this building before?
It’s been many things, including a store.
The first Episcopal Church, they say.
A school and a bank, back in the day.
Now it’s for you to figure out.
What this clue is all about.

Week Number Six

2009-01-13T08:28:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to the father and son team, Eric and John Pfeifer. Together, they solved last week's clue by following the GPS coordinates to a beach on Woodring Road and identified the tree as a Black Mangrove. John knew that the Black Mangrove had pointy leaves, and they tasted salty. Good work guys!

The Clue of the Week

2009-01-08T14:08:00.001-05:00

This week, the bar goes up a notch or three,

There will be old fashion ciphering and new-age technology,

Sanibel pop culture and just for fun, a little plant taxonomy before you’re done.

Here we go:

Christmas is over, the elves have gone away.
Go to the Sanibel Home of the Elves today.

Happy Hunting

This Week's Clue

2009-01-08T11:56:00.001-05:00

Will be posted here by 2:00 today. Come back and good luck.

Clue Number 5 Has Been Found

2009-01-01T09:08:00.001-05:00

The Clue for Week Number 5

2008-12-31T12:37:00.003-05:00

The myth of an island is a lofty one
A lone atoll in waves and sun.

But most islands are like Sanibel
Sentries that guard the shore so well.

From our very own island we can see the shore
Named for a man with little lore.
But there should be more to praise this guy
He distinguished himself with an honor quite high.

He was the first African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize
And he’s relatively unknown for an honor this size.

So it’s appropriate that from our lighthouse beach
We look to a park within our eyes reach
Forever immortalizing this man’s work
To bring peace to the Middle East region of earth.

Go there and look for a big old dead tree
It’s on the left and you will see
It’s prized by birds and perhaps even thee.

Happy hunting in this happy new year!

Christmas Caroling - Island Style

2008-12-29T11:37:00.003-05:00

We had an Island Style local celebration the week before Christmas. We made a really great group-effort art mobile from interesting things found on the beach. We swam, we caught fish and we endured the chilly waters.

Mostly we had a lot of fun. We also learned about how different things are in Australia this time of year. Pretty strange for most of us to think of the Holidays during summer vacation.

We even did a little Caroling - Island Style.

Come Discover the Ocean with Us.

Shark Week!!

2008-12-29T11:12:00.003-05:00

Today is the first day of Shark Week, our Holiday Camp 2008. We have a school full of eager campers. And what a wonderful backdrop we have to learn all about sharks.

There is little better in the life for a kid - fun with friends, new and old, and a lot of learning and fun.

Come Explore the Ocean with Us.

The Clue Has Been Found

2008-12-27T11:36:00.001-05:00

Don Carney found this week's clue at the desk of Ding Darling at the Visitor's Center.

Congratulations and if you were not the first, please play again.

Here We Go for Number Four

2008-12-24T15:42:00.003-05:00

Ho, ho, ho, Sanibel Sea School Holds Scavenger Hunt #4.

It’s time for the fourth of eight all-island scavenger hunts during Sanibel Sea School’s season of Ocean Celebration. Together with sponsor Lily & Co. Sanibel Sea School is working up to the arrival of the January 30th Bonefish Ball by hiding treasure on the islands. Every week participants read a clue in the paper and follow it in search of a laminated Bonefish Ball token that marks the spot for a real Lily & Co. holiday treasure! Players are notified online as soon as the token is found at sanibelseaschool.org by clicking on the blog button. No purchase necessary!

Sanibel Sea School is a 501(c) 3 dedicated to marine conservation through experiential education. Founded in 2006, the Sea School teaches kids and adults about the ocean and these islands winter, spring, summer and fall including next week’s Shark Week camp for kids.

You’re invited to join in the winter Ocean Celebration and participate in these all-island scavenger hunts. Thanks to Lily & Co. this week’s prize is a beautiful porcelain bud vase by Franz called By the Sea valued at $120.00 – perfect for an island holiday treasure.
So let’s go scavenging!

These islands have seen the famous come through
Most enjoyed our ocean and went on to do
Noteworthy things in the world.

But a few stayed longer than a holiday
And one in particular, it’s safe to say
Put his mark on the islands in a most unique way.

He fought hard battles without military gear
He used his wit to make issues clear.
He took on the powerful without any fear.
And he spoke for the good of the wild.
He defended the wildlife,
He ridiculed greed
He laughed at authority and
Lampooned bad deeds.
His work was a appealing
To anyone who could read.
And even to some that couldn’t!

So now you have to find out where
His desk now sits
And then from there…

Good luck!

The Third Clue Has Been Found

2008-12-19T14:06:00.001-05:00

More details to come.

Clue For Week 3 of the Scavenge Hunt

2008-12-18T17:30:00.001-05:00

A Treasure to See

The Greatest Generation defended our land
They stood at alert, stations manned
And watched for dangers, close at hand.

They didn’ t know where the threat might be.
It might come from the air, or maybe the sea.

A platform was built to look for the foe
In case it should come from the oceans below.
The site of these guardians is where you should go.

Clue # 2 Has Been Solved and Found!

2008-12-12T12:11:00.000-05:00

Sanibel Sea School Scavenger Hunt #2: All You Do is Follow the Clue

2008-12-11T14:33:00.000-05:00

This week Sanibel Sea School continues its season of Ocean Celebration with the second of eight all-island scavenger hunts. Together with sponsor Lily & Co. Sanibel Sea School is celebrating the coming of the January 30th Bonefish Ball by hiding treasure on the islands. Participants read the clue in the paper each week and follow it seeking a laminated Bonefish Ball token that signals fantastic treasure, provided by Lily & Co. Players are notified online as soon as the token is found at sanibelseaschool.org by clicking on the blog button. No purchase necessary, just bring along a spirit of excitement and exploration.

