Gopher Tortoise Project: Year Two Kickoff

Last year was such a success, we’re doing it again! To kick off year two, we have a special announcement…but keep scrolling for ways YOU can engage! 

THE GOPHER TORTOISE CAMERA IS OFFICIALLY LIVE!

Thanks to generous funding from the Charitable Foundation of the Islands’ 100+ Women Who Care, we’re thrilled to announce that SCCF’s first-ever Gopher Tortoise Live Stream Camera is officially ready for public viewing!

And the best part? The Women Who Care helped name our featured tortoise, so we’re proud to introduce the world to… Dolly the gopher tortoise!

We have two cameras set up on one of SCCF’s preserves, where our biologists have been monitoring gopher tortoise populations for more than two decades. Now, you can get a front-row seat to Dolly’s world and the wildlife that shares the habitat. Tune in, say hello to Dolly, and see what’s happening at the burrow!

Camera 1: The Burrow Cam

This fixed camera is positioned right next to Dolly’s burrow, giving you a peek at the comings and goings, along with the occasional sunbathing session. We’ve already caught some seriously adorable basking moments during testing!

Pro tip: Turn your sound on! This camera features a high-quality microphone, so you can listen in on the sounds of tortoise life—from grunts to munching and everything in between. Consider it your new favorite wildlife ASMR.

Camera 2: The 360° Wildlife Cam

Ready to explore? This camera offers a wider view of the preserve and can zoom in on Dolly, other wildlife, and Dolly’s gopher tortoise neighbor’s burrow. It’s a great way to take in the bigger picture while keeping an eye out for unexpected wildlife visitors.

Join us for our Gopher Tortoise Project: Year 2 Kickoff Talk

Join SCCF Wildlife Biologist Mike Mills and Land Stewardship Coordinator Nadine Cobb on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. for a look back at the first year of SCCF’s Gopher Tortoise Habitat Enhancement Project and a preview of what’s ahead for Year 2.

We’ll kick things off by sharing what our community accomplished together during Year 1, including volunteer participation, habitat improvements, and what we learned from working to improve conditions for Sanibel’s gopher tortoises.

Mike and Nadine will also share the latest gopher tortoise monitoring data and vegetation survey results, giving us a closer look at how tortoises are using the habitat and how conditions have changed over time.

From there, we’ll look ahead to Year 2 goals, including where habitat enhancement efforts will be focused, what we hope to learn through continued monitoring, and how volunteers can help create and maintain the open, healthy habitat gopher tortoises need.

Whether you joined us for Year 1 or are just learning about the project, this is a great opportunity to see the bigger picture, hear what we’ve learned, and find out how you can be part of Year 2.

$15 registration fee goes directly toward supporting the Gopher Tortoise Habitat Enhancement Project.

Volunteers Wanted!

Help Dolly’s Habitat Thrive

Want to do more for Dolly and the many other gopher tortoises that call SCCF’s preserves home? Join SCCF staff for year two of our gopher tortoise habitat enhancement project!

Help remove overgrown vegetation and invasive species that are taking over the open, sunny spaces gopher tortoises need for basking, burrowing, and foraging.

There are opportunities every week and sometimes even more! Join us for one event or make it a regular part of your routine. Whether you’re new to SCCF or a seasoned volunteer, your time and energy make a real difference.

Come get your hands dirty, help restore essential habitat, and become part of the team caring for our islands’ incredible natural resources.

Sign up

Help Operate SCCF’s 360° Wildlife Camera!

Want to be part of the action? SCCF is looking for volunteers to help operate our new 360° wildlife camera. Volunteers will monitor the live feed, zoom in and track wildlife as it moves through the preserve, and help create the best possible viewing experience for people watching from home. It’s a unique opportunity to give the public a closer look at one of SCCF’s preserves and the wildlife that calls it home. No camera experience is necessary, just an interest in wildlife and a willingness to learn!

Interested volunteers are invited to attend a training on October 8 at SCCF Headquarters.

Sign up

Want to learn more about Gopher Tortoises with SCCF? 

Join us for an interactive guided walk as part of the Gopher Tortoise Habitat Enhancement Project. Led by SCCF wildlife biologist, Mike Mills, participants will explore one of SCCF’s preserves to learn firsthand about the unique role gopher tortoises play in our ecosystem and the local efforts being done to help protect this state threatened species. 

Using a scope, you’ll get a closer look inside tortoise burrows and gain insight into how these keystone species support hundreds of other animals. The walk also includes following the biologists on a mock survey, where you’ll learn how SCCF monitors tortoise populations and habitat health.

This engaging experience is a great way to deepen your understanding of conservation while contributing to efforts to protect gopher tortoises on Sanibel.  

Due to the walks being on preserves with no public access, transportation will be provided by SCCF. Participants will park at SCCF Headquarters building (3333 Sanibel Captiva Road). The signup fee of $15 will go directly toward the habitat enhancement project.

Want to support this work? Click here to donate!