Construction Starts on New Marine Lab Dock & Lift

Construction started last week on a new dock and lift at SCCF’s Marine Laboratory, thanks to generous funding from Philip and Roberta Puschel and Deborah La Gorce. The ADA accessible dock will provide space for both SCCF vessels and visiting research vessels, while the lift will be used for the R/V Norma Campbell. This will decrease long-term maintenance needs for the Norma Campbell and provide increased security. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of August.

Only One Swallow-Tailed Kite Chick Fledges on Islands

Swallow-tailed kites have been struggling to successfully nest on Sanibel and Captiva since Hurricane Ian wiped out many of their suitable nesting trees. SCCF monitors these migratory birds of prey every March through June in partnership with the Avian Research Conservation Institute (ARCI), the City of Sanibel’s Natural Resources Department, and a team of dedicated volunteers. 

The ARCI is asking for sightings of swallow-tailed kites through Aug. 10.

READ MORE

Sanibel's 'DQ' Eagle Nest Has Held Strong for 22 Years

One of Sanibel’s most beloved bald eagle nests — the ‘Dairy Queen nest’ — has been active for over 20 years! As we head into late summer, it’s a good time to update everyone on the various protections in place for these iconic birds. 

READ MORE

Research Shows Variety of Diamondback Terrapins

Through research conducted since 2013, SCCF biologists have documented how the island's diamondback terrapins display a diversity of coloration and patterning. That research has led to the identification of various phenotypes that do not resemble either known regional subspecies, as well as examples that fit both very closely.

READ MORE

Aquatic Fish Sampling Reveals Interesting Species

The Wildlife & Habitat Management team has been conducting freshwater fish and invertebrate surveys across the island, including at SCCF’s newly planted Gulf Ridge Preserve! The team's first sampling at Gulf Ridge turned up several interesting species, including a southern leopard frog tadpole and a slough crayfish.  

READ MORE

San Cap Chamber Water Quality Panel Engages

Business Communities

Thanks to everyone who joined us on Fort Myers Beach on July 10 for our discussion on how water quality impacts our local and statewide economies. SCCF sponsored the event — held by the SanCap Chamber and Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce — and moderated a five-person panel that included SCCF CEO James Evans and our partners from Captains for Clean Water, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Sanibel & Captiva Association of Realtors, and Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina.  

Community Welcomes Col. Bowman to USACE Jax

Community members, business leaders, NGOs, and other water quality stakeholders gathered at the Sanibel Marriott Harbour Resort & Spa on July 11 to hear from Col. Brandon Bowman, incoming commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District. Leaders from SCCF, Captains for Clean Water, and the SanCap Chamber all spoke at the event. 

READ MORE

Calling on Artists for 'Flight' Exhibit!

SCCF is looking for artists to submit their work to an exhibit this fall, held in partnership with the Sanibel-Captiva Art League at SCCF’s Bailey Homestead from Nov. 5 to Dec. 13, 2024. The exhibit, FLIGHT, will feature works that portray the fascinating creatures that take flight in the environment. Submitted artwork should fit in with this theme and align with SCCF’s mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. 

FLIGHT will be open during SCCF’s Wines in the Wild on Nov. 8.

LEARN MORE

Mangroves on Woodring Road: Rooted in Resilience

Sanibel School students planted 400 new saplings back in May 2024 along Woodring Road, and they're flourishing. These young mangroves are well-established and are weathering the heavy summer rains, but they have a long way to go until they’re fully mature trees (12 -15 years)!

LEARN MORE