Marine Lab Documents Decreased Salinity Following High Volume Lake O Releases | |
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Through monthly sampling at the Chiquita Lock, SCCF's Marine Laboratory found dramatic changes in the salinity regime of the lower river and the Caloosahatchee Estuary.
The sampling was done after 11 days of high-volume releases from Lake Okeechobee.
In addition to impacting seagrass growth and oyster spawning, the release of nutrient-rich freshwater fuels potential harmful algal blooms.
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SCCF Urges Corps to Stop or Lower Lake O Releases
It's been over a month since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began releasing Lake Okeechobee discharges. In his most recent public comment letter, SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis urged the Corps "to stop completely or drastically lower the volume of the releases to protect the oyster spawn that will likely be beginning at the end of March."
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Limited Tickets Left for Beer in the Bushes!
Act fast to join the fun at SCCF on Saturday, March 30 for our 10th Annual end-of-season celebration featuring craft breweries, food trucks, two sets of live music and improvisation from Railroad Earth at Beer in the Bushes!
Tickets are $125 and include $15 in Trux Bux for dinner selections at Food Truck Alley, beer samples, wine, water, soft drinks, and light snacks.
Join us in your best Camo Cool/Safari Chic attire.
BUY TICKETS!
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SCCF Helping Out with Growing Feral Cat Population
Pets lost during Hurricane Ian may have contributed to an uptick in feral cats on Sanibel. SCCF is helping keep these cats off the streets, where they pose a threat to native wildlife, especially birds.
If you have observed cats on Sanibel or Captiva that appear to be stray or feral, please let us know by emailing shorebirds@sccf.org.
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Impacts of Red Tide Blooms on Loggerheads & Offspring Study Published
The Florida Restore Act Centers of Excellence Program recently published the results of research studies funded over the past decade through civil penalties paid in connection with the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
SCCF Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan was the lead author of a 4-year study included in the publication. Conducted on Sanibel, it examined the health and reproductive impacts of brevotoxin exposure on nesting loggerheads.
SCCF is one of 10 Florida research institutions and nonprofit organizations in the Centers of Excellence program, which funds projects and activities that restore and protect the environment and economy of the Gulf Coast region.
DOWNLOAD PUBLICATION
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Volunteers Plant 1,000 Plants at Puschel Preserve!
Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, the majority of invasive vegetation has been cleared on Puschel Preserve, making way for exciting enhancements like a flourishing pollinator garden and revitalized wetlands. Just last weekend, over 1,000 plants were planted around our ponds and demonstration marsh!
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Mangrove Adoption
a Big Hit at Shell Point
Mangroves are officially trending at Shell Point Retirement Community after our Adopt-A-Mangrove event last week. Over 70 red mangroves went home with residents who signed up to care for the seedlings over the next several months before we pick them back up to plant at one of our restoration sites.
Our Adopt-A-Mangrove program gives the community a chance to take part in protecting our shorelines, while also allowing us to clear space in our nursery to take care of more plants!
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Expect Action Alerts as 2024 Legislative Session Ends
Bills passed during Florida’s 2024 Legislative Session will be making their way to the desk of Gov. DeSantis through June. SCCF will be sending action alerts to urge vetoes on environmentally harmful bills, including SB 1624 / HB 1645, which rolled back Florida’s previously approved renewable and clean energy goals and grant programs.
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SUBSCRIBE TO ACTION ALERTS
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Community Camp Gives Everyone a 'Chance to Sea' | |
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When Lee County Public Schools close for select school holidays, SCCF's Sanibel Sea School offers a fun, day-long community camp for children ages 6-17. Last Friday’s camp theme was “Celebration of the Sea,” an exciting day of learning and celebrating the beauty of our oceans. Campers explored the wonders of the marine world through activities like snorkeling, surfing, art projects, and beach games!
Community Camp is free to all and offered as a part of our Chance to Sea Program.
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Welcome Back, Nadine!
Nadine Cobb recently joined the Wildlife & Habitat Management Department as its new Wildlife Biologist Intern. With a B.S. in both Environmental Science and Marine Science from The University of Auckland, her interest in wildlife research was solidified while working as an SCCF Nighttime Sea Turtle Tagging Intern during the 2023 nesting season. Nadine is looking forward to learning as much as possible about wildlife telemetry, trapping as part of mark-recapture research, and monitoring populations of sensitive species.
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Sanibel Sea School Day Courses in March & April!
Calling all visitors and spring breakers! Join Sanibel Sea School for a sea-riously fun time at our Day Courses! Parents — Your child will spend the day being captivated by educational and oceanic fun. While they're off exploring, you can set sail for a day of grown-up excitement!
Secure your spot now — view the calendar and register for an unforgettable vacation experience!
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April 8: Affordable, Efficient, and Sustainable Building Practices
SCCF CEO James Evans will speak at a community event hosted by SanCap Resilience at 6:30-8 p.m. on Monday, April 8 as part of the Emerging from Hurricane Ian Stronger and More Resilient series.
The discussion at the Sanibel Community House (and live streamed via Zoom) will explore resilient building practices for barrier islands, drawing upon examples from Evans and SCCF, Community Housing and Resources Executive Director Nicole McHale, and Jennifer Languell, Ph.D., an expert in sustainable development and the president and founder of Trifecta Construction Solutions.
REGISTER
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March 25: Weeds 'n' Seeds at Ding Darling Oak Hammock
Join SCCF’s weekly Monday plant walk at 9 a.m. on March 25 at “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Weeds 'n' Seeds received special permission to visit this unique part of the Refuge. Park at the American Legion Post 123 at 4249 Sanibel-Captiva Rd. and be prepared for ankle-deep standing mud/water at the very beginning of the walk (the trail itself is dry and easily passable). Walking sticks are recommended.
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WEEDS ‘N’ SEEDS FACEBOOK GROUP
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April 11: San-Cap Audubon & SCCF Joint Bird Walk!
SCCF and the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society invite you to an upcoming bird-viewing field trip on April 11 at the Lee County 20/20 Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve (East).
Six out of 12 spots are still available!
REGISTER
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Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer Program Training
Lee County residents passionate about gardening and volunteering can cultivate their skills and give back to the community through the 2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Program Training Course that runs from Aug. 20 through Nov. 20. Certified Master Garden Volunteers dedicate their time to various organizations within Lee County, including SCCF.
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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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