Another piece of Sanibel Island is being restored with birds flocking because of it

The City of Sanibel is bringing back another crucial part of the island community – while helping its Osprey population too.

The city partnered up with the International Osprey Foundation to restore the Sanibel School baseball fields while giving nests to this bird species. The important partnership not only gives the community back its gathering spot, but it’s bringing the island Osprey population back to life.

Natural Resources Director for the City of Sanibel, Holly Milbrandt, told Wink News how important bringing these Osprey nests back with the baseball fields is for the Island.

“I think everybody who’s working on Hurricane Ian recovery recognizes that it takes a village. Really nobody can can do this by themselves. And so, the city has been fortunate to have really great partners who have helped with the conservation ethic of Sanibel, and the International Osprey Foundation is one of the most,” said Milbrandt.

The baseball fields were used as a staging area for natural disaster relief groups after Hurricane Ian caused mass destruction across the island and Southwest Florida. Now as the island continues to rebuild, the city said it is excited to see the fields come back for the community and wildlife.

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Andrea Miller, Recreation Director for the City of Sanibel, said, “It is so important for Sanibel. We’re barrier island. We’re a sanctuary island. It is one of our top priorities to live in harmony with with nature and cohabitate. So the fact that we can, you know, not only bring this back for the human population, but also our bird and our wildlife population come back along with us is crucial. So it’s just another big step forward to keep people motivated.”

Ospreys home on the ball field

If you look up to the top of the ball field lights, you will see a platform that now serves as these ospreys new home.

Each osprey platform is hand made by International Osprey Foundation volunteer, Jim Columbo. Each platform takes one day to make. So far, there are six up on the baseball field. One of the latest nests was put up last Friday.

As the second largest breeding ground for Ospreys in the world, Kathryn Britinaol, the President of the International Osprey Foundation, is more than happy to see these birds return home.

Britinaol said, “It’s very emotional, because the loss is very emotional. So the building back is hope. And one of the things that’s desperately needed on these islands is hope. You know, it’s always two steps forward 10 steps back with all of the recovery efforts. And that’s the same with the birds too.”

Local Impact

For many, the Sanibel School baseball fields are more than a place to play ball. They are a community gather spot.

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Joshua Stewart grew up on the island, and now raises his children with his wife. Some of his fondest memories from his childhood took place on that dirt.

“We would be out there serving hot dogs and hamburgers, and like the whole community, everybody was out there. We had all the teams. You get to see everybody. So I think that’s one thing that is hard to come by around here – finding gathering places,” said Stewart.

A home for the community and the ospreys. Stewart said he can’t imagine the fields without the birds there cheering them on.

“I mean, the sound, like the Osprey cry. That’s like the theme song of those baseball fields, because you would always hear them out there. That sound is synonymous with Sanibel,” added Stewart.

The City of Sanibel hopes to have the Sanibel School baseball fields finished by this Spring. They plan to send updates on the fields reopening.