LEE ISLAND COAST, FL – A first of its kind in Florida, and possibly in the nation: a unique public/private partnership has created an educational brochure that advocates environmental preservation and wildlife protection to visitors of the Lee Island Coast in southwest Florida. The new, inventive "Eco Guide to Lee County" has been produced by the Lee Island Coast Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) and Eckerd Corporation – a successful partnership between government and business.

This in-room brochure was designed to educate the nearly 2 million annual visitors staying in accommodations about the area’s beautiful and fragile environment, natural resources, and diverse wildlife. It explains the varied eco-systems, how they work, and why it’s imperative that people care for them. Also, readers will learn about the "lights out policy," shelling laws, and rules and guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing. Along with interesting facts and information about dolphins, manatees, and Loggerhead sea turtles, the 20-page guide includes tour suggestions and an area map.

With themes such as "Not just watching, but watching out for our wildlife" and "Nurture nature," the handy guide provides tips on how to best enjoy the Lee Island Coast’s natural resources and wonders, with an emphasis on "leaving the same wonders we enjoy today preserved for generations to come."

According to D.T. Minich, C.D.M.E., executive director of the VCB, "This program is a fantastic opportunity for us to provide our guests with the information necessary for them to be responsible visitors to the area. It will enhance their visit by educating them on the unique qualities of Lee County."

Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin, public outreach coordinator with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, believes that the brochure has the potential of being one of the most significant environmental education programs in the area, one which is capable of generating an enormous positive impact and initiating long-term, far reaching effects. "The Eco Guide to Lee County will assist in greatly reducing unintentional visitor behaviors, which may have negative impacts on wildlife and natural resources," according to Kappmeyer-Sherwin. "Through their distribution of the Eco Guide, area hotels and other businesses that serve tourists will greatly contribute to advancing and furthering resource protection and appreciation."

Eckerd Marketing Director Bob Dyer stated, "As a responsible corporate citizen, Eckerd believes that everyone has a responsibility to protect our environment. We partnered with Lee County to educate the visitors to our home state on the fragile ecosystem and enhance their stay so that it is a positive experience."

Available at no cost, local accommodations and other tourism-related businesses are encouraged to contact the VCB at (941)338-3500 for an order form request.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Lee Island Coast (Lee County) in southwest Florida includes Sanibel/Captiva/Pine islands, historic Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs and beaches, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, and Lehigh Acres. For more information, log on to our web site at www.LeeIslandCoast.com .