Sanibel Sea School offers slew of adult programs
Adults will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge this winter through the Sanibel Sea School’s Barefoot Academy.
Nicole Finnicum, Sanibel Sea School director of education, said the academy includes nine courses from Jan. 25, through March 22. Each of the classes are held on Wednesdays with all but one scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The classes will be instructed by Finnicum, Johnny Rader, or Dr. Bruce Neill, executive director. Individuals can either register for the entire series, or a particular class that interests them by visiting www.sanibelseaschool.org. Price ranges from $55 to $75, depending on if there is a field trip involved.
The academy includes new field trips this year.
This year’s lineup includes:
Jan. 25: Where does our water come from?
Feb. 1: Birds of the Slough
Feb. 8: Ocean Creations with guest artist Sandy Gross
Feb. 15: A Walk in the Mud – Mangrove Ecology at Bunche Beach
Feb. 22: Manatees and Electricity – an Unusual Combination
March 1: Seagrass Under the Bridge
March 8: Where the Estuary Begins (boat trip on the Caloosahatchee River)
March 15: Life in the Dark (class from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
March 22: Our Barrier Islands – Sanibel to North Captiva (boat trip)
Finnicum said the Birds of the Slough session will take attendees to Six Mile Cypress Slough to learn about the birds.
She said the Ocean Creation program includes an art project inspired by the ocean. The evening class, Life in the Dark, will take attendees to the beach to watch a sunset and then what comes ashore thereafter.
Another adult program includes Fishing Fridays, which will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. March 3, March 10, March 17 and a boat class March 24, aboard Cast About Charters.
Finnicum said attendees will fish with Neill in a very hands-on class that will teach them where to fish. Those who register for the class are asked to bring their own gear. It is $500 for the series of four classes.
Another opportunity will be offered from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 1 with the screening of WGCU Public Media’s Mullet “A Tale of Two Fish,” complete with mullet tasting. Finnicum said they are partnering with Sweet Melissa’s Cafe, who is providing a variety of mullet samplings.
Although the screening is free, individuals are asked to RSVP.
Adults also have the opportunity to participate in a beach walk the second Saturday of each month. Those interested are asked to meet at the Sanibel Sea School, 455 Periwinkle Way at 9 .m. Jan. 14, Feb. 11, or March 11. Finnicum said after grabbing a cup of coffee from their flagship campus, they will take a walk to the beach and talk about shells, beach botany and beach mysteries.
For information, call (239) 472-8585.