Connecting You to SCCF: Red Tide No Longer Detected

Feb. 26, 2025

Regreening of McGregor Preserve Ramps Up

Coming onto the islands, you've no doubt noticed the drastic change at our McGregor Preserve, where dead black mangroves were knocked down last week and are now being removed. Thanks to ongoing contributions to our re-greening campaign, SCCF's Habitat Management team and Coastal Watch restoration crews are actively reviving the natural beauty and diverse habitats of our sanctuary islands and all SCCF preserve lands.

Get in the Muck at the McGregor Preserve on March 11!

Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton did severe damage to the McGregor Preserve, not only killing the mangroves but changing the hydrology of the area. Without tidal flow, the preserves' ecosystems are transitioning to coastal salt marsh and mangrove basin. To revive the wetland ecosystems, and revitalize this habitat for coastal wildlife, help Coastal Watch plant marsh grasses and mangroves in this preserve.

Please expect it to be mucky and slippery. Come prepared to get muddy!

VOLUNTEER

Be sure to follow Coastal Watch on Instagram and Facebook for a special announcement on how you can help support Marsh Madness restoration efforts!

Red Tide No Longer Detected in Lee County

A red tide bloom that has been causing impacts to wildlife and people in Southwest Florida since mid-January is no longer being detected in Lee County, according to recent water samples and satellite imagery. Water samples taken and analyzed by the SCCF Marine Lab on Sanibel and Captiva over the last 10 days did not detect any Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide. Today's Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) map also shows no presence of Karenia in Lee County any longer.

SCCF Responds to 6 Sea Turtle Strandings

Between Feb. 13-21, SCCF responded to six sea turtle strandings. Five turtles were deceased, and one live adult has since been transported to MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

Though the cause of strandings without physical injury can’t be determined without further testing, they could potentially be related to the recent red tide bloom.

Share the Shore Tips for Shorebird Nesting Season

Shorebird nesting season started on Feb. 15! From keeping pets leashed to maintaining your distance from birds, there are multiple ways you can help us ensure the success of vulnerable shorebird populations in Southwest Florida.

HOW TO SHARE THE SHORE

Historic & Huge Challenge to Restore Interior Preserves

Learn how you can help SCCF rise to the challenge of restoring interior preserve lands to their natural, historic beauty and function as vital wildlife habitats.

While storm surge events have occurred periodically over the island’s 5,000-year history that would kill off some trees in the lower areas, pre-Ian Sanibel had not experienced a substantial storm surge event since 1926. Nor had the island ever had such a density of trees in its interior.

Marine Lab Shares Why It's Important to Calibrate

SCCF's Marine Lab recently calibrated its Turner Trilogy Fluorometer to ensure accurate measurements of three vital water quality parameters.

"This instrument presents us with data about what is happening in the water around us, which is why it’s so important that the results are accurate, scientifically sound, and consistent with other labs throughout the world," said Research Assistant Rachel Wynn.

Voluntourism Campaign Launches at Luncheon

Coastal Watch Director Kealy Pfau shared a video and the goals of our new Voluntourism campaign at the SanCap Chamber luncheon last week.

LEARN MORE & WATCH VIDEO

Meet Brush of Excellence Artists on March 11

Each year since 2015, SCCF has awarded the “Ding” Darling Brush of Excellence Environmental Art Award to an artist who is bringing awareness to the natural world in Southwest Florida.

This year, the award was presented to two artists: Cecilia Montalvo and Charlie McCullers. Join the artists and hear about their collaboration and process during our March 11 Artist Reception & Talk, held in collaboration with our ongoing “Water” exhibit at the Bailey Homestead.

READ MORE & SIGN UP FOR TALK

Florida's Legislative Session Starts Next Week

Legislative Session in Florida begins next Tuesday. Follow the bills SCCF is supporting or opposing during this year’s session (March 4 to May 2) with our 2025 Legislative Tracker, and help us speak up for our coastal ecosystems by subscribing to our Action Alerts.

Thanks to Dunes Residents for Cleaning up Preserves!

Residents of The Dunes volunteered with SCCF’s Coastal Watch to help clean up SCCF preserves in the neighborhood. Together, we removed truckloads of trash, debris, and golf balls! The cleanup marks another hurricane recovery milestone for not only the neighborhood, but also the community. Thank you to everyone who came out to help restore our environment!

Sip & Slurp Party to Support Oyster Restoration

Want to help support oyster restoration efforts in San Carlos Bay and Tarpon Bay? Come Sip & Slurp with us at Doc Ford's Friday, Feb. 28! Hosted by On Island, guests will learn more about the importance of oyster reefs while enjoying complimentary oysters, participating in a silent auction, 50-50 raffle, and more!

JOIN THE FUN

Heights Foundation Takes a Trip to Bunche Beach!

Last week, Sanibel Sea School partnered with the Heights Foundation to take children on an after-school field trip to Bunche Beach! Students got to have fun in the sun while identifying ocean creatures through an interactive scavenger hunt.

This field trip was made possible through Sea School’s A Chance to Sea program. This program allows children in our region who, despite living just miles from the coast, rarely have a chance to interact with the ocean in a meaningful way. Help support this program by donating today!

SUPPORT CHANCE TO SEA

Trailblazers are BACK & Looking for More Volunteers

Our trailblazers are back in action! These regular volunteers meet weekly on Thursdays with Coastal Watch staff at various SCCF trails to help maintain the safety and walkability of our public preserves. We are looking for individuals to join our trailblazers! If you are interested, please contact coastalwatch@sccf.org.

Sanibel School Students Studying Red Mangroves

The Sanibel School’s sixth-grade students are conducting a red mangrove growth study in partnership with SCCF. Students are recording measurements and other physical observations of red mangrove seedlings in various growth mediums and salinities. Students will conclude this year-long growth project study by planting their mangroves with Coastal Watch.

Beachcombing with Road Scholar!

Sanibel Sea School marine science educators hosted beach walks with adults visiting Sanibel on a 6-day excursion hosted through Road Scholar. This group learned about the shells, shorebirds, and other coastal wildlife while experiencing Sanibel’s unique beaches.

Last Community Camp of School Year All About Pelicans

President’s Day was the Sanibel Sea School’s last Community Camp of the Lee County school year. The theme was Soar, Scoop, Splash - Pelican Day! Campers learned all about these large-pouched birds while splashing in the Gulf, followed by a special visit to J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge to see the wintering white pelicans.

Keep up with ongoing SCCF news by following us on social media or by visiting our Latest News webpage anytime.

SCCF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded

in 1967 on Sanibel Island, Florida

EIN 59-1205087

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