SCCF’s Pick Preserve, located directly across the street from The Sanibel School, is an ideal setting for incorporating environmental science into the school’s curriculum. Karen Thompson’s second-grade class augmented their class studies on rocks and soil by taking a close look at the soil types in the Pick Preserve with SCCF Educator Richard Finkel on April 11. 

Students observed how soils differ in their components, particle sizes, textures, and colors from habitat to habitat. The young students realized just how important the soil is for supporting and nourishing both plants and animals. They were also able to see and hear about the diversity of habitats SCCF maintains and manages. They certainly had fun sifting through the different soil types. “They loved it,” Thompson reported.

Pick Preserve adjoins approximately 400 acres of land collectively known as the State Botanical Site, which is cooperatively managed by SCCF and The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. With its nature trail, boardwalk, and gazebo, its potential as an outdoor classroom and its learning opportunities are limitless.

 Photos by Shane Antalick