One hundred thirty students in fourth and fifth grade did some watercolor paintings of local birds as part of their exploration of habitat and wildlife of Sarasota Bay. The project Coastal Crusaders: Conserving Native Florida helped the students explore a variety of wildlife including birds, bats, butterflies, and bees. Visiting faculty included Kathy Malone from the University of Florida, John Ginaven with Manatee Audubon, wildlife photographer Ron Mayberry, beekeeper and master garner Deb Coupland-Porter, Cynthia and George Marks with Florida Bat Conservancy, and Karen Fraley with Around the Bend Nature Tours. Christine Callahan was the project leader and Lucinda Hathaway, a resident of Longboat Key, provided guidance to the children on watercolor techniques. Check out these impressive drawings from our local students.
