Adapting & Educating

Despite several challenges during the past three years, Sanibel Sea School staff have boldly charged forward with one goal in mind: to continue providing educational experiences with nature to children and families in Southwest Florida.

In November, less than two months after Hurricane Ian devastated the Sanibel Sea School’s flagship campus on east Sanibel, staff were already providing classes to groups of homeschooled children through its “Homeschool at Sea” program. The courses had already been scheduled and paid for, but with facilities non-useable and natural habitats unsafe, the decision was made to hold classes off-island at parks and preserves. Kids ranging from ages 4-13 explored topics including shark biology, bird anatomy, and the history of the Calusa. They took hikes at Three Oaks Park and mastered binoculars at Wild Turkey Strand Preserve.

“We wanted to meet the needs of our homeschool groups despite not being able to enjoy the beach as we normally do in these courses,” said Sanibel Sea School Director Shannon Rivard. “Getting back out there and doing our jobs as marine science educators was a great stress reliever for our staff.”

Staff also pivoted to offer its 2022-23 Winter Camps offcampus, engaging with 128 children. Their adventures included taking a full-day charter to North Captiva and exploring marine life at IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers.

“I’ve learned that Sanibel Sea School isn’t always about the place — it’s about the people,” said Joe Uhlir, a returning camp counselor.

The next big adaptation? With renovations continuing at the main sea school campus, summer camps will be held at SCCF’s Bailey Homestead Preserve.

“We couldn’t let a summer go by without camp,” Rivard said. “We are beyond grateful to have this special second location, where the historic Bailey home sits on a lush swath of SCCF land that features freshwater wetlands and interior ridges.”

At the end of the day, Rivard noted, you truly can teach nature and conservation from anywhere. “Each day since the hurricane has been proof that we are resilient, better together, and exemplary of the beauty behind collaboration,” she said.

Remembering

Gretchen C. Valade

While her hometown of Detroit mourned the passing of Gretchen C. Valade as the city’s “Angel of Jazz” for her leadership philanthropy, the SCCF Family remembers her fondly as an astounding angel of conservation as well.

A seasonal island resident since 1980, Valade died at the age of 97 on Dec. 30, 2022, surrounded by family at her Grosse Pointe Farms home.

“She enabled so many musicians and conservation professionals to realize their dreams, driven by their own passions and her support,” said Erick Lindblad, SCCF CEO from 1986 to 2018.

With her first donation to SCCF in 1998, Valade established herself as a donor deeply dedicated to ensuring that conservation would endure on Sanibel.

Her million-dollar gift to help SCCF acquire the 167-acre Frannie’s Preserve on the east side of Tarpon Bay Road also established an endowment fund for the preservation of more critical parcels. Her generosity went on to help define SCCF’s progression into the 21st century.

“SCCF’s Wildlife & Habitat Management, Environmental Policy, and Marine Laboratory programs all had their beginnings as a result of Gretchen’s significant support for staffing and facilities,” said Lindblad. “SCCF’s effectiveness as an organization benefitted greatly as a result of her generosity and caring.”

The Gretchen C. Valade Preserve off of Sanibel-Captiva Road is far from the only way she will be remembered on our islands.

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