Broadening its educational reach via unique program offerings, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum has created a new Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Stroll program on Sanibel Island.
Participants will join a marine biologist from the Museum on an early-morning, low-tide beach walk to learn about local mollusks and their shells, and to search for living mollusks. These small group experiences will help participants gain a closer understanding of molluscan biology and biodiversity, and with the cooler seasonal temperatures and timing with very low tides, they are excellent shelling conditions and a good opportunity to find and observe living mollusks.
“This new program offers a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our shore ecosystems and for shell and marine life enthusiasts to build their knowledge base,” said Sam Ankerson, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum Executive Director.
The Sunrise Stroll schedule is as follows:
• Tuesday, November 28, 7am
• Thursday, December 14, 7:45am
• Friday, January 26, 7:30am
• Thursday, February 8, 6am
• Sunday, March 10, 7:30am
All walks take place at Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel. Capacity is limited and pre-registration is required.
Cost is $10/adult, $5/Museum Member adult/$5 child (17 and under). Parking not included.
To register and for more information please contact Associate Director of Education Jorden Falker at [email protected], or visit ShellMuseum.org/sunrise-stroll to learn more.
About the Museum: The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a natural history museum, and the only museum in the United States devoted primarily to shells and mollusks. Its mission is to use exceptional collections, aquariums, programs, experiences, and science to be the nation’s leading museum in the conservation, preservation, interpretation, and celebration of shells, the mollusks that create them, and their ecosystems. In 2023 the Museum is under reconstruction following the impacts of Hurricane Ian. For more information, please visit ShellMuseum.org or call (239) 395-2233.
