Lesser Black-Backed Gulls on the Rise | |
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A traditionally Eurasian-nesting seabird, the lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) has been increasing its presence in North America over the last century. SCCF’s winter shorebird surveys over the past five years show continual annual increases in this species on Sanibel and Captiva!
“Historically, lesser black-backed gulls have nested in Siberia, Scandinavia, and parts of the United Kingdom and Europe. While they’re still primarily present in these areas, their range has been slowly expanding over the past century,” said SCCF Shorebird Technician Aaron White.
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Join the Cause!
Help Rebuild Sanibel Sea School in Time for Summer Camp
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The Cause will feature a cocktail hour, a tented dinner, live entertainment, the premiere of a new short film, and a lively cause-related auction of six desperately needed items:
- A new roof on the front building
- Wraparound decking on the Kennedy Building
- An outdoor learning amphitheater
- A fully refurbished and upgraded play yard area
- A vastly improved storage facility, and
- As always, scholarship funding
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SCCF HAB Research Turns to Tidal Tributaries
Through routine monthly water sampling and sampling when a bloom occurs, the SCCF Marine Lab, in partnership with the University of Florida Center for Coastal Solutions and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, is investigating whether tidal tributaries of the Caloosahatchee contribute to harmful algal blooms.
LEARN MORE
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What's Changed in Island Landscape Post-Ian?
SCCF is keeping a close eye on how Hurricane Ian’s storm surge continues to alter the island landscape. While some invasive exotic plants suffered heavy losses and are now easier to control, such as air potato and young Brazilian pepper, the most notable change is the loss of hardwood trees like buttonwood, which has led to more wetland plants.
LEARN MORE
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SCCF Joins Conservation Partners at EVCO 2024
The SCCF environmental policy team was thrilled to join the 39th annual Everglades Coalition Conference on Jan. 25-27 in Bonita Springs. CEO James Evans spoke on a panel to discuss our new water quality economic report released in conjunction with Captains for Clean Water and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Our team connected with conservation partners and decision-makers throughout the weekend in support of our shared vision to improve Florida’s water quality, ecosystems, communities, and economies through the restoration of America’s Everglades.
LEARN MORE
WATCH REEL
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Meet Skye, Our New Coastal Watch Intern!
Skye was raised as a homeschooled “snowbird kid” on North Captiva, so she knows our islands well! She is most excited to help preserve the ecosystems that she loved so much growing up. She’ll be diving into preserve cleanups, mangrove restoration, oyster recycling, and much more! You can catch Skye in action at our upcoming volunteer events.
Read more about Skye here.
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Tiny Hands, Big Hearts!
Coastal Watch recently met with some miniature eco-warriors from Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI) School, who rocked the green scene by planting mangroves in pots! These record-breaking 2- to 4-year-old green thumbs represent the youngest Adopt-a-Mangrove squad ever! Under the careful guidance of Mrs. Sherry, the 16 youngsters will assume the role of caretakers for 20 little seedlings throughout the spring season.
This program’s hands-on experience not only fosters a sense of environmental responsibility but also establishes a connection between the next generation and the preservation of our precious ecosystems.
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Sanibel School Students Back at Pick Preserve
For the first time since Hurricane Ian, students from The Sanibel School were able to visit SCCF’s Pick Preserve to learn about the island’s habitats, wildlife, and ecology. Third and fourth-grade students recently enjoyed learning about ecology at the preserve.
The preserve was named for Tom and Sue Pick who purchased the property to be held as an SCCF preserve in perpetuity.
READ MORE
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Policy Director Speaks on Microplastics
On Feb. 6, SCCF's Matt DePaolis spoke alongside “Ding” Darling and U.S. Fish & Wildlife experts at the Captiva Island Yacht Club in a discussion surrounding the science and policy implications of microplastic pollution. The audience learned how microplastics enter our ecosystem and explored potential future solutions.
"The first step to removing plastics from our environment is controlling how much plastic is being produced" DePaolis said. "If we don't control the sources of plastic, it won't do any good to try to remove the plastic that's already there."
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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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After School Programs & Day Programs are Back!
Sanibel Sea School’s after school programs and day courses are back and better than ever! We still have a long way to go with the renovation of our Flagship Campus. We will temporarily host after school programs out of the Kennedy Building, located right behind the large blue building facing Periwinkle Way.
Registration is open NOW for February day courses and after school programs. Visit the links below to view the whole schedule and register!
DAY COURSES
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
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THIS SUNDAY: Fiddle Magic on a Sunset Cruise!
Using the power of technology and looping, Grammy-nominated 5-string fiddler Casey Driessen puts on a one-man fiddle show like no other. THIS Sunday, Feb. 11, he’s helping SCCF raise money for our water quality efforts aboard a sunset cruise with Captiva Cruises. We still have tickets left, help us sell out by grabbing one of our few remaining spots below!
BUY TICKETS
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NEXT WEEK: Elizabeth Kolbert at McCarthy Lecture!
Join us for an exciting discussion with Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer Elizabeth Kolbert — author of The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History — at our 2024 Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture on Feb. 15! Tickets are $20 per adult, $5 per student, and free for children 12 and under!
GET TICKETS
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Feb. 12: Volunteers Needed for York Island Restoration!
Join us on Monday, Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.! SCCF has partnered with clothing company MANG to help restore crucial mangrove habitat on York Island. MANG is generously donating mangroves to this restoration effort, and we need volunteers to help us plant them.
Both red and black mangroves will be planted to help give this SCCF preserve the boost it needs to start re-growing its canopy. MANG and SCCF staff will be at the event to help educate and guide volunteers.
REGISTER NOW!
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Wild Art Exhibit! Now Showing at Bailey Homestead
SCCF partnered with the Sanibel-Captiva Art League on an exhibit now showing at the Bailey Homestead through March 15. The exhibit's 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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All Invited! Join Weeds 'n' Seeds Plant Walks
SCCF’s weekly, free Weeds 'n' Seeds plant walks take place every Monday morning! Join us at the Bailey Tract on Feb. 12 and Hidden Cypress Lake on Feb. 19 (rescheduled after being canceled Feb. 5).
LEARN MORE
WEEDS ‘N’ SEEDS FACEBOOK GROUP
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Southwest Florida Climate Summit!
The Southwest Florida Climate Summit on Feb. 28 and 29 is a great opportunity from our friends at the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership to hear from and engage with climate experts.
LEARN MORE
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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 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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James Evans Assesses Island Recovery on Podcast
SCCF CEO James Evans was featured in a recent episode of the Homeowners Be Aware podcast. Check out the timely conversation regarding our island's ongoing road to recovery, with an emphasis on coastal reslience and the value of our natural systems.
LISTEN NOW
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Shell Point Shines Spotlight on Coastal Watch
Have you seen the new spread in Shell Point Life magazine featuring SCCF and Coastal Watch? Thanks to our friends at Shell Point Retirement Community for spreading the word about SCCF’s important mangrove preservation and restoration.
READ NOW
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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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