SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center supported a native replanting at the Sanibel School on Friday, June 2.
The planting effort focused on several garden beds in the front of the school and was led by third through eighth graders from Student Council. SCCF Adult Education Director Jenny Evans provided assistance and instruction to students and volunteers on proper planting techniques.
Native species planted include coontie, blue porterweed, white indigo berry, lignum vitae, and joewood (the official plant of Sanibel).
“Re-planting with native plants helps refresh and sustain Sanibel’s ecosystems, and we hope these plants are part of the school for the long-term,” Evans said.
The Student Council first brought up the planting project with SCCF Environmental Educator Richard Finkel, who is continually engaged with environmental outreach at the Sanibel School. He recently helped organize a school year-long mangrove restoration project with eighth graders. Finkel described the importance of native plants and connected the students with SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center.
Sanibel School Principal Jamie Reid said she’s grateful for SCCF’s support and guidance.
“Most of our plants were ruined as a result of Hurricane Ian, but SCCF graciously donated most of the new native plants to help beautify our school,” Reid said.
SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
