About US
Bringing Shell Seekers Together Since 1996
About Us
Since its beginning in 1996, The Englewood Shell Club (ESC) has enjoyed a dynamic history. Founders Barb Myers and Elsie Doyle were amazed that 29 shell enthusiasts showed up to the meeting room at the Englewood Charlotte Library (now Tringali Center) on that January 23, 1996 afternoon for the very first Englewood Shell Club meeting. The purpose of the club remains focused on bringing people together who are interested in conchology and malacology or in simple terms SEASHELL LOVERS! Club members share their enthusiasm and experiences about mollusks of all kinds. Our main interest is Florida seashells.
ESC welcomes everyone: women, men, and families. Most members reside in Sarasota and Charlotte County, but many residents from SWFL also enjoy the benefits of being an active member.
ESC Directors and Team Leaders are dedicated to providing members enjoyable, hands-on experiences such as Study Group, Outreach, Beach Walks, Excursions, Shell Crafting, Field Trips and Events.
Each meeting features an engaging guest speaker sharing a variety of shell-related topics and other fun activities. There is a Holiday Party in December and a Farewell Picnic in April. In addition to food and fun-ship, both events offer a shell auction, a raffle, & more!
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Our Club Shell
Lightning Whelk (Busycon sinistrum)
The Lightning Whelk seemed an appropriate shell to select for the ESC emblem as it was commonly found on Englewood beaches. Plus, Englewood is located in the “Lightning Capital of the World”. The Lightning Whelk is a colorful shell and is known to grow large. This was the hope of the club back in 1996… to grow.
The common name for the shell is derived from it’s streaks which appear to resemble lightning flashes. The shell’s scientific name indicates the way it grows with a left spiral contrary to the way of most other shells. Whelks are found in many sizes and are perfectly formed even when miniature. They feed on clams.
2023 Palm Island Excursion
