Environment

Environment. City of Sanibel Heritage Trail. , Sanibel is Famous for its Shells , Approximately 400 species of mollusks thrive in Sanibel's shallow waters. Their shells wash onto the beaches in great number. Sanibel's shoreline geography and water circulation during winter cold fronts are why Sanibel is regarded as one of the best shelling beaches in the United States. The island's abundance of shells led to the creation of a national museum., The Bailey-Matthew’s National Shell Museum , In her will, island resident Charlene McMurphy established a fund for the creation of a shell museum. The fund was placed in the care of the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club from 1984 to 1986, when a foundation was formed. In 1987, the foundation gained the support of world-renowned malacologist R. Tucker Abbott. Two years later, the Bailey family donated land for a museum. Fundraising received a major boost when shell collector and television star Raymond Burr agreed to be honorary chairman. In 1991, former shell shop proprietor Elsie Malone gave her inventory of duplicate shell specimens for use in school kits. The museum's kits have been distributed around the world ever since., In 1995, the museum opened to the public. Anne Morrow Lindbergh, author of the book Gift from the Sea, was among the guests. In 1997, the museum assumed ownership of The Nautilus, a journal first published in 1886. The museum was accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 2010., (captions) At the groundbreaking ceremony, July 7, 1992, left to right are Board President William Hallstead, Campaign Chairman Raymond Burr, Founding Director Dr. R. Tucker Abbott, and Robert Benevides.