The Pick Preserve is part of a network of approximately 400 acres of conservation land that the state of Florida has designated as a state botanical site. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and the City of Sanibel own parcels.  The J.N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and the City of Sanibel cooperatively managed this land as a critical wildlife management area where public access is strictly limited.  The Sanibel School has special permission to utilize the 26-acre Pick Preserve parcel to integrate environmental education into its curriculum.  If you are interested in arranging for a tour of the Pick Preserve or for any additional information contact the Conservation Foundation at 472-2329.
 

PLANTS of the Pick Habitat

    The sea grape tree is one of the most   commonly found trees in the Pick Preserve.  It has large round leaves with red berries that look like grapes.  These grapes are sometimes made into jelly.   

     The strangler figs are known for wrapping around other trees and strangling them with their roots. These are also found in the Pick Preserve.

     As you walk through the Pick Preserve you will see these Leather Ferns all around.  They are usually found in the canopy sections of the trails, which are the parts where the trees come together, and very little light gets in through the trees.

     Poison Ivy is a twining vine with many groups of three shiny green leaves.  Do not touch this, you will form a rash that itches extremely badly.

     The pond apple is a plant that the first graders (2000-2001) planted with the assistance of the seventh  graders.  This year the Kindergarten classes planted more pond apples over at the Pick Preserve.

ANIMALS of the Pick Preserve

     Alligators are a local feature of the Pick Preserve.  They are in the reptile family along with their close relatives the crocodile.  Their snouts are broad, flat, and rounded.  Alligators feed on carrion, mammals, birds, turtles, snakes, frogs, and fish.  Sometimes you can see them in the pond at the Pick Preserve.  It is illegal to feed  or harass the alligators.

     The Gopher Tortoise is an endangered species. It digs holes and makes its burrow on the higher land areas of Sanibel. They can be seen grazing on grass outside of their holes, so be careful to always walk around these gentle animals and do not disturb their holes.

      Raccoons are native to the Pick Preserve.   You can see many raccoons in their natural habitat. Raccoons eat fish and other smaller animals.  They also like to get into the trashcans. Raccoons are nocturnal mammals that are often seen at night on Sanibel.  They are carnivorous with sharp teeth, so you must be careful not to approach them.

     Opossums are also found at the Pick Preserve.  They are nocturnal animals that sleep hanging by their tails in trees and carry their young on their backs.

     Herons are large wading birds. They are found in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Herons eat small fish and other aquatic animals.

     Egrets belong to the family of birds called Ardeidae. The birds were once nearly exterminated by hunters who were seeking the egret's soft, white plume feathers. Egrets like to eat fish and small insects.

    
     The Osprey is a frequently seen bird on Sanibel; they resemble the Bald Eagle but have brown and white markings.  They feed on fish from Sanibel and are usually seen carrying a fish or sticks back to their nest on telephone poles or the tops of dead trees. They are commonly called fish hawks because of their fishing skills.

     Monarch butterflies are frequently found in the butterfly garden at the Pick Preserve.  Students help capture and tag these butterflies for their further studies.

 Student Projects with the
Pick Preserve

     The Pick Preserve is an educational cooperative endeavor between the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation and The Sanibel School.  Mr. Richard Finkel, SCCF Naturalist, directs projects and activities with students and teachers designed to enhance an understanding and appreciation of environmental issues.  These learning opportunities are aligned to the Florida Sunshine State Standards.

With the help of Richard Finkel and the Seminole Indian, Victor Billie, the seventh grade students worked together to thatch a wildlife viewing area overlooking the pond.

Following the completion of the wildlife viewing area, the seventh graders brought their kindergarten buddies to share the benefits of their hard work!