We’re pleased to announce the start of our 37th season of Weeds ‘n’ Seeds, weekly plant walks led by knowledgeable SCCF volunteers.

Weeds ‘n’ Seeds takes place on Monday mornings from 9 to approximately 11 a.m. No registration is necessary — just meet us at the dates, times, and locations listed below.

We can’t wait for you to join us in the discovery, enjoyment, and wonder of the hundreds of plant species on our islands!

Dec. 29: Johnston Preserve

The first Weeds ‘n’ Seeds of the 2025-26 season will take place at SCCF’s Johnston Preserve, a beautiful upland habitat that’s currently in the process of being transformed into enhanced gopher tortoise habitat.

We will meet at the preserve gate across from the Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI) at 350 Casa Ybel Road, Sanibel, at 9 a.m. (Approximate coordinates: 26°25’47.6″N 82°04’11.5″W). Participants can park at CECI, as far away from the buildings and as close to the street as possible.

We’re looking forward to exploring the plant diversity in this preserve, which is set aside for wildlife habitat, and observing the changes since the hurricanes of past years.

Check out the difference at the Johnston Preserve after just one day of clearing overgrown vegetation!

Jan. 5: SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center

On Jan. 5, Weeds ‘n’ Seeds will meet at 9 a.m. in the demonstration gardens at our Native Landscapes & Garden Center (1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL). Here, our group has special permission to visit some of the happiest native plants on the island.

Many of these beauties will be hard to find in our preserves, due to the enthusiasm of other plants.

Jan. 12: Bailey Tract at J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Meet us at 9 a.m. at the back entrance of the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling Bailey Tract, with parking access either from West Gulf Drive or Tarpon Bay Road (by Doc Ford’s).

The Bailey Tract is an interior part of the larger ‘Ding’ Darling refuge showcasing lush biodiversity that’s dominated by freshwater plants and wildlife. We hope to see you there to explore this special part of our island.

Jan. 19: Seasonal Wetland/Upland Yard

This Weeds ‘n’ Seeds will be held at 9 a.m. in the yard of Advanced Master Naturalist and Sanibel Vegetation Committee Chair Barbara Wyskowski. Meet us for a real treat!

Wyskowski, a Florida-Friendly Landscaping professional, has filled her yard with native plant habitats, attracting an impressive cast of wildlife species.

Since parking in the driveway is limited, carpooling will be announced soon.

Join the Weeds ‘n’ Seeds Facebook Group for schedule changes and updates!