Connecting You to Nature Summer 2023

Summer 2023

Connecting You to Nature is published by SCCF, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) founded in 1967 on Sanibel Island, Florida. Through stories about how we fulfill our mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems, we hope to deepen your understanding of how our land, water, and wildlife depend on our stewardship.

James Evans, CEO Barbara Linstrom, Editor Doug Cook, Design

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Denise Blough, Matt DePaolis, Jenny Evans, Chris Lechowicz, Kealy McNeal, Eric Milbrandt, Ph.D., Leah Reidenbach, Shannon Rivard, Carrie Schuman, Ph.D., Kelly Sloan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shane Antalick, Ruth Brooks, Charlie McCullough, David Meardon

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Native Landscapes & Garden Center at Bailey Homestead Preserve

1300 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-1932

Sanibel Sea School info@sanibelseaschool.org

(239) 472-8585

Main Office (239) 472-2329

SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline (978) 728-3663

Shorebird Inquiries shorebirds@sccf.org

Post-Ian Wildlife Sightings

Getting by with a little help from our friends

Without you, SCCF couldn’t carry out its mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Whether you support us through meaningful volunteering or generous contributions, you are part of the SCCF family.

The stories that follow share our latest work with you and illuminate the pressing issues facing our barrier islands, including climate change, challenged water quality, and the biodiversity crisis. At SCCF, our staff are engaged daily in addressing these evolving realities through science, education, and advocacy — work that couldn’t be completed without the generosity of our friends, partners, and donors.

We hope you will be inspired to use the enclosed envelope to make your tax-deductible gift to support our mission-driven activities and advance our ongoing rebuilding from Hurricane Ian.

Please call Development Director Cheryl Giattini at 239-822-6121 with any questions you may have about SCCF’s path forward and how you can help. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this sincere request for your support.

www.sccf.org | info@sccf.org

P.O. Box 839, Sanibel, FL 33957

HOWYOU CANHELP

Please become a member or renew your membership by using the enclosed envelope or donating at www.sccf.org

Dear Members and Friends of the SCCF Family,

We are delighted to bring you a special Summer 2023 edition of Connecting You to Nature to share our amazing progress nearly ten months post-Ian. As a member of our unique island community for more than two decades, I can truly say that the collective support of our mission to protect and care for our coastal ecosystems is stronger than ever.

In June, our vigilance was tested as the Lee County Board of County Commissioners attempted to adopt amendments that would significantly increase building height on Captiva and allow only South Seas Island Resort to request increased density through a zoning change. These changes were proposed with a lack of transparency and community input, provoking a powerful and passionate response.

James Evans, CEO

Thanks to hundreds of emails and calls generated through a joint call to action by numerous island organizations, our county commissioners issued a continuance until September to allow time for more analysis and public input. Our unified voice echoed the spirit of conservation and commitment to a low-rise, low-density ambiance that inspired the founders of SCCF 55 years ago.

Within SCCF, we are thrilled to report that our renovated headquarters on San-Cap Road will soon welcome staff back into a space designed for greater collaboration. We’ll celebrate that new space with the community through a ribbon-cutting later this year.

We’re elated to be offering a full roster of summer camps based out of the Bailey Homestead Preserve, with plans to reopen our Sanibel Sea School’s main building in September. We’ve also embarked on a new era for our intern housing in collaboration with our conservation partners.

Our new, streamlined, and refreshed website that launched in June reflects how revived and strong we are as an organization. It also introduced our newly adopted vision:

A Southwest Florida where wildlife and natural habitats exist in harmony with people and are protected by science-based policies.

As we welcome new members and organizations into the SCCF Family, we are empowered by the thousands of you who believe in our purpose. Our staff and community have endured an unprecedented period of challenge since Hurricane Ian. Yet, we have emerged stronger and more dedicated than ever to working together to ensure a resilient and vigilant future.

