provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Becca Brooks, CWR, and CROW Hospital Practice Manager
Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, right.
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is proud to participate in the 2026 Love Sanibel Back campaign, a community-wide summer initiative encouraging residents and visitors to “buy local, spread joy, and give back” while supporting the businesses, nonprofits, and organizations that make Sanibel Island special.
Organized by St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church in partnership with local businesses, nonprofits, the City of Sanibel, and the Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce, Love Sanibel Back features 10 themed weeks of activities and events designed to celebrate community connection, gratitude, conservation, and local resilience throughout the summer.
“We love Sanibel, so let’s show some love back to the island, its wildlife, and the incredible community that makes this island so special,” says Alison Charney Hussey, CROW’s Executive Director. “We’re excited to welcome residents and visitors to CROW this summer to celebrate conservation, connection, and community.”
As part of the campaign, CROW will host special events this summer that combine wildlife education and family fun.
On Wednesday, July 8, during “Christmas in July” week, guests visiting CROW can enjoy:
• 20% off all Christmas ornaments
• A chance to help decorate the Christmas tree
• A fun “decorate your own” cookie activity for visitors of all ages
CROW will also participate in the Love Sanibel Back Shell Stroll on Monday, July 13, from noon to 4 p.m. Participants will travel to businesses and organizations across the island — including CROW — collecting shells and passport stamps before returning to St. Michael’s Hall for prizes, shell painting, ice cream, and music.
Later in the summer, CROW will celebrate the Wild Mile on Friday, July 24, by offering:
• 20% off all adult and kids regular-priced retail T-shirts and hoodies
• Complimentary heart-shaped cookies
Wild Mile Week, held July 20–26, highlights Sanibel’s unique environmental organizations and encourages the community to learn wildlife facts, volunteer, donate, and support conservation efforts across the island. Participating organizations include CROW, Ding Darling Refuge Society, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Tarpon Bay Explorers, and the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium.
The Love Sanibel Back initiative includes weekly themes ranging from supporting local restaurants and retailers to beach cleanups, gratitude activities, and neighborhood gatherings. Community events throughout the summer include the kickoff at the Sanibel Farmer’s Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 31 at 800 Dunlop Road and a community-wide celebration in November.
“At its heart, Love Sanibel Back is about more than events – it is about connection, gratitude, and resilience,” said Rev. Bill Van Oss, Rector of St. Michael’s. “By participating, each of us plays a role in strengthening the spirit and future of our island community.”
Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences and photos on social media using #lovesanibelback throughout the summer. Additional campaign details and schedules can be found here.
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