Connecting You to SCCF: More than 2K Sea Turtle Hatchlings!

July 10, 2024

Sea Turtle Season in Full Swing as Hatchlings Emerge

Since April 24, SCCF has documented 723 sea turtle nests and 2,204 emerged hatchlings on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. This includes 721 loggerhead nests, 1 leatherback nest, and 1 green sea turtle nest. Of the emerged hatchlings, 2,164 were loggerheads, while 40 were leatherbacks.

It's a crucial time of year to turn off or shield all lights visible from the beach after 9 p.m. to prevent the disorientation of hatchlings with artificial lighting. Hatchlings naturally detect the moonlit horizon to find their way to the water. Artificial lights can cause them to head the wrong direction and die due to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or encounters with predators, humans, and cars.

To report any problems with lighting, nests, sea turtles, hatchlings, or furniture compliance, please call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.

Leatherback Nest Marks Third Time for Hatchling Emergence on Islands

On June 28, SCCF’s sea turtle team documented the hatching of a rare, endangered leatherback nest on Sanibel’s West End.

SCCF has only recorded leatherback hatchling emergence twice before on Sanibel and Captiva out of a total of nine leatherback nests. Overall, leatherback nesting on the Gulf coast of Florida is rare and sporadic, with most nesting on the Atlantic coast.

Learn about the history of leatherback nesting on the islands

A Tale of Survival: Entangled Piping Plover Lays Nest

SCCF works with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to monitor migratory shorebirds on Bunche Beach during the non-breeding season. Pepper, a special piping plover we sighted this past year, overcame multiple odds to lay his first successful nest this year in Illinois.

Restored Marsh at Gulf Ridge Preserve Soaking Up Rain

Gulf Ridge Preserve’s restoration journey is a mix of history, hurricanes, and a whole lot of heart for native species. The newly planted preserve is thriving with spartina and sawgrass plants, which serve as habitat and a food source for numerous species. Together we are rebuilding these historical marsh habitats and contributing to the biodiversity and uniqueness of Sanibel Island that we all know and love.

Learn more about interior wetland habitat management activities

Rocket Style Bat Box to Replace Lost Habitat

With the building of a rocket box style bat house, SCCF is providing an alternative to habitat lost to Hurricane Ian for island bats. The rocket style bat box offers unique features that help protect bats from the heat of the sun.

LEARN MORE

'We Love Our Islands' Benefits SCCF This Week!

A big thank you to islanders Karen Storjohann and Alex Werner for choosing SCCF as the recipient of a $2,000 donation from Bank of the Islands. The donation is part of the bank’s weekly We Love Our Islands campaign, which supports nonprofits on Sanibel and Captiva through charitable contributions directed by community members.

Thanks for Taking Action During 2024 Legislative Session!

Together, SCCF supporters sent over 12,000 messages to legislators and the governor’s office surrounding Florida's 2024 legislative session! Click below to read what happened to the bills SCCF supported and opposed.

LEGISLATIVE RECAP

Help Plant Pollinator Garden in the Puschel Preserve!

Join us for two upcoming planting events at SCCF's Pollinator Garden in the Puschel Preserve! This former Hurricane Ian debris site is being transformed into a vibrant native plant oasis. Help us plant hundreds of plants in the pollinator garden on July 31 and Aug. 2 from 8 - 10 a.m. Spots are filling fast, so sign up now!

Policy Director Presents to Island Realtors

SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis recently joined the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors to give an update on local water quality.

He discussed the current status of Lake Okeechobee, blue-green algae, hurricane season, and the transition to La Nina.

Slough Slog in the 'Glades on Way to Teen Camp in Keys

Sanibel Sea School’s week-long teen camp in the Florida Keys started with a stop at Everglades National Park for an immersive ‘slough slog’ with SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis. Campers, ages 13-14, discussed water quality, pollution sources, and why it’s important to get clean water into the Everglades to protect Southwest Florida from harmful algal blooms.

In the Keys, the group is currently camping at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where they’re checking out coral reefs up close and personal and learning about the many threats facing corals.

Campers Learn About Blue Crabs & Take Part in 4th of July Parade

With an iridescent blue color, fiery red tips on their claws, and a shiny white belly, blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) proved to be the perfect creatures to celebrate over 4th of July Week at Sanibel Sea School!

Along with learning about this species, campers also showed their patriotic pride in the City of Sanibel 4th of July Parade, representing the entire SCCF Family!

WATCH SURF REEL

Teens Learn Survival Skills & Paddling Techniques

Sanibel Sea School's “Have Paddle, Will Survive” teen camp paddled through unforgettable times last week!

From mastering paddle strokes and kayak rescues to fire-starting contests and shelter-building competitions, our campers learned it all! They braved the bugs, tackled wilderness first aid, and even camped out on a remote island. Special thanks to the Kids and Conservation by FWC & FYCCN for loaning us kayaks, paddles, a trailer, and PFDs. We couldn't have done it without your support!

Meet New Commander Tomorrow at Sanibel Harbour

Join SCCF, Captains For Clean Water, and the SanCap Chamber on Thursday, July 11, in welcoming Col. Brandon Bowman, the incoming Commander at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, to Southwest Florida. Outgoing Commander James Booth will also be in attendance.

Check-in starts at 5:30 p.m., with the event program from 6-7:30 p.m.

RSVP NOW!

Meet the Natives: Rattlesnake Master

The rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) is a sun-loving, native wildflower found throughout the eastern U.S. that can thrive in various soil types and conditions. This fascinating flower is a host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly, monarchs, and skippers, and is often visited by other pollinators.

Summer hours at SCCF's Native Landscapes & Garden Center are Tues-Thurs., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Stop by for all your native plant needs!

WATCH REEL