The stories in this issue reflect the unwavering dedication of our team at SCCF to protect and care for our treasured wildlife and natural habitats. Thanks to your generous support, SCCF is thriving in our mission-based work and continues to lead and collaborate with our community to retain what makes our sanctuary islands so extraordinary.

With sincere gratitude,

James Evans Chief Executive Officer

Protecting C oastal

Ecosystems

AGAINST A BACKDROP OF GLOBAL CHANGE

Sea turtles have adapted over millions of years to disturbances such as storms and predation by laying multiple nests per season, significantly increasing the survival of their offspring. Birds have developed an internal barometer, allowing them to sense approaching storms and react before they arrive. Even the shoreline itself is dynamic, shifting naturally in response to the rhythms of the seas.

Yet shorebirds, sea turtles, and the habitats they depend on are being profoundly impacted by humans. Our climate is warming, pollution is affecting ecosystems, and coastal habitat is being altered at unprecedented rates.

“Climate change is quickly becoming the biggest threat to wildlife in North America and many places around the world. Rising temperatures affect habitat, food availability, access to water, and countless other aspects of survival,” said SCCF Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan. “We are already grappling with the reality that ecosystems may become uninhabitable for certain animals, forcing wildlife to migrate in search of food and livable conditions.”

OVER 1/3 OF THE PLANET’S PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES ARE PROJECTED TO BECOME EXTINCT BY 2050 ON THE CURRENT EMISSIONS TRAJECTORY, ACCORDING TO THE CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY.

To successfully manage and conserve the imperiled wildlife that share our shoreline, the SCCF Coastal Wildlife team is addressing fundamental questions about the biology and ecology of these species.

CLIMATE CHANGE & BIODIVERSITY LOSS

• The SCCF Sea Turtle Program leads multi-year research projects investigating the impacts of higher incubation temperatures and moisture on hatchling sex ratios, embryonic development, and hatching success of loggerhead sea turtles. The results contribute to statewide datasets that allow scientists to better understand the impacts of climate change on sea turtles at a population level.

• The SCCF Shorebird Program works with regional, state, and nationwide partners to assess large-scale patterns of habitat use and reproductive success for nesting and migrating shorebirds on Sanibel and Captiva. This information can be used when managing for climate change and many other challenges.

RISING SEAS & DESTRUCTIVE STORMS

The rate and magnitude of rising seas are also a threat to Florida’s coasts and the wildlife that rely on them. Additionally, destructive storms are likely to become more frequent and intense as our planet warms.

Development often occurs close to dunes that buffer the coast from storms, interrupting the natural cycle of erosion and rebuilding, Sloan explained. This can result in an expensive cycle of beach renourishment and seawall construction.

Wildlife has always been resilient to natural changes in the environment.

ACCORDING

TO THE FLORIDA FISH & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION, SEAWALLS NOW EXTEND ALONG AN ESTIMATED 14% TO 20% OF SANDY BEACHES IN THE STATE, ELIMINATING VITAL WILDLIFE HABITAT.

• SCCF provides monitoring services during beach construction projects to minimize impacts to nesting sea turtles and shorebirds.

• The sea turtle team is conducting research on the impacts of sand-placement projects on the incubation environment of sea turtle nests and hatching success.

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS

Harmful algal blooms are a significant and persistent threat to wildlife that use the Gulf of Mexico as foraging, migrating, breeding, and nesting grounds. On Florida’s west coast, red tide conditions have been documented every year in at least one county since 2000.

• SCCF is wrapping up a four-year research project characterizing the long-term impacts of red tide exposure on immune function, overall health, and reproductive success in nesting and hatchling loggerheads.

• The shorebird team is working with The International Osprey Foundation, which is based on Sanibel, to identify factors contributing to lowfledging success in ospreys during bloom events.

• SCCF helps rescue sick and injured wildlife and provides transportation to rehabilitation facilities.

• The Sea Turtle Program participates in the national Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network by collecting stranding data.

