Typically a sign of tall woods and water, look skyward to see this bird
perched on tree branches or palm fronds. Recently our Grove’s coconut palm
tree was the perch for the hawk’s highly visible red “shoulders.” Adult
red-shouldered hawks have brownish heads, reddish chests, and pale bellies
with reddish bars. They search for prey while perched on the treetops or
soaring over woodlands. When they sight prey, » Read more
Step Up to the Challenge!
Registration is underway for the American Lung Association’s annual Fight For Air Climb scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 23 at The Oasis Tower One, 3000 Oasis Grand Boulevard near downtown Fort Myers.
During the unique endurance event, participants will climb 31 flights of stairs in the residential high rise to raise money for lung disease research, education and advocacy.
More than 300 people are expected to climb 535 steps up the high rise, » Read more
“On The Water”
Whether in a secluded bay, lush estuary or the gentle Gulf of Mexico, some say that being “on the water” is the only way to relax and completely appreciate the remarkable backdrop Mother Nature provides for visitors to Southwest Florida.
Leave it to our friends at the The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel to give us a very special glimpse! Enjoy this video of two transplanted water guides who found that paddling the gorgeous waterways of SW FL has been the perfect way for them to slow down and just roll with the tide. » Read more
4,000 Miles from Home
First published on March 1 by Amy Bennett Williams at the “News-Press”:
4,000 miles from home, rare giant pelican
appears on Sanibel Island
We live on the Nile. The Nile we love.
By night we sleep on the cliffs above;
By day we fish, and at eve we stand
On long bare islands of yellow sand. » Read more
Cross Florida Barge Canal Project
Author gives the scoop on the Cross Florida Barge Canal project at ‘Ding’ lecture
For centuries, men dreamed of cutting a canal across the Florida peninsula. Ditch of Dreams: The Cross Florida Barge Canal and the Struggle for Florida’s Future, by Steven Noll and David Tegeder, examines the politics and preservation movements behind the long-running controversy. As part of the free “Ding” Darling Friday Lecture Series, » Read more
See the Largest Shell Show
The 79th annual Sanibel Shell Show is unquestionably the largest in the world and a definite must-see! Collect and purchase from a colossal collection of seashells, both common and hard to find, and meet up with seashell lovers and crafters from all over the world. It all takes place at the Community House March 3-5, 2016.
While there is no entrance fee to the grounds, a $5 donation is requested to attend the inside shell show. » Read more
“Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch”
‘Ding’ film takes trip to Great Pacific Garbage Patch
The documentary film “Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” continues the fourth annual “Ding” Darling Wednesday Film Series on March 2, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. in the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center auditorium.
Midway Atoll — located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, thousands of miles away from civilization — » Read more
Practice Makes Perfect
Our guests take note of all the comforts of home (and more)–expansive views, a hop, skip and a jump to the beach, complimentary internet, multi-channel HD TV, well-stocked kitchen and lush, comfy beds. And even outdoor practice rooms!
Evan, a high school sophomore, finds a peaceful place to practice his trumpet for an upcoming state competition. The proud grandson of owners, Bob and Judy, he doesn’t miss a beat while vacationing at Ocean’s Reach. » Read more
Nature Watching
All ages enjoy the myriad of nature watching activities at Ocean’s Reach.
From the gazing of the stars to the extraction of mollusks on the ocean
floor, our guest nature watchers are learning to identify a multitude of
birds, small animals, botanicals and shells that occupy our beach, pond and
preserve.
These guests agree that Ocean’s Reach is a nature lover’s get away–perfect
for exploring, » Read more
It’s HUGE!
We love to boast about the fishing off the Sanibel coastline. And last week
our resident fisherman and owner, BG, made us “reel” proud with a catch so
large, it is called the Giant Grouper. Needless to say, it was an
incredible day to fish and then release this protected grouper measuring
about 4 feet long.
The giant grouper has a large mouth and a rounded tail. » Read more