Connecting You to SCCF: Sea Turtle ID Tips

Photo by Jamey Binneveld

July 26, 2023

Meet Sanibel & Captiva's Most Common Sea Turtles

Most of the 1,170+ sea turtle nests that have been laid on the islands this record-breaking nesting season are from loggerhead sea turtles, but did you know Sanibel and Captiva also host 10-30 green sea turtle nests per year?

Below, the SCCF Sea Turtle Team breaks down the differences between these two unique sea turtle species.

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Following Sanibel's Snowy Plovers

Seven snowy plovers fledged on Sanibel this year! With shorebird nesting season coming to a close, we decided to take a look at where these state-threatened birds typically go after fledging.

Lake Okeechobee Reaches 15 Feet

"One tropical storm or hurricane could trigger sudden damaging releases that could contain toxic blue-green algae, which is currently covering 84% of the Lake," says SCCF Research & Policy Associate Leah Reidenbach.

Tracking a Toxic Blue-Green Algae Bloom

The SCCF Marine Lab, along with partners from the University of Florida and South Florida Water Management District, are studying the progression of a toxic blue-green algae bloom as it moves throughout the Caloosahatchee.

Sanibel Police Assist SCCF With Sea Turtle Strandings

Last week, SCCF sea turtle staff jumped to action to respond to two sea turtle strandings in partnership with the Sanibel Police Department. Both turtles were reported to the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline (978-728-3663) by concerned beachgoers.

No Child Left on Shore Connects Kids to Ocean

Underserved children and teens joined SCCF and Captiva Cruises last week for an educational cruise through Pine Island Sound and the Gulf of Mexico.

The field trips, which hosted students from The Immokalee Foundation and Quality of Life Center were part of our No Child Left on Shore outreach program, which connects local youth to our coastal ecosystems.

Florida Keys Coral Reef Camps Conclude

Sun-soaked days, crystal-clear waters, and marine wonders — Sanibel Sea School's Coral Reef Weeks in the Florida Keys were an unforgettable experience for teenage adventurers. Exploring reefs, snorkeling at night, and visiting the Everglades left campers with a newfound appreciation for nature.

Seeking Coastal Watch Volunteers

We're holding several upcoming volunteer-led events over the next week.

Bailey Homestead Replanting | Friday, July 28 | 8-10 a.m. | SIGN UP
Bailey Homestead Replanting | Mon., July 31 | 8-10 a.m. | SIGN UP
Sea Turtle Nest Cage Building | Tues., Aug. 1 | 8-10 a.m. | SIGN UP

Get Your Native Planting On 🪴

The rains are finally here — let the planting begin! SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center just received a large shipment of plants and is fully stocked for all your native plant shopping needs.

Take a look at our selection and get advice from our expert staff from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at 1300 Periwinkle Way.

SCCF Attends Everglades Restoration Ribbon Cutting

Yesterday, SCCF attended the South Florida Water Management District’s ribbon cutting for the ALJO Four Corners Rapid Infiltration Project — a component of the multibillion dollar Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

LOSOM Flows Forward

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a draft Water Control Plan for the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), which will dictate how and when water is released from Lake Okeechobee. SCCF attended a public meeting this week to provide feedback on the important document.

DONATE TO LEGAL FUND

Legal Fund Established to Fight Harmful Captiva Land-Use Changes

A committee of community leaders, including SCCF, has hired a law firm to challenge proposed land-use changes on Captiva. These changes include removing building height restrictions and allowing South Seas Island Resort to request increased density ― threatening the character, environment, and resiliency of our barrier island communities.

Read more here and contribute to the legal fund here. Please note that donations are not tax-deductible.

Attend Lee County Public Meetings Aug. 2 & Aug. 9

Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane and county staff are seeking community input on proposed building height and density changes at South Seas Resort and Captiva. The meetings will take place:

6-8 p.m. Aug. 2 at BIG Arts on Sanibel (900 Dunlop Road).

5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Public Works Building in downtown Fort Myers (1500 Monroe St., Conference Room 1B).

Shack Donates Free Frozen Treats for Sea Turtle Volunteers

Thanks to The Shack of Sanibel for generously providing vouchers for free frozen custard to SCCF's sea turtle volunteers! The treats have been more than welcome after volunteers' long hours in the summer heat. Several team members are pictured here with The Shack Owners Chuck and Lisa Whitman (left).

"We want to continue supporting our community and SCCF," Lisa Whitman said. "What they do for the sea turtles is commendable."

Internship Opening!

Native Landscapes & Garden Center Intern

This six-month internship at SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center will include assisting in day-to-day garden and nursery operations and working with our landscape installation and maintenance services. The NLGC intern will have the opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge about South Florida plants and gain firsthand experience in all aspects of an environmentally friendly garden, nursery, and landscaping business.

Apply by sending your resume, statement of interest in the position, and references to NLGC Manager Becca Grotrian at rgrotrian@sccf.org.

DONATE TO SCCF

SCCF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded

in 1967 on Sanibel Island, Florida

EIN 59-1205087

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