A longtime islander, Kristie Anders has devoted her knowledge and enthusiasm to helping others understand the history and natural environment of Sanibel and Captiva.

As a former Captiva Island Historical Society board director and Director of Education at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Kristie has brought a distinctive perspective to island storytelling, connecting the people and events of the past along with the local ecosystems that have shaped island life.

Her expertise and engaging approach to education have deepened residents’ and visitors’ appreciation of the islands’ heritage. By sharing the connections between history and the natural world, she has helped others understand what makes these islands extraordinary and why their legacy deserves to be preserved and shared.

The Guardian of History Award honors Kristie’s enduring commitment to interpreting and sharing the islands’ stories.