Connecting You to SCCF: What Debby Means for Sea Turtle Nests

Aug. 7, 2024

Assessing Debby Impacts on Sea Turtle Nests

Tropical Storm Debby arrived to Sanibel and Captiva earlier in the year than recent strong storms like Idalia and Ian, which means there were still more than 500 sea turtle nests incubating on the beaches. SCCF biologists are currently assessing the damage.

Debby's Storm Surge on Sanibel Exceeds Idalia's

SCCF's Marine Lab reports on data recorded through the River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network (RECON) during Tropical Storm Debby, including wind speeds, surge levels, and rainfall. The storm's 2-foot storm surge exceeded the surge from Hurricane Idalia's offshore passing last August.

Report Horseshoe Crab Sightings

Horseshoe crabs along Florida’s Gulf coast are of special conservation interest due to their importance for migratory shorebirds and the many threats they face from harvesting, development, shoreline armoring, sea level rise, and erosion.

Help inform conservation efforts for this species by reporting your sightings or becoming a trained horseshoe crab volunteer.

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No Child Left on Shore Connects Students to Coast

Middle schoolers from the Immokalee Foundation joined SCCF and Captiva Cruises for a journey exploring the ecological wonders of Pine Island Sound and Cayo Costa State Park. For many, it was a first-time experience.

A Week in the Field: Empowering Future Conservationists

Sanibel Sea School recently hosted “A Week in the Field,” a camp designed to ignite a passion for a career in conservation. From seagrass sampling to shorebird surveys, campers ages 13 to 15 experienced an unforgettable week of hands-on activities with SCCF staff.

This camp was made possible by generous funding from the League of Environmental Educators in Florida (LEEF) and the Southwest Florida Association of Environmental Professionals (SWFAEP).

Puschel Preserve Blossoms With Volunteer Efforts

Last week, Coastal Watch organized two days of volunteer plantings at SCCF's Puschel Preserve, helping to further transform a former Hurricane Ian debris staging site into a blossoming community space.

Volunteers planted over 400 plants in two days, including 18 species of wildflowers, trees, grasses, and shrubs. Stay tuned for more volunteer opportunities to rejuvenate Puschel Preserve!

Post-Ian Gopher Tortoise Research Presented at Symposium

SCCF Wildlife Biologist Mike Mills gave a talk on Hurricane Ian's impact on the island's gopher tortoise population at the 22nd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles last week in Tucson.

Meet the Natives:

Rose & Swamp Milkweed

Rose milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and swamp milkweed (Asclepias perennis) are just two of Florida's many native milkweed species.

Though quite different in height, these species have similar tolerances, are key for pollinators, and serve as larval host plants for monarch, soldier, and queen butterflies.

Click here to hear more about these plants from Native Landscapes & Garden Center Assistant Sophie Carpenter.

SCCF's Native Landscapes & Garden Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Catch SCCF at IMAG History & Science Center Aug. 17

SCCF will be taking part in IMAG History & Science Center's annual Community Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17.

Calling on Artists for 'Flight' Exhibit!

SCCF is looking for artists to submit their work to an exhibit this fall, held in partnership with the Sanibel-Captiva Art League at SCCF’s Bailey Homestead from Nov. 5 to Dec. 13, 2024.

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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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