Releases Will Compound Increasing Basin Flows | |
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began releasing water from Lake Okeechobee to the northern estuaries on Feb. 17, and it takes around seven days for this water to reach the mouth of the Caloosahatchee. The estuary's flows are already increasing daily from watershed runoff, and SCCF is concerned for the impacts of additional flows to water quality and estuarine life. | |
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Join the Cause!
Tickets Still Available to Help Rebuild Sanibel Sea School
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Act fast to get your tickets for Cause for the Campus, presented by Pfeifer Realty, where we’ll be on a mission to rebuild SCCF's Sanibel Sea School campus.
Join us on March 2 for an unforgettable evening featuring:
- Cocktail hour at the SCCF Bailey Homestead Pavilion
- Tented dinner on the great lawn
- Live entertainment
- Premiere of a short film showcasing our ocean-loving culture and educational impact, thanks to the generous support of the Jenni & Kyle Foundation
Your support will help us fund essential rebuilding needs, including a new roof on Sanibel Sea School’s front building and wrap-around decking on the Kennedy Building. Thanks to all of our sponsors and attendees so far!
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Meet SCCF's Stars of the 2023 Sea Turtle Season
Learn about the nesting sea turtles who set 2023 records for size, number of times encountered by SCCF staff, and highest hatchling counts of the season!
Using analysis of nesting data collected last summer, including data from the nighttime sea turtle tagging project, Sea Turtle Biologist Savannah Weber shares stories about some of the most unforgettable turtles encountered.
LEARN MORE
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Kolbert Draws Hundreds to 6th Annual McCarthy Lecture
On Feb. 15, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Kolbert sat down with SCCF CEO James Evans at the Sanibel Community House for an interview-driven discussion surrounding climate change, coastal resilience, barrier islands, and the future of conservation.
READ MORE
WATCH RECORDING
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Shorebird Nesting Season Underway!
Feb. 15 marked the first day of shorebird nesting season in Southwest Florida. SCCF staff and volunteers will be out working daily to monitor and protect our state-threatened snowy plovers and educate beachgoers about actions they can take to reduce negative impacts on birds.
LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP
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York Island Mangrove Planting with MANG
Over 200 red and black mangroves were planted on York Island in a collaborative effort between MANG, SCCF, and our dedicated volunteers, marking a significant step in the island’s restoration post-Hurricane Ian.
Despite logistical challenges, the team persevered aboard the R/V Norma Campbell, battling high wind and waves to ensure each seedling found its place. Guided by a shared vision of ecological stewardship, the planting embodied the spirit of community collaboration in fostering a greener, more resilient future.
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Policy Associate Reps SCCF at Everglades Action Day
Policy & Advocacy Associate Allie Pecenka ventured to Tallahassee for a day of Everglades advocacy in the Florida State Capitol.
Joined by partners from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Everglades Coalition, and students from Florida Gulf Coast and Florida State Universities, Pecenka spoke with elected officials about the importance of Everglades restoration for preserving and improving the health of Florida’s water quality, wildlife, and economy.
LEARN MORE
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SCCF Preserve Lands Will Take Time to Heal
Restoration efforts continue on preserve lands with as much chipping and removal of dead vegetation as recent rains will allow. With time and persistence, SCCF land stewards expect the impacts of Hurricane Ian to help restore overgrown, dense shrubby and forested areas to a more natural state.
LEARN MORE
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Cheers! Become a Beer in the Bushes Sponsor
Sponsorships for the island community's favorite end-of-season celebration are now available.
LEARN MORE
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SCCF Names Mikkelson as 2024 Pfeifer Fellow
SCCF's second Pfeifer Conservation Fellow will be Maegan Mikkelson, a graduate student in Landscape Architecture at the University of Florida. A Southwest Florida native, Mikkelson will focus her graduate terminal project on Sanibel and will help organize an exhibit and forum celebrating the historic Sanibel Plan, scheduled for Fall 2024.
LEARN MORE
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Meet Elizabeth, Our New Marine Lab Intern!
