During their spring break, the beach became a classroom and a place of discovery for a group of local students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to get there.

On March 17, Sanibel Sea School hosted a special afternoon field trip for students enrolled in the Pine Manor Improvement Association’s after-school program in partnership with the Children’s Advocacy Center. With school out for the week, this trip offered a meaningful way to stay engaged, active, and connected to nature.

Marine Science Educators Jordyn Sateren and Austin Wise picked students up directly from the Pine Manor Community Center and provided transportation to the beach, removing a common barrier and making it easier for families to say “yes” to opportunities like this. From there, the group headed to Bunche Beach Preserve, a dynamic coastal habitat in South Fort Myers perfect for hands-on exploration.

Timing the trip for low tide gave students the chance to spread out across the exposed mudflats, where curiosity quickly took over. Armed with dip nets and a sense of adventure, they began exploring tide pools, flipping rocks, and wading through the shallow water in search of marine life.

“We found tons of pipefish, tiny shrimp, small fish hiding in the algae, and more than 50 horseshoe crab molts,” noted Sateren. “Despite chilly temperatures and steady wind, the students’ enthusiasm never wavered. Some students mentioned that they had been counting down the hours until it was time for Sea School.”

This field trip is part of a long-standing partnership between Sanibel Sea School and the Pine Manor Improvement Association, which dates back to 2011. Over the years, the collaboration has taken many forms — from Saturday programs for teens to the current after-school offerings — each designed to serve the evolving needs of the Pine Manor community.

The Pine Manor Improvement Association plays a vital role in Fort Myers, providing coordinated services, events, and programs that support nutritional needs, job training, family connection, and community safety. As a neighborhood identified by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners as in need of direct social service assistance, Pine Manor benefits from partnerships that expand access to enriching experiences like this one.

By bringing students to the beach at no cost during a time when many programs pause, this field trip reflects a shared commitment to equity and access, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to explore, learn, and feel a sense of belonging to the coast.

Learn more about A Chance to Sea programs and how you can support them>>>