HABITAT LOSS

Habitat loss and degradation are among the most significant threats to wildlife in Florida. The population of Florida’s coastal counties is predicted to double from 12.3 million to more than 26 million by 2060, resulting in increased pressure on sea turtles and shorebirds.

• SCCF documents sea turtle disorientations due to artificial lighting — data that are used by local and state agencies to address and correct lighting violations.

• Resorts, condos, and realty agencies are supplied with educational materials for guests detailing the threats of artificial lighting on sea turtles.

• Hundreds of beachgoers are educated each year about the life history and conservation challenges of nesting shorebirds, including the negative impacts of off-leash dogs and overenthusiastic photographers.

Poor water quality and other human-driven impacts have also degraded foraging grounds for wildlife in Florida. Seagrass beds provide important food for green sea turtles and manatees but are declining at an alarming rate.

• SCCF’s satellite tagging project has identified important seagrass habitat in the Florida Bay for green sea turtles that nest in Southwest Florida. Identifying these foraging grounds and migratory pathways provides conservation opportunities, including the expansion of national marine protected areas, federal critical habitat designations, and limiting boat traffic in these areas.

“SCCF and our many conservation partners are working towards a Florida where beaches and oceans are thriving habitats that can support our wildlife into the future,” SCCF Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan said.

SCCF Leading the Way

Water quality has always been a research focus at the Marine Lab. Lake Okeechobee and watershed discharges and the timing of those events threaten the diverse marine habitats around the barrier islands.

Discharges from Lake Okeechobee result in rapid changes in salinity and prolonged low salinities that determine the health of local waterways. Impacts are compounded because of our connection to the Everglades and the design of a highly managed system for water supply purposes.

Seagrass and oyster reefs provide innumerable benefits to humans, fish, and wildlife—and they need clean, clear water to thrive. Our research focuses on the processes that cause declines in seagrass, which include long-term changes in transparency, salinity, and increases in algae blooms. This requires routine measurement of seagrass density and our multi-site water quality observing network,

the River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network (RECON).

Throughout the last 12 years, we have received grant funds from the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System to support RECON. The data are widely shared with scientists, managers, and the public.

In 2018, we partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge to construct a new Marine Laboratory, which we operate through an agreement that requires an exchange of water quality and seagrass research.

As Sanibel and Captiva residents, officials, and business owners improved their understanding of our connection to the Everglades through Lake Okeechobee, attention has been drawn to the impact of water quality on our quality of life, including boating, home values, and the economy. This attention expanded the lab’s research on the massive 2018

harmful algae blooms (HABs). No one wants this crisis repeated so the Marine Lab has been working with the University of Florida’s Center for Coastal Solutions and the University of South Florida to determine the triggers for HABs.

The Marine Lab is leading field sampling and added two RECON sensors in the freshwater canal between Lake Okeechobee and the estuary. This effort is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through March 2024 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through September 2024.

For the next five years, the Marine Lab will continue to conduct research in the refuge and throughout the region on seagrass, oyster restoration, hard clams, and water quality thanks to new grants starting later in 2023. Rest assured, SCCF will continue to expand and leverage its expertise and voice on water quality in Southwest Florida and beyond.

Milbrandt Marks 20 Years at SCCF

Eric Milbrandt, Ph.D. Marine Laboratory Director

“We have gained much-needed insight and knowledge about the estuary and Gulf of Mexico from SCCF’s research and monitoring. We have amazing, year-round access to the dynamic ‘living laboratory’ around the lab. The islands have inspired me for the last 20 years to learn more about this complex marine ecosystem. Gratefully, I have met and worked closely with people who share my passion for the environment. Together, we have provided solutions and information that have helped Sanibel and Captiva be the best stewards for the marine life and nature that surrounds us.”

A Love Letter to Our Mangroves

By Carrie Schuman, Ph.D., Coastal Resilience Manager

Snorkeling or paddling through a tangle of red mangroves reveals a swell of life in these essential forests fringing our coastlines. Prop roots are dotted with small, camouflaged crabs. Mangrove snapper and snook can be found in shadowy stretches of turbid water.

