Connecting You to SCCF: James Evans Honored as a SWFL Man of the Year

Nov. 13, 2024

Our Very Own SWFL Man of the Year!

Gulfshore Life Honors James Evans

Last night, SCCF CEO James Evans was celebrated at the Gulfshore Life Men & Women of the Year Awards in Naples for his success in spreading the “coastal conservation message far across our region and beyond.”

In presenting the award, veteran WINK News Anchor Lois Thome lauded him for his down-to-earth, diplomatic, and scientific outlook. Watch introduction.

“James has a distinct ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and believes in finding common ground to create long-lasting change,” she said. “James hopes his legacy will be a science-to-solutions approach that ensures Southwest Florida remains a healthy, thriving place for future generations.”

Love Sanibel Back Beach Cleanup:

A Community Success

On Nov. 2, over 200 volunteers joined SCCF’s Coastal Watch to clear 1,220 pounds of hurricane debris from Sanibel and Captiva beaches. This remarkable effort followed Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“Our community’s response has been inspiring,” said Coastal Watch Director Kealy Pfau. “Each piece of debris removed helps protect our coastlines and strengthens our resilience.”

Special thanks to our event partners—the City of Sanibel, Bank of the Islands, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Hooked Dumpsters, Sanibel Moorings Resort, and Island Inn.

Recap of 2024 Sea Turtle Nesting Season

The 2024 sea turtle nesting season is over on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Total loggerhead and green turtle nest numbers are in line with recent years, but hatchling counts were lower than last year, which was already the lowest since 2016.

SUNDAY: Pine Island Sounds Feat. The Suitcase Junket

Support our water quality work by sailing with SCCF and Captiva Cruises on a sunset concert cruise on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 4-6 p.m. — only a few tickets remain! Our guest artist for this cruise will be The Suitcase Junket, a throat-singing, slide guitar-playing one-man-band created by Matt Lorenz.

Proceeds support SCCF’s critical water quality monitoring and research. Thank you to the Marcums, Captiva Cruises, and Jack and Janie for making Pine Island Sounds possible.

GET TICKETS NOW

SCCF Speaks at Right to Clean Water Event

Policy Associate Allie Pecenka spoke on the importance of conserving wetlands to mitigate the impacts of our changing climate during a panel hosted by the Florida Right to Clean Water.

Other speakers included Joseph Bonasia, who discussed the Right to Clean Water Amendment’s ability to protect wetlands when other means fail, Jason Pim, who provided updates about the proposed Redfish Pointe development in Cape Coral, and Jack Ubinger, who introduced the newly formed SWFL EcoAlliance group.

Meet AJ: New Coastal Watch & Marine Lab Intern

We’re thrilled to welcome AJ Carothers to the SCCF Family thanks to funding from the Sanibel FlyFishers! AJ joins us as an intern with a unique opportunity to work across both Coastal Watch and the Marine Lab, gaining hands-on experience in marine conservation.

MEET AJ

Take Part in San-Cap Christmas Bird Count!

Volunteers are needed for the Sanibel-Captiva Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, Dec. 14! You don’t need to be an expert birder to help — we need individuals who can help drive routes, spot birds, record data, and tally numbers.

Express your interest in participating here.

SCCF is hosting this count in partnership with the Sanibel Captiva Audubon Society as part of the 125th Christmas Bird Count.

Join Coastal Watch for Hands-On Conservation this Fall!

Coastal Watch’s upcoming volunteer opportunities offer a hands-on way to support our islands’ recovery and preserve a local landmark. On Nov. 16, join us at Chapel by the Sea Cemetery on Captiva from 1-4 p.m. to help carefully remove sand and restore this historic site. On Nov. 21, lend a hand at Gretchen C. Valade Preserve on Sanibel from 9-11 a.m. to clear storm debris and protect native wildlife habitats. Finally, on Dec. 4, assist with restoring Bright Water Preserve along West Gulf Drive, 9-11 a.m., to ensure a thriving environment for all.

Hurricanes Help Eradicate Exotics at SCCF Preserves

Silver lining to recent hurricanes?

The recent storm surge from Hurricanes Helene and Milton killed off many large infestations of exotic ground cover plants.

LEARN MORE

Dive Into Day Courses!

Ready to dive into adventure? Starting this week, our day courses at Sanibel Sea School are back in action, and we can’t wait to explore the ocean with you! From thrilling half-day classes for ages 6-13 to special Sea Squirts sessions designed for our littlest ocean explorers (ages 4-6), there’s something for every budding marine biologist. Get ready for games, shoreline explorations, and hands-on discoveries that turn the ocean into your natural classroom!

ENROLL NOW

5 Minutes, please!

Make a Big Impact on our After-School Programs

We want to hear from you! We’re excited to gather feedback to make Sanibel Sea School after-school programs even better for your family. Your input will help us understand preferences around scheduling, session frequency, timing, and any potential barriers to participation. Thank you for taking about five minutes to share your thoughts with us as we work to create enriching, accessible, and fun after-school experiences!

TAKE SURVEY

Meet the Natives:

Bay Cedar

Typically found on or near the beach, bay cedar is an evergreen coastal shrub that’s resilient in the face of saltwater, wind, drought, and high heat. Despite its name, it’s not related to other cedar plants, and is the only species in its genus, Suriana. You can purchase or learn more about the bay cedar yourself at our Native Landscapes & Garden Center.

WATCH VIDEO

Flight Exhibit at Bailey Homestead Preserve

Through Dec. 13, SCCF’s FLIGHT art exhibit, co-hosted by the Sanibel-Captiva Art League, is on view at the Bailey Homestead (1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Explore nature-inspired artworks, including a larger-than-life dragonfly sculpture by Justin Wilson.