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SCCF Records 4.9K Birds During
Global Shorebird Counts
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The SCCF shorebird team documented nearly 5,000 shorebirds, seabirds, and wading birds over one week across Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, and various Fort Myers locations as part of Global Shorebird Counts. This included 41 different species!
Most Abundant Species
- Sanderling (Calidris alba)
- Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
- Willet (Tringa semipalmata)
- Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla)
- Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
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62 Sea Turtle Nests Lost to Hurricane Idalia
SCCF sea turtle staff and volunteers continue to work hard to unbury and salvage sea turtle nests on Sanibel and Captiva after Hurricane Idalia on Aug. 30, and at least 62 nests have been confirmed lost.
Our staff explain the various ways that tropical storms and hurricanes can impact sea turtle nests and adult sea turtles in the ocean.
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Puschel Preserve Restoration Supports Diverse Wildlife
Recent rains have finally created newly shaped wetlands near the entrance of the Puschel Preserve. As an edge habitat, a demonstration marsh will be planted to meet with the naturally wooded area back by the Sanibel River, providing two different habitat types for wildlife.
These ephemeral wetlands are vital for the breeding of many invertebrate and vertebrate species such as aquatic insects, amphibians, and live-bearing fish — attracting predators such as snakes, turtles, wading birds, raccoons, and otters.
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Thanks for Protecting our Islands!
We would like to thank everyone who lent their time and energy to oppose the proposed amendments to the Lee Plan and Land Development Code. Only by remaining unified as a community can we hope to protect the unique nature of our sanctuary islands.
Once the next steps are evaluated, legal and otherwise, we will inform everyone of our plan to protect Captiva from increased building heights and density.
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Fun Ways to Give at The Watch Party!
Test your casting skills, help "build" a truck, and/or win a custom mangrove pendant at SCCF's Watch Party at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29. All the fun will benefit SCCF’s Coastal Watch program!
Guests will also enjoy live music, delicious food and drinks, and great company.
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Volunteers Needed!
International Coastal Cleanup: This Saturday
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SCCF Coastal Watch still needs volunteers for the Ocean Conservancy’s Annual International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 8-11 a.m. Volunteers will collect trash from both Sanibel and Captiva beaches to maintain coastal habitat and lead to cleaner, healthier waters. After the event, volunteers are encouraged to come to the SCCF Bailey Homestead for lunch provided by Bank of the Islands.
Questions? Email kmcneal@sccf.org
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Help Plant Pollinator Garden at Puschel Preserve, Sept. 21 | |
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Come join SCCF for a morning of planting native plants to create the pollinator garden at SCCF's Puschel Preserve on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 8 to 10 a.m.
When fully restored, the front acreage of the preserve will feature a welcome plaza, pollinator garden, walking/biking trail, sculpture garden, and demonstration marsh.
This week, Native Landscapes & Garden Center Intern Julianna Zeltman, left, and Coastal Watch Intern Sara Durbin unloaded a delivery of plants for the pollinator garden.
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How Everglades Restoration Impacts our Water Quality
SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis and Policy Intern Katie Gretter explore the connection between Everglades restoration and water quality. Hosted by SCCF Communications & Marketing Manager Denise Blough, the conversation delves deeply into how vital restoring the River of Grass is to the health of our waters.
LISTEN NOW
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30th Annual SCCF Tennis Tournament Nov. 11-12
Join the fun in SCCF’s 30th annual Tennis Tournament, to be held Nov. 11 and Nov. 12 at Beachview Tennis Club on Sanibel. There will be men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles at the 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 levels ($100 for one day or $150 for combined days ofplay).
To register, call Toni Halski at 239-472-9099. To become a sponsor, call Cheryl Giattini at 239-822-6121 or Lisa Cochrane at 239-246-8875.
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Meet the Natives:
Green Thatch Palm
One of the toughest plants around, green thatch palm (Thrinax radiata) is the epitome of a Florida survivor. Tolerating sun or shade, salt exposure, and dry conditions, it is perfectly suited for our island environment. Found throughout South Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Yucatan peninsula, it lends a tropical feeling to any landscape, and when blooming, is abuzz with insect pollinators. The white berries that grow after the flowers are pollinated are also a nutritious food source for birds.
Buy green thatch palm at SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
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Talking Climate Change with Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife
Last evening, SCCF Coastal Resilience Manager Carrie Schuman, Ph.D., led a discussion surrounding climate change, hurricanes, and their impacts on wildlife at the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife general meeting. Her talk described projected increases in high heat days and intensity of Atlantic hurricanes, shifting patterns of wildlife and ecosystems in response to climate change, and what Floridians can do to lessen negative impacts.
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Environmental Policy Interns Reflect on SCCF Experience
“I can confidently say that this public policy internship has been the single most rewarding summer experience I’ve had in the last three years,” says Tricia McCormack, one of three environmental policy interns SCCF hosted over the summer in the first round of what will be an ongoing internship program.
Read about their experiences.
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SCCF Leads Environmental Projects at Sanibel School
A mangrove planting study and a nature-based kaleidoscope activity are among the activities SCCF and Sanibel Sea School are leading this school year for students at the Sanibel School.
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Did Mangroves or Dunes Help Protect Your Property in Hurricane Ian?
In a WINK News story that aired yesterday, Sanibel City Council Member Scott Crater explains how mangroves protected his property and even saved his boat during Hurricane Ian.
Crater is one of 150 people who have taken SCCF’s new survey, which was created to help us estimate how much mangroves and dunes lessened the impacts of Hurricane Ian.
In the story, SCCF Coastal Resilience Manager Carrie Schuman, Ph.D., explains how these natural structures function. The survey is open to Southwest Florida property owners and renters until Sept. 28.
WATCH STORY
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Join Our Team as Client Services Coordinator!
Support ocean education from the comfort of an office! Sanibel Sea School is seeking an experienced, reliable individual to serve as its Client Services Coordinator. This position will handle various administrative responsibilities, including serving as a receptionist, training staff on registration systems, handling calendars, ordering supplies, and handling receipts.
Applicants should be organized with an attention to detail and the ability to adapt to different situations.
A passion for nature and working with children is ideal!
LEARN MORE AND 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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