Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center, in Naples, recently hosted a visit by a group of Lighthouse of Collier children. For most, it was their first direct exposure to such animals as wolf dogs, prairie dogs and gopher tortoises.

The nonprofit sanctuary cares for animals while in captivity and educates the public about protecting and preserving them in the wild. Each month, Lighthouse of Collier conducts an event for the county’s blind and visually impaired children to help promote the development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of programs and services that foster independence and enhance the quality of life for them and their caregivers.

Shy Wolf Sanctuary, 239-290-9867, ShyWolfSanctuary.com; Lighthouse of Collier, 239-430-EYE4 (3934), LighthouseOfCollier.org.
 

Steve Wilkie, a science teacher at South Fort Myers High School, recently spent two weeks assisting scientists surveying groundfish in the Gulf of Mexico as a participant in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Teacher at Sea marine research program. He sailed in and out of Pascagoula, Mississippi, on NOAA’s boat, Oregon II.

“NOAA has become an integral part of my marine science and environmental science classes, whether students are accessing posted expeditions, sea surface temperature data or using our research pontoon boat that was funded by a NOAA grant,” says Wilkie. “It was exciting to explore the Gulf’s fish species. This project will translate directly into new and exciting hands-on activities for students that will enhance their understanding and appreciation for our marine environment.”

A blog of Wilkie’s at-sea experience is accessible at Tinyurl.com/6b94akd. Also visit noaaNews.noaa.gov.