Thanks for a Stellar Night at The Cause! | | |
On Jan. 17, we were thrilled to share an amazing evening featuring live music, a glowing sunset on the Bailey Homestead Preserve, incredible food, and cocktails with a tent full of people who believe in protecting Sanibel and Captiva, the world-class islands we all love.
Thank you to everyone who joined us — for showing up, giving generously, and being part of a community that makes conservation possible. Nights like this remind us just how powerful it is when people come together for our coastal ecosystems!
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New Video Captures Why It's Vital to Support 'The Cause'
At The Cause, we also featured the premiere screening of a new video that captures the heart and soul of the work we do at SCCF, and how our community of supporters and volunteers makes it possible.
WATCH VIDEO
SUPPORT OUR WORK
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8.7K Birds Spotted During Christmas Bird Count
Last month, SCCF staff and volunteers took part in the National Audubon Society’s126th Christmas Bird Count, documenting an incredible 8,720 individual birds across 95 species on Sanibel and Captiva.
Totals were slightly lower than last year’s record high of 12,104 birds — our highest since 2020. From shorebirds to songbirds, each sighting contributes to scientists’ understanding of the health of North American bird populations.
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Evans Delivers 'State of Conservation' Address
Sanibel and Captiva Island communities came together Jan. 15 at the SanCap Chamber's 2026 State of the Islands, where SCCF CEO James Evans delivered a "State of Conservation" address. Evans highlighted the need to continue to preserve lands in perpetuity, discussed SCCF’s conservation impact in 2025, and recognized our many important partnerships and programs.
Check out our By the Numbers impact that you helped us achieve last year!
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Coming Soon:
SCCF's Bailey Water Institute
Also at State of the Islands, CEO James Evans shared a new initiative currently in development at SCCF as part of the Sam & Francis Bailey Center for Clean Water Education: the Bailey Water Institute.
The Bailey Water Institute will empower Southwest Florida residents, visitors, and businesses to make water quality advocacy a year-round priority — strengthening partnerships, expanding science-based solutions, and deepening public understanding of the waterways that define our home.
We look forward to sharing more details soon!
This initiative is made possible through the generous support of The Orndorff Family Foundation.
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Stay Up to Date on What's Happening in Tallahassee
We’re releasing weekly email updates and podcast episodes to break down the latest bills moving through Florida’s legislative session and what they could mean for Southwest Florida’s land, water, and wildlife. Email updates are sent on Fridays, and podcast episodes are released on Tuesdays. Each shares timely updates, key trends, and what to watch in the weeks ahead.
Subscribe to our legislative email list here.
READ WEEK 2 UPDATE
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Zonta Awards Grant to Sanibel Sea School
Sanibel Sea School was recently awarded a $4,000 grant from the Zonta Foundation of Southwest Florida and the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva.
This grant will directly support Wahine Toa, Sanibel Sea School’s all-female-led paddleboarding adventure camp for girls ages 13–17. Named after a Polynesian phrase meaning “a strong, brave, or valiant woman,” Wahine Toa is intentionally designed to empower young women during a pivotal stage of adolescence when confidence can waver and opportunities for leadership, especially in outdoor spaces, are often limited.
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Rotarians Lend a Helping Hand at Puschel Preserve
A huge thank you to the Sanibel Captiva Rotarians who volunteered at our Pushel Preserve this Monday. Rotarians helped remove overgrown vegetation and clean benches and signs to help this public preserve shine!
To learn about our volunteer opportunities, please visit sccf.org/volunteer.
WATCH COMMUNITY SERVICE IN ACTION
| | UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES | | |
Illustrations by Wildlife Technician Nadine Cobb
Support the Sanibel Slough with Some Brews!
Join SCCF at Point Ybel Brewing Company on Saturday, Feb. 7, to support SCCF’s wildlife research and habitat management of the Sanibel Slough. Point Ybel will donate $1 of every drink sold between 2-6 p.m. to support SCCF!
But you don’t have to wait til 2 p.m. to join the fun. Starting at noon, come enjoy food trucks, craft beer, and live music from rock cover band PIT Tag. We’ll also have ambassador animals, family-friendly games that highlight the importance of the Sanibel Slough ecosystem, and educational lightning talks.
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Join Us for Annual Trip to Tally!
SCCF policy staff are leading a team for Everglades Action Day, an annual trip to Tallahassee to meet with lawmakers and advocate for Everglades funding, protection, restoration, and supporting legislation. Registration is free, along with chartered east and west coast buses to the state capitol, with a local west coast pickup in Fort Myers. Personal costs for attendees include a one-night stay at the hotel in Tallahassee and meals throughout the overnight trip.
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Calling Artists for 'Nature' Art Exhibit
We're seeking artworks for 'Nature,' a joint art exhibit between SCCF and the Sanibel-Captiva Art League (SCAL) that will be displayed at the Bailey Homestead from Feb. 10 to March 6. The exhibit will feature fresh works of art that align with and highlight SCCF’s mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems and celebrate the amazing nature that makes our environment so spectacular.
Submit up to three pieces on Friday, Feb. 6.
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New Bi-Weekly Beach Walks at Ocean's Reach!
Sanibel Sea School is excited to partner with yet another resort for a bi-weekly beach walk at Ocean’s Reach! The weekly walks educate visitors about the wonders of shells and other marine life that wash up on the shore.
In addition to existing resort partners — Island Inn, Sanibel Moorings, Sanibel Siesta, and Blind Pass Condominiums — Ocean Reach is joining the lineup of resort partners that marine science educators visit weekly to facilitate beachcombing experiences. Resort guests and any visitors to our islands are welcome to join!
LEARN MORE
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Join Us! Weekly, Guided Trails Walks
Discover wildlife, native plants, and our conservation story through SCCF’s free, expert-led guided walks. No reservations required. Walks are free (donations gratefully accepted).
• Mondays: Weeds ‘n’ Seeds Plant Walks (9 to ~11 a.m.) (canceled Feb. 2 due to cold)
Seasonal walks at rotating locations led by SCCF volunteers and plant experts, highlighting native plants, habitat restoration, and how landscapes are responding after recent storms.
• Tuesdays: William & Ruth Brooks Nature Trail (10 to 11:30 a.m.)
Guided walks on SCCF’s newly reopened trail behind our headquarters, featuring uplands, wetlands, the Sanibel Slough, and stories of our islands’ conservation legacy.
• Thursdays: Shipley Trail & Bailey Homestead (10–11:30 a.m.)
A guided stroll through the historic preserve, Native Landscapes & Garden Center, and a rare peek inside the historic 1896 Bailey house.
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Join Our Team!
We’re currently seeking a seasonal Summer Camp Counselor, seasonal Preschool Camp Counselor, and a full-time Equipment Technician to join our team. These roles support hands-on environmental education and conservation work that helps protect the islands we all love.
LEARN MORE & APPLY
| | Keep up with ongoing SCCF news by following us on social media or by visiting our Latest News webpage at any time. | | |
SCCF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded
in 1967 on Sanibel Island, Florida
EIN 59-1205087
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