Sanibel Sea School is a 501(c)3 dedicated to marine conservation through experiential education, founded in 2006. The Sea School teaches kids and adults about the ocean and these barrier islands we call home. As Jacques Cousteau said, “people protect what they love.” So, the job of Sanibel Sea School is relatively easy. All that is required is to teach people enough about the ocean and our island habitats to fall in love with them!

For the next couple of months you’re invited to join this Ocean Celebration participating in 8 scavenger hunts sponsored by Lily & Co. This week you can win a set of beautiful Mariposa ocean coral salad servers in recycled aluminum.

For the curious and the envious, last week Steve and Louise Clark found the first treasure of the Bonefish Ball season!

Without Further Ado, Clue Number Two

Long ago in the early days
Things were simpler in many ways
We didn’t have iPods, computers and such
We didn’t buy trinkets and tchotchkes as much.
But when one was fortunate and traveled here
To remember the trip, a souvenir was dear.
Perhaps Jim’s Shell Shop would have just the thing
Find the spot from where these old memories ring.
Good luck and happy hunting!

Congratulations to Steve and Louise Clark !

2008-12-11T09:11:00.004-05:00

Steve and Louise Clark were the first winners of the 2008 Scavenger Hunt. They won the Sanibel Lighthouse pendant from Lily & Co. In return for their bounty, they crafted us the following poem.

Thanks Steve and Louise.

It was after a workout in the wreck
And while feeding our hunger at the Heron
A poem in the Sun revealed to us
This year’s Sea School scavenge was begun.

Last spring’s hunts were an eyeland first
To promote an event called Octifest.
Luc Century vases were the prizes,
His octo-etchings deemed the best!

All around Sanibel were were led
By sneaky clues from one sly fox.
But we fooled Bruce and won the prize
When we found the honey, bait and box.

A Lily’s lighthouse is this year’s prize.
Have fun and try to win one.
The Bonefish Ball will help Sea School kids
Explore ocean life and have some fun.

Louise and Steve Clark

Ocean Celebration 08 - The Bonefish Ball

2008-12-11T09:05:00.002-05:00

The 2008 All Island Scavenger Hunt

Sanibel Sea School and Lily & Co are teaming up to kick off this year’s Bonefish Ball season - the second annual Sea School Ocean Celebration - with a cavalcade of scavenger hunts. Today, the first of eight all-island scavenger hunts begins with clue number one. The prize for Bonefish Ball Scavenger Hunt Number One is an original Lily & Co. 14 karat gold Sanibel Lighthouse sand pendant valued at $385.00 - a little bit of Sanibel to wear forever!

Each week, for these eight weeks, islanders will be given clues that lead to real treasure. In the spirit of fun-raising, participants read the clues in the paper and follow them seeking a laminated Bonefish Ball token that signals glorious, gorgeous treasure, provided by Lily & Co. Players are notified online as soon as the token is found at sanibelseaschool.org by clicking on the blog button. There is no fee to play and no obligation involved in winning - just a fun community game with a beautiful prize each week.

Sanibel Sea School is a 501(c)3 dedicated to marine conservation through experiential education. Founded in 2006 on the east end of Sanibel Island, the Sea School teaches kids and adults about the ocean and the ecosystems it sustains. Sanibel Sea School places all it’s chips on the idea that love of the ocean and a spirit of stewardship are “caught not taught.” And in that spirit, one can change the world for the better.

So, for the next couple of months you’re invited to join this Ocean Celebration that culminates with Bonefish Ball on January 30. Proceeds from the Sanibel Sea School Bonefish Ball event will be used for scholarships to individuals, school groups and families in these tough economic times. But before then there are adventures to be had of 8 whopping scavenger hunts for the whole community from Sanibel Sea School and Lily & Co.

And if last year taught us anything, it was this:
Speeding and scavenging don’t mix.
Do not spy on competitors.
Carry a notebook.
Write us a poem back if you’re so inclined when you find it!
Don’t win more than once, but feel free to “shadow” future winners.

A completely random dedicated birder was rewarded by finding a token last year (which proves birders are lucky!)

Good luck and have a great Ocean Celebration!

Canterbury 6th Grade Class at Sanibel Sea School

2008-12-06T14:26:00.006-05:00

One of the many activites the 6th grade class took on during a day at the Sanibel Sea School was to take time to write based on their experience with the ocean.

In addition to writing, the students quantified mollusk shells deposited on the beach and tried to the powers of estimation and extrapolation to arrive at the total number of shells on that stretch of beach on the east send of the island.

We also observed many species of fish captured (and released) in seine nets. Snorkeling was also on order so that we could really get into the ocean.

In addition to the shore-based activites, we went offshore in the Sea School boat and studied planktonic communities. And what December field trip to study plankton would be complete without an offshore swim? For a period of time, we abandoned ship and drifted along with all our plankton friends.

Not a bad way to spend a day learning math, science and writing.

Come Explore the Ocean.

Clue Number 1 Has Been Found

2008-12-05T22:33:00.001-05:00

Steve and Louise Clark have found the first Bonefish Ball Clue.

Congratulations.

Next week, Clue Number 2.

The First Clue for the Bonefish Scavenger Hunt

2008-12-04T13:48:00.002-05:00

Theirs a kool new wreck on the old eyeland

Dive in there and call for the first clue of them all

To the scavenger hunt that starts the Bonefish Ball.

If you're wet you're cold.

And you want to be hot.

Because in the frigid water it's not.

Happy Hunting!!