Now that we are in middle of May, sea turtle nesting activity has started to pick up with a total of 62 loggerhead (Caretta caretta) nests on our beaches.  Long-time volunteers Nancy Riley, left, who is a designated east end permittee, and Gwenda Hiett-Clements are pictured here marking the first nest on the east end on May 4. SCCF staff and volunteers are working hard each morning to survey the beaches looking nests and crawls. READ MORE

SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis explains why Gov. DeSantis's recent approval of nearly $14 million for red tide mitigation is a good start, but will not solve the issue. The funding will be spread across the state for monitoring, research, prevention, control, and mitigation efforts. "While reacting to red tide is imperative, recent research has proven that by allowing nutrients to flow into our waterways, we are exacerbating these blooms. To truly mitigate this constant threat the state must also work to reduce nutrient inputs into our waters," he writes. READ MORE

WATCH: Powering Our Green Energy Future

If you missed the panel discussion about embracing renewable energy to prepare for the impacts of climate change co-hosted by SCCF and the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce on May 9, you can watch the recorded live stream. Moderated by SCCF CEO James Evans, the goal of the community forum was to explore the opportunities that a greater reliance on green energy can provide.

Our sea turtle team is finding large holes on the beach during morning patrols. Sea turtles, especially hatchlings due to their size, can become trapped in holes dug in the sand. Please fill in your holes before you leave the beach. We also ask that you remove obstacles from the sand. Sea turtles can’t move in reverse, so it’s important to flatten sandcastles and remove all chairs, tents, gear, and toys from the beach at the end of the day.

A must have in the landscape, the Jamaica caper (Quadrella cynophallophora) is a versatile shrub that can be used in many ways; it can be used as a buffer shrub or hedge, it can be an accent shrub, or it can be trimmed to be more of a specimen tree. Its wispy, showy flowers start out white, quickly turn to pink and are a nectar source for pollinators. The flowers are followed by brown pods that open up to seeds that birds like to eat. Its shiny green leaves with a bronze underside make it an attractive shrub year-round. The Jamaica caper gets 15-20’ tall, tolerates a variety of conditions from full sun to fairly deep shade, dry to moist soils and can tolerate salt spray.

The SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center is looking for an energetic and hardworking intern to assist in day-to-day garden and nursery operations. The internship offers the opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge about South Florida native plants and to gain firsthand experience in all aspects of an environmentally friendly garden, nursery, and landscaping business. Applicants should have a strong interest in plants and conservation, preferably possessing a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, biology, environmental science, ecology, or a related field. The intern should also be able to lift 50 pounds and be prepared to work outdoors in subtropical conditions, including hot temperatures, humidity, and insects. 

SCCF invites you to come join us in support of the Mighty Mussels’ Conservation Night on Friday, June 3. Tickets for the game against the Tampa Tarpons are $10 and half the ticket price will benefit these six environmental non-profits: SCCF, C.R.O.W. (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife), the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, Keep Lee County Beautiful, and Calusa Waterkeeper. The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels are a Minor League Baseball team of the Florida State League and the Single-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. In 2020, the Fort Myers Miracle became the Mighty Mussels. Gates at Hammond Stadium open at 6pm, with the game starting at 7pm, followed by fireworks.

Thanks to Elaynee Polentes for sending this shot of an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).

info@sccf.org to be featured here in an upcoming issue.