Local students take field trip to coastal habitat
On March 17, the Sanibel Sea School hosted an afternoon field trip for students enrolled in the Pine Manor Improvement Association’s after-school program, in partnership with the Children’s Advocacy Center. With school out for the week, the trip offered a meaningful way to stay engaged, active and connected to nature.
Marine science educators Jordyn Sateren and Austin Wise picked up the youths from the Pine Manor Community Center and provided transportation to the beach. From there, the group headed to the Bunche Beach Preserve, a coastal habitat in South Fort Myers that is perfect for hands-on exploration.
Timing the trip for low tide gave students the chance to spread out across the exposed mudflats, where curiosity quickly took over. Armed with dip nets and a sense of adventure, they began exploring tide pools, flipping rocks and wading through the shallow water in search of marine life.
“We found tons of pipefish, tiny shrimp, small fish hiding in the algae, and more than 50 horseshoe crab molts,” Sateren said. “Despite chilly temperatures and steady wind, the students’ enthusiasm never wavered. Some students mentioned that they had been counting down the hours until it was time for Sea School.”
The Sanibel Sea School reported that the field trip is part of a long-standing partnership with the Pine Manor Improvement Association, which dates back to 2011. Over the years, the collaboration has taken many forms, each designed to serve the evolving needs of the Pine Manor community.
The association plays a vital role in Fort Myers, providing coordinated services, events and programs that support nutritional needs, job training, family connection and community safety. As a neighborhood identified by the Lee County Commission as in need of direct social service assistance, Pine Manor benefits from partnerships that expand access to enriching experiences like this one.
The field trip was made possible through the Sanibel Sea School’s A Chance to Sea initiative.