Thanks to a $1,000 J.B. Butler Science Grant from the Florida Section of the American Water Resources Association (AWRA Florida), Sanibel Sea School learners will once again be able to collect and examine microscopic marine life.

“This grant will help us replace essential field equipment used in our hands-on marine science education programs,” said Sanibel Sea School Director Shannon Rivard.

Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), Sanibel Sea School will use the award to purchase new plankton tow nets and replacement parts, which are integral to the school’s year-round programming.

Plankton collection is a key component of its “Plankton – Adrift at Sea” course, in which students use the nets to collect samples from both the estuary and Gulf side of Sanibel, then examine live plankton under microscopes in the campus lab. The experience allows learners to see firsthand the diversity of microscopic life found in just a few drops of water.

“Plankton tows are one of our most used and loved teaching tools,” said Rivard. “They engage students in real science — collecting, observing, and asking questions about the ocean world around them. We’re so grateful to AWRA Florida for helping us restore this part of our program.”

The J.B. Butler Science Grant, established in 1992 to honor former AWRA Florida President J.B. Butler, supports science teachers and environmental education programs serving students in grades pre-K through 12. The grant intends to promote education about water resources by funding renewable educational tools and materials that foster long-term learning and stewardship.

Since Hurricane Ian’s devastation in 2022, Sanibel Sea School has worked steadily to rebuild its facilities and replace lost equipment. The organization moved back into its Sanibel campus in July 2024, but some critical items — like plankton nets — had yet to be replaced. The grant will allow educators to purchase nets with multiple mesh sizes and the necessary replacement parts to ensure durability and consistent use for years to come.

Each year, Sanibel Sea School reaches more than 9,000 students through its classes, field trips, and summer camps. Restoring the school’s plankton collection capabilities will enhance thousands of learning experiences annually, continuing its mission to connect people to the ocean and inspire a deep sense of environmental stewardship through exploration and discovery.