CLT to debut ‘StoryWalk’ April 11 at Wigert-Barron Preserve
The Calusa Land Trust will debut a temporary “Story-Walk” featuring children’s book, “Gus the Gopher Tortoise,” by Thomas Kibalo at the Wigert-Barron Pre-serve in Bokeelia in April. A kickoff event for children and families will be held at the preserve Saturday, April 11, at 9 a.m.
Florida Fish and Wildlife will be present with extensive displays on gopher tortoises. CLT received grant funding from LCEC for costs incurred to mount this StoryWalk.
The concept of StoryWalk was created in 2007 and remains a registered service mark of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Vermont. StoryWalks now exist across the U.S. and worldwide in 13 countries (storywalk@kellogghubbard.org). A book is selected that is colorful and tells a simple story for young readers. Laminated book pages are mounted and displayed along walking trails.
Wigert-Barron Preserve and the topic of gopher tortoises are a natural fit for the CLT and Kibalo gave CLT permission to display his book. He also was excited about the prospect of having his book translated into Spanish and CLT is grateful to Nancy D. Cote, executive director of the Beacon of Hope for her translation services.
Gopher tortoises are a state-designated threatened species in Florida and are described as a keystone species because they provide habitat for up to 350 other species. Wigert-Barron Preserve has at least 20 active gopher burrows. The purpose of the Calusa Land Trust is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of the Pine Island region by acquiring, managing and preserving in perpetuity environmentally sensitive or historically important land and to foster appreciation for and understanding of the environment and our past.
Wigert-Barron Preserve is located at 7124 Barrancas Ave., in Bokeelia. This event is free and the greater Pine Island community is invited to attend.