But perhaps the most beautiful features in this waterscape are the multitude of tiny organisms encrusting directly on mangrove roots. Globe-like sea squirts crowd in among colorful orange and purple tunicates as sheepshead prey on fast-growing oysters.

Healthy mangroves are the basis of thriving coastal ecosystems. They provide nursery habitat for young fish and invertebrates that support our local commercial and sport fisheries, as well as protection for the endangered small-toothed sawfish.

Branches serve as roosting sites for wading birds, such as herons, egrets, ibises, and spoonbills as well as diving birds, including pelicans, cormorants, and anhingas.

This love for—and awe—of our mangroves is felt across SCCF and much of the greater island community. Sanibel Sea School Director Shannon Rivard describes how Sea School staff channel that wonder to make local and visiting kids truly invested in these habitats. “Mangrove mud walks pull people together in uncontrollable laughter or mutual disgust, but either way you never forget it,” she said.

Post-Ian, our mangroves are visibly damaged. Many are expected to recover and new mangroves will populate areas where the coastal tree canopy has opened, but this regrowth will take time. SCCF is carefully documenting this recovery through tools such as a time-lapse camera system recently installed near the Marine Lab with grant support from the Sanibel Flyfishers.

The restoration and preservation of these nurseries to the seas and storm wave-breakers for the land is vital. Ultimately, maintaining our strong island ethos of thoughtful balance with the natural world may be the most important expression of our love for her.

ACQUISITION OF MacKEEVER KEYS

Those who love to fish and to bird keenly understand the value of mangroves, which provide habitat for important fish nurseries and bird rookeries. SCCF’s recent acquisition of MacKeever Keys off the southwestern tip of Pine Island supports their critical role as we face challenges posed by climate change. Hurricane Ian, which is representative of a trend of intensifying hurricanes, has been our most immediate example.

“With the recent impacts of Ian, we know the wide-ranging benefits that mangroves provide to our communities in Southwest Florida,” said SCCF CEO James Evans. “This acquisition will ensure that these 25 mangrove islands and the wildlife habitat that they provide will be protected for future generations.”

The lands were purchased using the SCCF’s Land Acquisition & Improvement Fund, which was created by an anonymous donor who wanted monies to be available when opportunities arose for preserving environmentally sensitive lands.

MacKeever Keys

EDEN OAK DENIAL CENTERED ON ROLE OF MANGROVES

The value of mangroves and how they protected homes during Hurricane Ian took center stage in April when the Lee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously denied a request to rezone coastal wetlands for the Eden Oak housing development.

West of Shell Point Boulevard, the proposed project in a Coastal High Hazard Zone would destroy more than 35 acres of mangroves and bring in up to nine feet of fill to allow the construction of 55 single-family homes and a docking facility.

The rezoning denial came after more than seven years of work and dedication by members of the community and SCCF who voiced concerns and provided scientific evidence of the project’s environmental impacts. (See page 9 for more details.)

Residents of properties adjacent to the proposed development spoke about their experiences in Hurricane Ian, including former SCCF Trustee Paul Roth who described the difference that living by the mangroves made with storm surge. “We did not leave our home during the storm and therefore we were eyewitnesses to the impacts of raging water driven by 150 mph winds,” Roth said. “I’m convinced that the mangrove area sitting some feet below our lot saved us from serious flood damage.”

Homes on the other side of Shell Point Boulevard at the same elevation, on a golf course, had a totally different experience. “More than 90 percent of those houses were uninhabitable for over six months,” resident Ralph Clark reported.

In introducing the motion to dismiss the request, Commissioner Kevin Ruane lauded the role of mangroves. “The mangroves did exactly what they were intended to do. And with that in mind, my motion is for a complete denial,” he said.

