Initiative enables youth to explore ocean, Cayo Costa
Fifth-graders from Pine Island Elementary School recently took part in the No Child Left On Shore outreach program, through Captiva Cruises and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
The educational endeavor strives to provide children in Southwest Florida with the opportunity to experience firsthand the resources of the Caloosahatchee watershed and back bay estuary habitats.
On Nov. 16, students in Regina Notarianni and Nancy Benjamin’s classes boarded Captiva Cruises vessel “The Playtime” on Pine Island and cruised to Cayo Costa State Park. While traveling on the waters of Pine Island Sound, the students marveled at the shallow sea grass beds and wildlife. They encountered dolphins, white and brown pelicans, osprey, great blue herons and a belted kingfisher.
The students had the opportunity to explore the tidal zones on the barrier island, recording their observations of the evidence of sea life washed in by waves and tides. Sand dollars were found with delight, and the youth were amazed with the mangrove swamp they took in from the boardwalk.
For more information about the initiative or to sponsor one of the local youth field trips, contact SCCF at 239-472-2329 or Captiva Cruises at 239-472-5300.