Wines in the Wild a Record-Breaking Success! | |
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SCCF’s 14th annual Wines in the Wild was a huge success! A sold-out crowd attended the Nov. 17 event presented by Bank of the Islands at the Bailey Homestead Preserve.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and guests, the event raised a record-breaking amount of sponsorship fees, ticket sales, and auction proceeds, netting out to more than $110,000. Of that amount, $42,785 was raised to help replace the Native Plant Propagation Facility at our Native Landscapes & Garden Center. Attendees who contributed to the cause received a glowing wine glass to show their support, giving the event a fun, festive feel.
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Protect Captiva Coalition Website & Facebook Page are LIVE!
We’re excited to announce the Protect Captiva Coalition's new website and Facebook page! Now, there will be even more ways to access the latest information, engage, and get the word out about preventing increased building heights and density on Captiva.
Check out our new website, www.ProtectCaptiva.org! Here, you will find the latest information and resources about our efforts to protect our beautiful island community.
Please follow and like us on Facebook! This is where our community can join together and show why the Lee County Commissioners should stand with our near-universal opposition to the proposed amendments. You can help spread the word by sharing our posts, or by posting your own reasons for opposing the amendments. Please use the hashtag #ProtectCaptiva.
Thank you to everyone who has joined our mission to protect the character and safety of our barrier island. We’re grateful for your support and look forward to continuing to work together to Protect Captiva!
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SCCF Advocates for South Florida Water Projects in D.C.
On Nov. 15, SCCF Policy Director Matt DePaolis joined the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force meeting in D.C. to advocate for key Everglades restoration and water management projects.
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SCCF Begins Bat Monitoring
SCCF’s Wildlife and Habitat Management Department is now doing acoustic monitoring for bat species on Sanibel Island. In partnership with the Miami Bat Lab — a joint lab between Bat Conservation International and Zoo Miami — ultrasonic recording boxes are being placed around the island to determine which bat species occupy specific areas.
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SCCF Tennis Tournament Announces Winners
A total of 70 enthusiastic players participated in SCCF’s 30th Annual Tennis Tournament on Nov. 11-12 at Beachview Tennis Club, presented by Grampy’s Charities. Winners and finalists received special Luc Century SCCF-etched wine glasses.
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Coastal Watch Team Hiring Intern!
We're hiring a new Community Conservation Initiative Intern for Coastal Watch to join our team from Jan. 8 to April 26, 2024.
The Community Conservation Initiative Intern will assist Coastal Watch with conservation-based initiatives and volunteer events. Applicants should be emerging or aspiring environmental education professionals seeking experience in conservation, habitat restoration, education, communication, and volunteer engagement. This position will receive mentoring and professional development/networking opportunities.
LEARN MORE
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Sanibel Sea School Welcomes New Employees | |
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Introducing Izzy Lutz, our newest Marine Science Educator!
Izzy studied Marine Affairs at the University of Miami with minors in theater, communication, and sign language.
Izzy looks forward to diving into the world of invertebrates like jellyfish and crabs. As Sanibel Island boasts the title of the shell capital of the world, she can’t wait to learn more about the island’s shells as well.
Check out our blog to read more about Izzy.
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Join us in extending the warmest welcome to Craig Rumpf, our new Client Services Coordinator!
Craig has been living and working on Sanibel since 2018 and has a background in biology and communications.
Craig is excited to help further Sanibel Sea School’s mission and provide educational experiences that inspire youth to protect our oceans for years to come.
Learn more about Craig on our blog!
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Meet the Natives:
Quailberry
A very attractive, yet underutilized native plant, quailberry (Crossopetalum ilicifolium) is a great groundcover that is very drought tolerant once established. Quailberry can also be used as a border plant along sidewalks or driveways — best planted in groupings for a nice effect. Its distinctive features are its festive holly-like leaves as well as its showy red berries which birds like. It likes full sun to partial shade conditions as well as dry soils.
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UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS | |
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Now, more than ever, our coastal ecosystems need your support. We invite you to be a part of the solution by participating in SCCF Coastal Watch’s Adopt-A-Mangrove Program. Join us on Friday, Dec. 1 at the Bailey Homestead Preserve, 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. for Adoption Day! You’ll be able to pick up your mangrove seedlings and everything you need to nurture them.
We only have a few hundred mangrove babies left, so claim yours before we run out!
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Birding 101 at The Sanctuary Golf Club on Dec. 4
Join staff from SCCF and The Sanctuary Golf Club from 1:30-3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4 to enjoy birding and wildlife viewing opportunities around the golf course. This event is open to birders of all experience levels. Participants will be riding in golf carts and walking for short distances.
Only 12 seats are available so that attendees get an optimal birding experience.
Register while tickets still available.
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Take a guided walk led by local experts from SCCF from 2-3:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 on Captiva. Participants will learn how the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation has adapted its landscape to be better prepared for climate change. You'll also discover practical considerations for using these techniques on your own properties!
This program is being presented collaboratively between the Captiva Civic Association, SCCF, and the Rauschenberg Residency program. Act fast — only a few tickets are left!
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Pine Island Sounds Sunset Cruise Continues Dec. 10!
The Jon Stickley Trio will perform aboard Captiva Cruises’ Lady Chadwick from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10 for SCCF’s second Pine Island Sounds sunset cruise of the season. Ticket sales support SCCF’s water quality efforts, and guests will enjoy light bites and a complimentary cocktail as they revel in the beauty of our coastal ecosystem. Act fast — tickets are limited for this intimate cruise.
DETAILS & TICKETS
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Join us for Evenings at the Homestead on Dec. 12!
Our annual Evenings at the Homestead is focusing on creative responses to climate change this year. As the first event of the season, SCCF is collaborating with Players Circle Theater in a global festival, Climate Change Theatre Action. Short plays by playrights from all over the world will be staged on Dec. 11 at Players Circle Theater and on Dec. 12 at the Bailey Homestead Preserve.
The 7 p.m. performances will close with a panel discussion with climate experts. Join us as we envision a world beyond the climate crisis! Limited tickets are available at both venues.
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Annual Christmas Bird Count: Dec. 16
We need volunteers to help spot birds, record data, and tally numbers for our annual Christmas Bird Count on Sanibel and Captiva on Saturday, Dec. 16. The event takes place all day beginning at 6:30 a.m., and refreshments will be provided!
LEARN MORE & SIGN UP
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Sunset Birding Cruises: Register for 2024 Dates!
Captiva Cruises and SCCF are partnering to offer educational sunset birding cruises. Three dates next year have already been announced, and you can register below. Proceeds help support SCCF’s shorebird program. These trips sell out quickly — book your tickets soon.
Saturday, Jan. 20: Register
Friday, Feb. 16: Register
Monday, March 4: Register
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SCCF has three exciting open positions:
Coastal Resilience Manager
Community Conservation Intern (Seasonal)
Policy & Advocacy Associate
LEARN MORE & APPLY
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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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