Thanks to funding from the Sanibel FlyFishers, Elizabeth Niles has joined SCCF as an intern at the Marine Lab where she will explore the intricacies of marine biology and conservation. Her primary objective is to develop proficiency in analyzing low-nutrient seawater using a continuous segmented flow analyzer.
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Heights Elementary Rocks Beach Clean Up!
SCCF Youth Education Director Shannon Rivard had the opportunity to talk to the fifth graders at Heights Elementary late last year about “Life Below Water.” She shared ways to protect marine life and combat pollution, overfishing, invasive species, and more.
In a full-circle moment, Coastal Watch and Sanibel Sea School recently hosted these same Heights Elementary students for a big beach cleanup! We had over 50 people come out to help. Way to go, ocean warriors!
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Budding Biologists Study Habitats at Pick Preserve
First-grade students from The Sanibel School recently visited SCCF’s Pick Preserve to learn about Sanibel’s interior soil types and habitats!
Across from the school, the preserve was named for Tom and Sue Pick who purchased the property to be held as an SCCF preserve in perpetuity.
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Seeking 2024 Summer Camp Counselors!
Sanibel Sea School is hiring multiple seasonal/full-time Summer Camp Counselors from May 13 to Aug. 23. The role involves leading marine science activities, fostering a safe environment, and promoting positive character development among campers. Candidates should have a background in education or related fields, experience working with children, and relevant certifications.
APPLY NOW!
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UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS | | |
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March 10: Don't Miss Last Pine Island Sounds Cruise!
The Jon Stickley Trio will give a groovy sunset concert aboard Captiva Cruises’ Lady Chadwick from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, March 10 in support of SCCF’s water quality work. Don’t miss this final iteration of our Pine Island Sounds cruises for this season!
GET TICKETS!
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Feb. 27: Panel to Discuss Everglades & Economy
You’re invited to SCCF’s free annual Everglades Update on Feb. 27, held in partnership with the Everglades Foundation. This year’s panel will focus on how Everglades restoration directly relates to our region’s water quality and economy.
REGISTER NOW
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New Weed 'n' Seeds Locations!
SCCF’s weekly morning plant walks are going strong — join us next Monday, Feb. 26, for a caravan ride at Ding Darling, at Bowman’s Beach March 4, at Bailey’s Beach Park March 11, or for a special plant-themed scavenger hunt at Gulfside City Park on March 18.
LEARN MORE
WEEDS ‘N’ SEEDS FACEBOOK GROUP
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March 4: New Residents, Businesses & Employees Invited to Orientation
Explore Pine Island Sound by boat, tour SCCF’s properties, and hear from our experts in a free, day-long program on Monday, March 4! This program is targeted to new residents and businesses on Sanibel and Captiva.
LEARN MORE & SIGN UP
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March 4: Join us for a Sunset Birding Cruise!
Help support the SCCF shorebird program with a beautiful and educational sunset cruise on March 4 in partnership with Captiva Cruises.
REGISTER
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March 9: Look for SCCF at Water Ways Festival!
SCCF will be sharing some hands-on activities at The City of Cape Coral's inaugural Water Ways Science Festival on Saturday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event will include educational activities and games that focus on the importance of our waterways. Attendees will learn about local, regional, and global water concerns.
LEARN MORE
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March 13: Osprey Foundation Presents Dr. Alan Poole
Our friends at The International Osprey Foundation will host world-renowned osprey expert Dr. Alan Poole at 7 p.m. on March 13 via Zoom.
For those in the local area, the Zoom presentation will be shown at The Community House on Sanibel.
LEARN MORE
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Wild Art Exhibit! Now Showing at Bailey Homestead
SCCF has partnered once again with the Sanibel-Captiva Art League on an exhibit now showing at the Bailey Homestead through March 15. Nature-themed works of art include photos by Andrew West, the recipient of SCCF's 2023 Brush of Excellence award. The Bailey Homestead is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
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SCCF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded
in 1967 on Sanibel Island, Florida
EIN 59-1205087
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