Video Captures SCCF's Broad Spectrum of Work

Check out our new video capturing the work we do at SCCF every day to protect the quality of life that attracts residents and visitors to our islands. We screened “Just Another Day Protecting Paradise” at The Cause for Conservation event last weekend to break-out applause several times during the 10-min. video. Produced by Chris Nealon, the video was generously underwritten by Sally Wilmeth and Terry Geurkink through their family’s Jenni and Kyle Fund.

Season is Ending Soon - Get Ready for Beer in the Bushes!

Beer in the Bushes — SCCF's unofficial end-of-season party — is going to be out of this world, with Karl Denson's Tiny Universe as our band this year! 



Sponsorships, which include tickets, are available at the Pint, Growler, Keg, and Brewmaster levels.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on March 21!

Volunteers Paint Stakes for Sea Turtle Nesting Season

SCCF's sea turtle monitoring begins on April 15! Today, our volunteers helped our sea turtle team paint hundreds of wooden stakes, which will be used throughout the nesting season to mark off active sea turtle nests on Sanibel. From April through October, our barrier islands provide important nesting habitat for loggerheads and green sea turtles, and in rare instances, leatherbacks and Kemp's ridleys.

Save the Date for Nest Fest: April 14

Join us for our first-ever Nest Fest — a celebration of our islands’ annual sea turtle and shorebird nesting season. With snowy plover and least tern nesting season already underway, we’re gathering to honor the return of nesting sea turtles to our shores as well! You’re invited to join the festivities on April 14 from 5 - 7 p.m. — the evening before our sunrise sea turtle nest monitoring begins. The event at the Sanibel Community House will include kids’ activities, a presentation on all SCCF and our dedicated volunteers do to protect our beloved coastal wildlife, as well as opportunities to support. Stay tuned for more info!

Herring Gull from Maine Spotted on Sanibel!

SCCF biologists recently documented a juvenile herring gull that was banded last June on Great Duck Island, Maine (over 1,400 miles away!). This gull is one of many migratory shorebird and seabird species that can be found on Sanibel and Captiva during the non-breeding season. 

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Diamondback Terrapin Researchers Meet at SCCF

SCCF recently hosted a meeting of the Florida chapter of the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group. Sixteen researchers from around the state gathered at SCCF headquarters to give updates on their research and share ideas with others.

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Vote for Mascot to Fund Our Marsh Restoration Efforts

The competition is heating up for this year's Marsh Madness. We are excited to announce our FINAL FOUR Marsh Mascots. Continue to vote for your favorite mascot to make it to the FINAL round to be crowned this year's Marsh Madness Champion!

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COTI Event: The Once & Future Sanibel Plan

At 4:30 p.m. on March 30, former SCCF Pfeifer Conservation Fellow Thomas Ankersen, professor emeritus at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and director emeritus of the Florida Sea Grant Legal Program, will be the keynote speaker for the annual Committee of the Islands (COTI) business meeting at the Sanibel Community House. Ankersen will discuss the legacy of the Sanibel Plan and address the challenges and opportunities that Sanibel and its sister islands face as they seek a pathway to climate adaptation. 

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Meet the Natives: Seaside Goldenrod

The seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) is a native wildflower known for its showy yellow flower stalks. Seaside goldenrod grows best in sandy, moist, well-draining soils, and its high salt and drought tolerance make it a great no-fuss plant for coastal landscapes. 

Find it and all your native plant needs at our Native Landscapes & Garden Center at 1300 Periwinkle Way.

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Tidal Pool Exploration at Bunche Beach

The Sanibel Sea School recently partnered with SCCF’s adult education programs to co-lead a beach walk at Bunche Beach. Participants combed the shore to learn more about the unique plant and animal species found in the tidal pools at Bunche Beach! 

Thanks for Sippin & Slurpin!

A HUGE thank you to On Island for hosting a “Sip & Slurp” fundraiser on Feb. 28 at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel. All proceeds from this event were donated to SCCF’s Coastal Watch program to help support oyster restoration in San Carlos Bay and Tarpon Bay. 

“Events such as these help make oyster restoration possible,” said Coastal Watch Director Kealy Pfau. “Thank you so much to On Island and all guests who came out to support!”

Honoring Norm Ziegler as Water Quality Advocate

It’s been less than a year since the passing of Norm Zeigler, a legendary figure in the fly fishing world who was especially dear to those who learned so much from him about fishing the waters of Southwest Florida. As a strong advocate for water quality, SCCF pays tribute to his legacy and encourages those who knew him to join his wife, Libby, and other friends, at a Celebration of Life to honor Norm at the Sanibel Community House on March 14 from 12-2 p.m. 

Fourth Graders Continue Habitat Studies in SCCF’s Pick Preserve 

Fourth grade students at Sanibel School,, led by SCCF Educator Richard Finkel, continued their habitat studies in SCCF’s Pick Preserve, located across the street from the K-8 school. 

Students explored interior marsh habitat, investigated the life cycles of plants and animals, and discussed how nature can be impacted by major storm events.

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