25th Edition Of The Sanibel-Captiva Nature Calendar Is Now Available

With roseate spoonbills featured on the front cover, centerfold and rear cover, the 25th edition of the Sanibel-Captiva Nature Calendar glorifies “Sanibel’s Bird!” Published for a quarter of a century, this calendar is dedicated to promoting conservation and preservation of the local natural environment.

“A quarter century of publishing the calendar has been pure pleasure, thanks to the support of all the people on Sanibel and all those who love these very special barrier islands,” said Jim Fowler, publisher of the popular calendar. “During the past 25 years, there have been many changes on Sanibel, but thanks to the efforts of the people of Sanibel, conservation of the local environment and protection of wildlife continue to be paramount. I am looking forward to publishing another quarter century of the SanibelCaptiva Nature Calendar.”

This edition of the calendar features the work of some of Sanibel’s best known photographers, with nine of the images photographed inside the JN “Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Included are a prairie warbler by islander Theresa Baldwin, a spoonbill, wood stork and alligator by seasonal islander Cliff Beittel, and a great egret by seasonal islander Don Thompson, whose photograph of nesting snowy plovers on one of Sanibel’s beaches was selected for June.

Also photographed inside the refuge is a pair of nest-building anhingas in full breading plumage. This image was photographed by Marianne Bargiotti, who frequently travels from her home base in Italy to photographer her favorite islands. Well known photographing couple Dick Fortune and Sara Lopez have images of spoonbills photographed inside the refuge appearing on the front and rear covers, plus inside the calendar they have an image of a gulf fritillary butterfly and a pod of surfing dolphins just off island. Also featured are nesting least terns by Marina Scan., a killdeer by Charlie Heidecker and a living reef in the Gulf off Sanibel by Lorraine Sommer.

In addition, there are exciting photo narratives by islanders Betty Anholt and Jim Griffith and former islander Charles LeBuff. Each month features a shell sketch by the late islander Sue Stephens and a turtle graphic during the sea turtle nesting months.

“It is the best calendar in the world, and probably the best calendar that ever was,” added Fowler. “It is the only calendar that truly represents what Sanibel and Captiva are all about – nature!”

First published in 1988, this is the 25th edition of this popular calendar. Sold only in Southwest Florida, it continues to set the standard for other calendar publishers.

The calendar retails for $13.95 and is sold throughout Southwest Florida in fine book stores and gift shops. Mail orders send $13.95 (plus $2 for shipping and handling) to: Sanibel-Captiva Nature Calendar, P.O. Box 356, Sanibel, FL 33957. For the custom Blind Pass Tide Edition available this fall, send $16.95 (plus $2 for shipping and handling) to the same address.

Island Sun (June 1, 2012)