The Sanibel Sea School on Sanibel reported that it recently hosted “A Week in the Field,” a camp designed to ignite a passion for environmental research among high school students.

Held on July 22-26, the experience brought together campers ages 13-15 for a week of hands-on conservation and research activities on the island’s shores. They delved into diverse projects, ranging from digging in the mud in mangrove forests to surveying shorebirds on the coast. Mornings were spent combing beaches for sea turtle nests, while afternoons involved water sampling, oyster measuring and more. Working alongside Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation scientists, the campers gained field experience, learned research techniques and discovered how to communicate their findings.

The camp was made possible by funding from the League of Environmental Educators in Florida (LEEF) and Southwest Florida Association of Environmental Professionals (SWFAEP).