BRADENTON BEACH – After a recent social media post received thousands of responses from locals and tourists alike, people are taking notice of local resident Kerry Robertson and her efforts to educate visitors to Anna Maria Island about how to leave a small footprint and respect Island wildlife.
After a successful career in insurance, the Chicago area native was longing to leave the fast-paced corporate life for something simpler, and a slower pace of life.
“I came down here to explore this beautiful area; it’s been on my bucket list forever,” said Robertson, who said her 24-year-old daughter gave her the “daughter blessing” to come to AMI and live her dream.
After settling in three years ago, Robertson made it her mission to get to know the wildlife and do anything she could to promote responsible visiting by those who may not know just how much the Island has to offer beyond tiki bars and great weather.
“I came down here sight unseen; I sold everything I had and kept only what was most important to me, and would fit in the back of my SUV. My sister and I road-tripped down here like Thelma and Louise, and I honestly didn’t even know Anna Maria Island existed. I rented my apartment sight unseen, and when I drove over the Cortez bridge it was a spiritual experience for me; I cried,” said Robertson, describing her move to AMI.
That “spiritual experience” didn’t fade after getting settled on the Island. Robertson began to pick up trash when she saw it left on the beach, and educate herself on the delicate ecosystem that many visitors may not be aware of. Those efforts and passions led to this social media post that drew attention to her and her efforts:
Why vs. why not. Why fill in the holes you dig on the beach? Do you dig holes in your own local park and leave them? Why pick up another person’s trash? Do you walk by a candy wrapper or pop can on your own street? Why refrain from feeding the wildlife? Do you stand in your own yard and throw them food they don’t normally eat? Why refrain from chasing the birds? Would you chase your indigenous birds away from their feeding ground and babies? Why keep your dogs off of the beach? Would you take your dog to a bird or turtle sanctuary? Common sense must prevail when any of us have the privilege to go on an adventure to a place that’s new and exciting and different from our comfort zone! AMI IS magical. It’s also a pelican and turtle refuge. It’s not all about us humans having an awesome vacation. We can respect the nature we are invading with our presence. Leaving holes on the beach causes deep tide pools. Can be a trap for nesting turtles and their hatchlings. Dogs can scare the shore birds. Chasing and feeding the birds interrupts their natural rhythm of gathering to fish. Leaving trash is well… some people will… so just be a Good Samaritan and pick up that bottle cap. Be in awe how the birds work together. Teach the kids to appreciate them. Build a sand castle. Take a picture, and then water it down. Be a good steward of the environment right around you, like you own the place! Bring your fur babies to the causeway, restaurants and beautiful parks that welcome them! Get a tan! Find awesome shells. Have many frozen drinks. Take lots of pics so you can remember where you were when you forget the rest of the world for a while. Welcome to paradise!
“I like to look around and see what kind of footprint I left when I leave the beach. I’ve had some of the best conversations just renting a beach chair and talking to families,” said Robertson, who brings a couple of books with her when she visits the beach.
“One book is about the animals of the shore, and the other is a book on local shells,” said Robertson, who will offer to loan the books to families to read with their children who love learning about what shells they have found, or what animals they may have encountered. Simple efforts like this not only bring enjoyment to children, but educate parents as well. This kind of interaction with families opens the door to discuss other measures of conservation with the people she meets, making her efforts fun, as well as educational.
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