ADOPT-A-MANGROVE PROGRAM STRONGER THAN EVER

SCCF’s Coastal Watch currently has hundreds of volunteers nurturing “adopted” mangrove seedlings at their homes to prepare them for planting at restoration sites around the island — earning them the official titles of Mangrove Mama or Propagule Papa.

“I decided to adopt mangroves to help make Sanibel stronger after Hurricane Ian.” — Michael

“I’m convinced that the mangrove area sitting some feet below our lot saved us from serious flood damage.”

Paul Roth, former SCCF Trustee

Stay informed of future adoption opportunities by subscribing to the Coastal Watch newsletter at sccf.org.

O’Donnell

“Now more than ever, the replanting and preservation of our mangroves is crucial to our coastal communities’ restoration and resiliency.”

—

Bob Brooks, SCCF Board Member

“The Adopt-A-Mangrove program is a tremendous method to educate and involve the local community in the value of mangrove habitat to the future of barrier islands.”

— Pete Squibb

Rainy Seasons Hold Hope for Aquatic Species

Lechowicz Devotes 21 Years to SCCF

An early and substantial rainy season that fills up temporary pools of freshwater and dilutes the salinity of inland water bodies could potentially revive freshwater fish, frogs, and freshwater turtles.

“These highly aquatic faunal groups were the hardest hit by the saline conditions created by the saltwater inundation of Hurricane Ian,” said Wildlife & Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz. “All but two of our native frogs have yet to be reported. Brackish water has negative effects on amphibians due to their highly permeable skin.”

Lechowicz suspects some animals that have the ability to do so are still likely hiding underground. “It could take a wet season for us to see what’s still around, and a few wet seasons to see what’s rebounding.”

By the end of May, the southern toad (Anaxyrus terrestris) and the southern leapord frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus) which are more terrestrial, were the only frogs sighted. None of the game fish, such as largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) had been documented.

While some degree of change to our wetlands is likely, some elements are in place that support their longer-term persistence. For example, Lechowicz explained

how the Sanibel weir system has been essential to past wetland recovery. “These areas used to just dry up to a few muddy spots called ‘alligator holes.’ We’ve made all this habitat for animals that weren’t here or weren’t successful.”

With the help of wildlife sightings reported by the community and ongoing monitoring, nearly all terrestrial species on Sanibel have been accounted for, with some exceptions.

All snakes have been accounted for, except for the Florida brown snake (Storeria victa). Likewise, one species of lizard remains unsighted — the ground skink (Scincella lateralis). The mostly terrestrial turtle species, such as gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) and Florida box turtles (Terrapene bauri), were less affected than their more aquatic counterparts.

As far as mammals are concerned, the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and ninebanded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) have not been documented yet. Armadillo burrows, like gopher tortoise burrows, provide habitat for other wildlife species. Both species can swim for a short amount of time and can climb, so their apparent absence is puzzling because raccoons (Procyon lotor) are still present.

Chris Lechowicz Wildlife & Habitat Management Director/ Herpetologist

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work for SCCF and with our amazing people each day. I am proud of the knowledge we have attained over the last two decades about insular wildlife populations and the land management activities needed to sustain them. My 21-year tenure reflects a dedication to conserving Sanibel’s natural ecosystems and documenting and dispersing information about the lesser known but equally important wildlife on the island, including lower vertebrate species.”

Protecting & Caring Through Advocacy

The SCCF Environmental Policy team constantly engages with every level of government, from municipal to federal, and works with conservation organizations throughout the state to advocate for our ecosystems. While that can seem like an insurmountable challenge, we have seen some massive wins and it’s important to celebrate when we can.

• The Eden Oak project was a planned development of single-family residences that would have required the destruction of a local mangrove ecosystem. We fought this project for seven years and worked diligently to keep local citizens informed and engaged. We also provided legal analysis to help county leaders understand why this project was detrimental. The proposed development was dealt a major blow in April when the request for rezoning from agriculture to residential was denied. SCCF will continue to monitor plans for the property.

