Record-Breaking Year for Mangrove Adoptions | | |
Thanks to the incredible support of 708 Mangrove Mamas and Propagule Papas, more than 1,800 mangroves were adopted to loving homes, schools, and businesses across Southwest Florida this fall. Each adopted mangrove represents a direct investment in restoring and strengthening our local coastlines.
Each year, SCCF Coastal Watch invites the community to participate in this immersive conservation effort. Volunteers nurture their young mangroves through the winter months, and in the spring, these carefully grown and cared-for trees are planted at local restoration sites.
Learn how these mangroves will help boost the foundational health of our coastal ecosystems.
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James Evans Named FGCU 2026 Alumnus of Distinction!
Last week, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) announced SCCF CEO James Evans as its 2026 Alumnus of Distinction.
As the most prestigious award FGCU’s Alumni Association bestows upon a graduate, it honors alumni who have upheld the tradition of excellence through their personal accomplishment, professional achievement, and/or humanitarian service.
Join us in congratulating James, who was selected out of a field of 135 nominees.
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Invasive Update: Peter's Rock Agama Documented on North Captiva
Last week, SCCF biologists documented Peter’s rock agamas (Agama picticauda), an invasive exotic species from Africa, on North Captiva for the first time. Their presence marks the latest in the expansion of invasive exotics — both flora and fauna — that SCCF is tracking.
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Marine Lab Gets New, More Resilient Roof
The SCCF Marine Laboratory has a new standing seam metal roof to make the facility more resilient to future hurricanes. The new roof and more repairs to follow this year are being coordinated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and funded by the 2023 Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Bill.
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Policy Team Tracking 2026 Florida Legislative Session
Yesterday marked the beginning of Florida’s annual Legislative Session, which runs from Jan. 13 to March 13 due to the election year. Our Environmental Policy team is closely following bills that could impact our environment, and we encourage you to follow along by visiting our real-time Legislative Tracker and subscribing to SCCF Action Alerts.
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Get an Insider Look at Session in Latest Podcast
From clean water to resilient communities, Florida’s environment faces big decisions during the 2026 Legislative Session. In this "Land. Water. Wildlife" episode, SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis gives an insider look at the session that began yesterday, highlights some of the environmental bills SCCF is tracking, and explains what they could mean for Florida’s ecosystems, communities, and economies.
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Take Action Now! Oppose New Federal Drilling Plan By Jan. 22
There’s only about a week left to comment on the federal government’s new plan to open up more offshore drilling sites off the coasts of Florida, California, and Alaska — a decision that will put our coastal ecosystems and economies at risk.
Even without an oil spill, offshore drilling and its associated operations cause environmental degradation, alter ecosystem dynamics, and contribute large amounts of emissions, including CO2 and methane.
Please join SCCF in submitting comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management opposing this plan.
GET TALKING POINTS & TAKE ACTION
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Osprey Monitoring Begins with Volunteer Training
SCCF's osprey monitoring program kicked off today with a volunteer training that brought together staff, longtime volunteers from The International Osprey Foundation (TIOF), and new participants interested in ensuring a strong future for osprey monitoring in Southwest Florida. SCCF officially took on TIOF's mission this month, and this training marks the first step in integrating the program into SCCF. With the nesting season already underway, and nearly 200 nests to monitor in the region, we’re excited to build this work into our broader conservation efforts.
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Partners Help Plant 700 Mangroves on Rookery Island
In a powerful display of collaboration and coastal stewardship, SCCF recently partnered with the Sanibel-Captiva Sail and Power Squadron, MANG Gear, and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge to plant 700 mangroves on Givney Key, a vital rookery island located at the southern end of Matlacha Pass.
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Meet the Natives:
Sea Lavender
Meet the sea lavender (Heliotropium gnaphalodes), a state-endangered species in Florida. Despite its name, sea lavender is not a true lavender species — it instead belongs to the Boraginaceae, or forget-me-not, family. This evergreen shrub is mostly found along the southeast coast of the state in dunes and coastal thickets.
Purchase sea lavender at our Native Landscapes & Garden Center, which is now open on Tues. - Fri. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WATCH REEL
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| | UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES | | |
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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Join Our Coastal Wildlife Team
Work with sea turtles or shorebirds this spring and summer as an SCCF intern.
We’re currently seeking one shorebird intern and two sea turtle interns for our nighttime tagging project.
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Do You Know a Potential Summer Camp Counselor?
Do you know someone who is passionate about marine science education? We are looking for driven, fun-loving individuals united by a passion for marine conservation to help us spread ocean love this summer. Camp counselors play a crucial role in creating a positive and engaging summer camp experience for children.
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New Weekly Beach Walks at 2 Sanibel Resorts
Sanibel Sea School is excited to partner with two new resorts this season for weekly beach walks to help 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 and Sanibel Moorings — Sanibel Siesta and Blind Pass Condominiums join 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!
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Call for Responses to Survey!
Make your voice heard! SanCap Resilience, of which SCCF is a member, is seeking responses to its community-wide survey focused on storm recovery, resiliency, and the future of our island communities. Respondents can be full-time or seasonal residents, as well as employees of island businesses who live off-island.
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TAKE THE SURVEY
| | 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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