Shelling in the Mangrove Forest

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a video premiere and live Q&A with Florida naturalist and seashell collector Sarah Rosenbaum. Southwest Florida has one of the world’s largest Mangrove Forests. These remote islands are connected with a series of oyster bars, sand bars, mangrove pods, lagoons, and channels into the Gulf of Mexico. The mixing of these diverse micro ecosystems and waterways provides a host of beachcombers the chance to find over 300 species of seashells, some uniquely found in this area. Join Sarah Rosenbaum on a presentation about the world of diverse seashells found in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, the animals that made them, and how to find them. After the video premiere, Sarah answered questions and showed off some favorites from her shell collection. We will post a highlights video in the coming weeks.

This presentation was part of the Beachcombing Summer Festival, with talks from beachcombing experts, live chats, and more to celebrate beachcombing season.

Learn more about seashells

Learn more about identifying shells, the history of seashell collecting, great shelling beaches, and the lives of the animals who make the shells we find on the beach. Articles ›

No live shelling: Be sure shells are empty and sand dollars, sea stars, and sea urchins are no longer alive before you bring them home.

Sarah Rosenbaum 

Sarah was raised in Bonita Springs, Florida. Sarah graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and completed the Florida Master Naturalist Program at the University of Florida. Currently, Sarah is pursuing a career in educational ecotourism in Southwest Florida with Treasure Seekers Shell Tours. Articles ›