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SCCF Environmental Policy Director James Evans has been named as the next Chief Executive Officer. He assumes the role on Jan. 1. He is succeeding SCCF CEO Ryan Orgera, who has accepted the role of global director of a new fisheries transparency project. “I’m thrilled to be handing the helm over to James. His deep knowledge of our coastal ecosystems and what needs to happen to restore and preserve them is a great fit for SCCF,” said Orgera. READ MORE
Photo by Shane Antalick
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First Bald Eagle Incubation of the Nesting Season
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting season is underway, and SCCF staff and volunteers are monitoring eight pairs of bald eagles on Sanibel, Captiva, and North Captiva. One pair is already actively incubating. However, one of the nests on Sanibel has been abandoned this season. If you have observed eagles carrying nesting materials or exhibiting courtship behaviors on the East End, contact SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht at eagles@sccf.org or 239-742-3984, ext. 1305. READ MORE
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In-person and Virtual Evening at the Homestead: “A Season of Change” with CEO Ryan Orgera
Join us Dec. 14 at 7pm for Evenings at the Homestead featuring a final presentation by CEO Ryan Orgera, who is departing Southwest Florida to take the helm in January as global director of a new fisheries transparency project funded by Oceans 5 and The Pew Charitable Trusts. He will give an overview of SCCF's accomplishments over the last three years, provide a glimpse into SCCF’s future, and more. Register here to attend in-person or virtually via Zoom.
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Pine Island Sounds Sails Again on Dec. 12
SCCF, in partnership with the Marcums and Captiva Cruises, is hosting the season’s second Pine Island Sounds cruise on Dec. 12. Featuring The 502s, the event directly supports SCCF’s water quality research and programs. This sunset concert cruise combines a high level of talent performing in the intimate, open-air setting of The Lady Chadwick. The cruise sails from 4 – 6pm from McCarthy’s Marina. Save your seat today: Pine Island Sounds Registration READ MORE
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Air Potato Treatment Requires Diligence
While walking trails or driving around Sanibel, sporadic patches of large, heart-shaped leaves covering shrubs or traveling up the stem of high canopy trees, such as cabbage palms, can be seen. These invasive vines smother native plants by choking out sunlight and dominating the landscape. Air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) is one of the eight exotic plants that the City of Sanibel prohibits people from planting or transporting. READ MORE
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Army Corps Announces Plan that will Guide Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual
On Tuesday Nov. 16, the U.S. Army Corps announced the final plan that will guide the new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM). LOSOM will replace the current Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS08) and guide how the lake is managed for the next decade. The plan also determines the volume and timing of water releases to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries and Everglades. READ MORE
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Seeking Historical Shorebird Photos, Stories
SCCF is gathering historical information on shorebird conservation efforts on the island over the years. The staff has been busy conducting interviews with long-time residents and local experts and combing through digital and paper archives. There is a long history of inter-agency collaboration and volunteerism to benefit shorebirds. If you have photos of beach-nesting birds to share, please contact SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht at shorebirds@sccf.org or call 239-472-3984 ext. 1305. READ MORE
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Coastal Resilience Connections: Harmful Algal Blooms
By Carrie Schuman, SCCF Coastal Resilience Manager
Research suggests that changing climactic conditions may be shifting the timing, location, and extent of harmful algal blooms (HABs). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reported that HABs have increased in coastal areas since the 1980s and their associated risk to human populations is projected to increase as a result of climate change and other stressors. How are HABs connected to building coastal resilience? READ MORE
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Meet the Natives: Blackbead vs. Cat’s Claw
Blackbead (Pithecellobium keyense) and cat’s claw (Pithecellobium unguis-cati) are two closely related, shrubby trees that are in the same family and genus—making them a challenge to differentiate. Both provide several benefits to wildlife. Birds are drawn to their fruits and brightly colored arils (seed coverings) and the tree branches provide protection for nesting birds. They also attract butterflies as host plants and as a source of nectar. READ MORE
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Sanibel Sea School is Hiring
As the busy spring and summer seasons approach, Sanibel Sea School is looking to fill two seasonal positions: a marine science educator and a customer service and retail coordinator. Both positions are full-time from February through August. Sanibel Sea School is part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) family. Interested applicants will support Sanibel Sea School’s mission: to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time. READ MORE
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Annual Tennis Tournament
We appreciate all the island tennis players who participated in the 29th Annual Tennis Tournament benefitting SCCF. It was a great weekend with exciting matches and festive camaraderie, with special thanks to Beachview Tennis Club Owner and Tennis Director Toni Halski.
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Wines in the Wild 2021
Let’s raise a toast to all who made Wines in the Wild 2021 another success! Pictured here are Allison and Chauncey Goss with Geoff and Robbie Roepstorff.
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