SCCF Submits Comments on Lake O Releases

On March 1, SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis submitted a public letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to convey SCCF’s concerns with continued high-volume releases from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee. 

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Tickets Selling Fast for Beer in the Bushes!

Don't forget, our suggested attire is Camo Cool/Safari Chic. It celebrates our "Back to the Bushes" theme marking our return to the grounds of the SCCF Headquarters on San Cap Road. Our islands' traditional "End-of-Season" party is coming home on Saturday, March 30.

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SCCF Protects Wildlife During Beach Renourishment

Safeguarding shorebirds and sea turtles during beach construction projects like the current beach renourishment on Sanibel is just another way that SCCF staff help minimize impacts to coastal wildlife.

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Victory for Florida's Wetlands & Wildlife

A federal ruling on Feb. 16 removed Florida’s ability to grant permits for wetland development projects. These projects put hundreds of acres of wetlands and thousands of acres habitat for the endangered Florida panther at risk. 

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Brackish Habitats Mean More No-See-Ums

You may have noticed more “no-see-ums” than usual on the island these days. You can credit the storm surge from Hurricane Ian that inundated Sanibel’s vast freshwater bodies with pure saltwater, converting them to brackish water bodies. March and April are also peak breeding season.

Find out when they’ll decrease.

SCCF Presents on Seagrass Loss at Climate Summit

SCCF attended the 2024 Southwest Florida Climate Summit last week in Punta Gorda. Marine Lab Research Associate Mark Thomson presented as part of the New Regional Climate Science panel, while Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis and Advocacy & Policy Associate Allie Pecenka were in attendance.

Thompson’s talk focused on seagrass loss over time at several SCCF-monitored sites, and how those losses relate to increases in annual temperature, macroalgae coverage, and nutrient concentrations. 

Honey House Reopens at Garden Center!

SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center is pleased to reopen its Honey House this week, offering T-shirts, garden tools, and books on native plants.

With so much interest in planting native right now, the Garden Center also welcomes you to review a list of its current stock or to drop by Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Find out which T-shirts and plants are available!

SCCF Supports Northern

Lake O Reservoir

SCCF recently joined eight organizations, including the National Audubon Society and National Wildlife Federation, in submitting public comments supporting the progression of the Lake Okeechobee Component A Storage Reservoir (LOCAR).

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Environmental Groups Call for State Funding

Florida’s Legislative Session ends this week. SCCF and 22 other environmental groups — including Sierra Club Florida, Friends of the Everglades, and Florida Wildlife Federation — signed a joint letter to leaders in Tallahassee to reiterate the importance of prioritizing the environment to protect Florida’s lands, waters, and wildlife.

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Sanibel Sea School Offers Spring Break Courses!

During the week of March 18, Sanibel Sea School invites Lee County students and any visiting spring breakers, ages 6 to 13, to dive deep into our immersive and engaging half-day courses featuring sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, seashells, and more.

Check out our list of available courses and join the fun!