Connecting You to SCCF: Community Rallies to Restore Historic Marsh

May 15, 2024

Marsh Madness Has Begun at Gulf Ridge Preserve!

Thanks to everyone who joined us yesterday to help restore the historic marsh at SCCF's Gulf Ridge Preserve as part of our immense Marsh Madness project. Day 1 down, boots muddy, and smiles wide! We're restoring the preserve one step at a time, and we need YOU to join the eco-party! Join us tomorrow, May 16, and next week, May 21 and May 23. We need your help before the rainy season hits! Gather your crew and lend a hand. The marsh restoration will tremendously benefit wildlife and will increase the island's resilience for future storm surge events.

SEA TURTLE TIPS

48 Sea Turtles Nests on Sanibel & Captiva

As of May 14, the islands have 47 loggerhead nests and 1 leatherback nest! There were over 30 new loggerhead nests laid between Friday and Tuesday.

Sanibel: 36 loggerhead nests, 1 leatherback nest

Captiva: 12 loggerhead nests

To help our nesting turtles and hatchlings, please turn off lights and flashlights near the beach after 9 p.m., remove furniture and trash, level sandcastles, fill in holes, and respect posted nest areas. Report any issues with nests, nesting turtles, or hatchlings, by calling our Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.

Clearing of West Sanibel River Preserve Nearly Done

As an ecosystem restoration brought about by Hurricane Ian’s storm surge, the West Sanibel River Preserve is SCCF’s next west-end preserve that is benefitting from the clearing of hardwoods that had disturbed natural marsh habitats over several decades.

LEARN WHY IT'S BENEFICIAL

Protect Terrapins with Bycatch Reduction Devices

SCCF biologists are conducting seasonal surveys for diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) to inform local conservation efforts for this unique turtle species.

Accidental capture and drowning in crab traps is a huge threat to terrapins, which is why all recreational crab traps in Florida are required to have terrapin bycatch reduction devices.

SCCF is offering free terrapin bycatch reduction devices for crab traps — please email clechowicz@sccf.org to pick them up.

Wildlife Impacts Reveal Red Tide's Persistence

Red tide is not currently present in Southwest Florida, yet wildlife are still being admitted for impacts from brevetoxicosis, which is caused by exposure to red tide toxins.

LEARN WHY

RED TIDE CURRENT STATUS

Oyster Sampling & Modeling Will Inform Reef Restoration

The SCCF M arine Laboratory is once again teaming up with Florida Gulf Coast University to study oyster settlement and abundance in the Caloosahatchee. Their data will be complementary to an oyster modeling project being led by the University of South Florida and the South Florida Water Management District to guide the selection of a permitted oyster reef restoration site.

REPORT ALGAE

Fishing Club, SCCF Discuss Importance of Water Quality

Active on the island for over 30 years with ideals rooted in clean water and conservation, the Sanibel Island Fishing Club (SIFC) is a natural partner of SCCF’s advocacy to improve Southwest Florida’s water quality. At the SIFC’s recent meeting, a presentation by Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis sparked a discussion of the importance of gathering community observations of algae and other water quality-related sightings.

Take Action!

TAKE ACTION and urge the sugar industry to drop their lawsuit that threatens the EAA Reservoir — the keystone of Everglades restoration — by signing a petition from our partners at Captains for Clean Water.

SCCF is one of seven organizations that signed an amicus brief filed by the Everglades Law Center in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the intended completion of the EAA Reservoir, which will store, clean, and send water south and reduce harmful discharges to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Estuaries.

SIGN THE PETITION

WATCH THE FILM

SanCap Resilience Seeks Input on Sanibel Plan & Survey

A position paper submitted to the City of Sanibel outlines proposed resiliency measures for inclusion in the Sanibel Plan, the city’s overarching governance and land-use plan. SCCF is one of multiple island organizations that support the proposed updates.

SanCap Resilience invites comments and feedback from the community regarding the position paper — please send them to info@sancapresilience.org.

Community data has helped inform all of SanCap Resilience's programs, materials, and resources, and the group is once again seeking input from the community about what needs and concerns may be changing. The survey is intended for those who live (full-time or seasonally) and/or work on the islands. It should take about 10 minutes or less to complete.

READ MORE ABOUT POSITION PAPER

TAKE SURVEY

Urging FEMA to Embrace Resilience & Sustainability

SCCF was one of 23 organizations to sign a rulemaking petition addressed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that compels the agency to divert from using fossil fuel-based systems when rebuilding communities affected by climate change-related natural disasters.

“By prioritizing renewable energy for FEMA funds, the federal government can show that it is committed to helping our coastal communities protect their ecology and economies into the future,” said Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis.

LEARN MORE

A Warm Welcome for our SCCF Interns!

SCCF is thrilled to welcome five new interns for the 2024 sea turtle and shorebird nesting seasons — Lauren Andrychowski, Cori Bratt, Riona Lahey, Amanda Manrique, and Martinna-Noelle Parham!

Learn a bit about each of them!

Sanibel Sea School Rebuild Moving Right Along

Sanibel Sea School’s front building construction is steadily progressing. SCCF Facilities Manager Jeff Siwicke reports these exciting updates!

The interior has undergone complete demolition and cleaning, with framing now in place.
The plumbing foundation has been established and ethernet cables have been installed.
New flooring and drywall have been laid, with the walls receiving their first coat of primer.
Work on the ceiling tile grid has started and we’re waiting for LCEC to hook up the grid.
Cabinetry installation is about to begin and doors have been installed.

Stay tuned for more progress reports!

Help Prep for Summer Camp at Volun-Teen Days

Sanibel Sea School’s summer camp prep is in full swing, and we need your helping hands! Potential projects include tying nets, loading and unloading gear between campuses, organizing camp spaces under the pavilion, creating examples for art projects, and more. Join the fun after school in May! Open to ages 13 and up, plus middle schoolers looking for volunteer hours.

From Classroom to Coastline: Sanibel School Students Restore Mangroves

Sanibel School's sixth and seventh graders recently wrapped up a year-long mangrove study project in collaboration with Coastal Watch. Led by SCCF Environmental Educator Richard Finkel, the students explored the significance of mangroves while conducting experiments to determine optimal growing conditions for red mangrove propagules. Last week, they planted 400 mangroves along Woodring Road in Sanibel, a tangible culmination of their efforts. This initiative highlights the impact of youth-led efforts in environmental conservation!

SCCF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded

in 1967 on Sanibel Island, Florida

EIN 59-1205087

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