The Sanibel School Seventh Grade Community Problem Solving Team (CmPS) developed an alligator coloring booklet titled “All About Alligators” to educate children on how to be safe around this powerful reptile. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) funded nearly $11,000 for the second printing of the booklet.
Dr. Trish Herman of Barry University, the CmPS team coach, said the coloring book was developed as a result of fatalities caused by alligators. The goal is to teach elementary school-aged children how to be safe and coexist with alligators.
Community problem solving teams identify issues facing their communities and then work on developing solutions. In 2005, the Sanibel team chose to focus on living safely with alligators. The team consisted of seventh graders Kaitlyn Herman, Maura Dowling, Shawn McCarney, Elle Farrell, Jimmy Shannon and Laura Turner.
The FWC applauds the efforts of these motivated and concerned students. The original booklet was created and printed in 2005 with funding and distribution assistance of the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. It is being distributed by the FWC and Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge at various outreach events and is available at MyFWC.com/gators/kids_only/AAA_booklet.pdf .
This article originally published on July 9, 2007.
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