December 8, 2021
SCCF Earns 4-Star Charity Navigator Designation

SCCF has attained the highest designation—a coveted 4-star rating—from Charity Navigator for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. SCCF is one of only eight environmental nonprofits in the State of Florida to receive the 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s premier independent charity evaluator. Approximately one quarter of rated charities receive this distinction. READ MORE
Impending Vote on Enhanced Diamondback Terrapin Protections

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will vote on new ornate diamondback terrapin legislation at its meeting on Dec. 15-16. If passed as proposed, this law will eliminate any take or possession in the state and require bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) on all recreational blue crab traps in Florida. SCCF endorses this new law, which affects only recreational traps but not commercial traps. READ MORE
Evening at the Homestead: “A Season of Change with CEO Ryan Orgera”

Raise a toast to Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation CEO Ryan Orgera, Ph.D., who will head in a new direction in January 2022 when he takes the helm of a new global fisheries project. Join SCCF on Dec. 14 at 7pm for a farewell Champagne toast and presentation on SCCF’s accomplishments and where the organization. READ MORE Admission is $10 to attend in-person: In-person registration. Or join virtually: Free virtual attendance signup.
Lake O Releases Impact Seagrass Health: An Indicator Species in the Caloosahatchee Watershed

Seagrasses are ecologically important and sensitive to changes in salinity, water clarity, and water quality, making them an excellent indicator species for evaluating environmental conditions on short and long timescales. Flows from the Caloosahatchee watershed play a critical role in the health of seagrass and oysters. READ MORE
Thank You to Presenting Sponsors for November Events

SCCF kicked off the start of season in style with 14th Annual Wines in the Wild and the 29th Annual Tennis Tournament—both on the same weekend.
Many thanks to Bank of the Islands, as well as Robbie and Geoff Roepstorff, for returning as the Presenting Sponsors for the Wines in the Wild!

Sincere gratitude is also sent to Grampy’s Charities, and founders Jim and Jonatha Castle, for returning as the Tennis Tournament’s Presenting Sponsor!
Jim Castle has expressed his family’s commitment to SCCF’s mission-driven work by donating $10,000 and player T-shirts through Grampy’s Charities.
Community partners are the true secret to success for SCCF’s signature events that raise funds and friends for SCCF’s important work!
A Successful Nesting Season for Green Sea Turtles

Overall, 2021 was a great season for green turtles, with SCCF documenting a total of 27 green nests on Sanibel, that produced 1,733 emerged hatchlings. Nesting green turtles tend to follow a biennial reproductive cycle and SCCF has documented record counts for green hatchlings-to-sea every odd year since 2017. Plus: SCCF and the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife worked together to release a young green turtle. READ MORE
Come Aboard for Sunset Concert Cruise on Dec. 12

Have you reserved your spot for SCCF’s Pine Island Sounds cruise on Dec. 12? Escape the holiday bustle and kick back to the sounds of The 502s in the open-air setting of The Lady Chadwick. The cruise is presented in partnership with the Marcums and Captiva Cruises to support SCCF’s water quality research and programs. This sunset concert cruise sails from 4 – 6pm from McCarthy’s Marina. Save your seat today: Pine Island Sounds Registration
Nature’s Light Show on Sanibel

During the winter, a unique opportunity presents itself in Sanibel waters– the chance to enjoy a liquid light show from single-celled, light-emitting organisms called dinoflagellates. The best opportunity to observe bioluminescence comes during the new moon when the sky is dark. Ocean Tribe Paddlers recently hosted a bioluminescence paddle in Sanibel’s East End canals. READ MORE
Everglades Authors Presentation Available Online

If you missed the November presentation of stories by authors Anne McCrary Sullivan and Holly Gentzen from their latest book, The Everglades: Stories of Grit and Spirit from the Mangrove Wilderness, you can watch it here: YouTube VIDEO. The event was presented in partnership with MacIntosh Books + Paper and you can still pick up your own copy at the independent island bookseller.
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