As part of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of REALTORS‘ continuing education series, SCCF hosted a day-long course on Sept. 11 to educate local real estate agents about our islands’ coastal ecosystems and unique conservation values.

During the class, “Environmental Considerations for Coastal Living,” participants explored the advantages of native landscaping at SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center, toured the SCCF Marine Laboratory, got up close and personal with a freshwater turtle with SCCF Wildlife Biologist Mike Mills, heard presentations from various SCCF staff, and spent the afternoon on the water with Captiva Cruises and Sanibel Sea School educators. Their trip through Pine Island Sound included looking at seagrass beds, seining, and dip netting.

“Our partnership with the Sanibel-Captiva Association of REALTORS allows us to teach real estate agents, who are often the first people that interact with new residents, about what makes our islands special,” said SCCF Adult Education Director Jenny Evans. “Showing them our natural environments and helping them understand our local habitats, flora, and fauna is critical to helping future residents care for our islands’ ecosystems.”

Specific topics of the day included ongoing landscape changes from Hurricane Ian in 2022, sources of water pollution and the importance of Everglades restoration, and how educating homeowners about native wildlife on the islands helps conserve species.

“The more we know about the environment, the more information we can share when we’re talking to buyers,” said Real Estate Agent Jen Mcsorley. “I’ve taken this class many times, and every time I learn something new.”