• SCCF is intimately involved each year during the Florida legislative session. The policy team monitors bills as they are introduced and highlights important bills (good and bad) on our legislative tracker. During session, the team tracks bill changes, coordinates with other environmental groups, and drafts emails for SCCF members to easily send to their representatives. Visit sccf.org to see the final results of the 2023 session on our our Environmental Policy page.

• Restoring the Everglades is a perennial issue in Florida. Rebuilding the river of grass is a massive undertaking, but much of the hard work has already been done and the projects are either planned or being built. Now, the difficulty lies in securing enough funding to make sure they don’t stall. The policy team has been advocating for continued federal funding to ensure that Florida will experience the benefits of a restored Everglades.

SIGN THE “RIGHT TO CLEAN WATER” PETITION

Clean water is necessary for our way of life in Florida. Whether you fish, boat, enjoy the beach, eat in a restaurant, or work in an adjacent industry, you rely on it. The tourism-based economy of Southwest Florida is tied directly to our water quality. It is horrifying to see the steady degradation of our water, despite a seemingly universal understanding of the importance of clean water among our leaders.

When the agencies in charge of protecting Florida’s water are unwilling to take necessary steps to keep our water clean, there are few enforcement mechanisms available to the average citizen. A ballot initiative would add a “Right to Clean Water” amendment to the state constitution. This amendment would give a cause of action to everyday Floridians to hold agencies accountable for failing to fulfill their duties. To learn more and sign the petition to place the issue on the 2024 ballot, go to floridarighttocleanwater.org.

Islanders In Awe of Native Plants’ Resilience

Oneof the greatest lessons from Hurricane Ian comes from local gardeners who are delighted by the unexpected renewal of life.

Mary Everhart was encouraged to contact SCCF and join Weeds ‘n’ Seeds to learn about native plants after buying a small home on a corner lot covered with foliage seven years ago. Her friends, who were active in Weeds ‘n’ Seeds, determined her lot was full of invasives.

“Their suggestion was the best advice I received and was also the start of a wonderful journey,” said Everhart. “Thanks to the guidance of the staff at SCCF, my yard has evolved into a wonderful sanctuary, providing me with many hours of pure joy.”

Her list of favorite hurricane survivors includes: the flowering Jamaica Caper (Quadrella jamaicensis); the red-berried groundcover quailberry (Crossopetalum ilicifolium); the iconic booted cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) for providing texture to the landscape and wildlife habitat; and lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum) trees.

“To my surprise, many natives survived and some seem to have thrived from Ian’s onslaught,” she said.

Two others she adores: the hard-to-find and maintenance-free maidenbush (Heterosavia bahamensis) and pearlberry (Vallesia antillana). With “tiny white flowers and berries that shimmer like pearls—what’s not to love about this bush?” Everhart asks.

Ruth Brooks, an islander since 2004, gets a real sense of satisfaction knowing she’s doing her part to encourage resilience by planting native plants.

“Without native plants we wouldn’t have the beauty and diversity of wildlife that attracts us all to this beautiful place,” she said.

One of her favorite plants is sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa), a deeply-rooted, flowering groundcover that’s a good alternative to grass. It survived Hurricane Ian after being bulldozed and trampled by heavy trucks. It produces “cheerful, pink pom-pom blooms, on and off for over half the year, attracting pollinators and providing a host for butterfly larvae.”

Her list of admired hardy natives includes: Dune sunflower (Helianthus debilis) for its year-round golden blooms and dark green foliage and the threatened Simpson’s stopper or twinberry (Myrcianthes fragrans), an evergreen emanating “year-round fragrance and beauty.” After pollinators and bees make use of its flowers, she said, “the bright twin berries and foliage provide food and shelter for many species of birds.”

“I feel lucky enough to live in this unique, fragile ecosystem that is Sanibel, and I want to do my part to restore as many native plants as I can, providing habitat for wildlife and supporting our “Sanctuary Island.” It helps that I know that I’m doing what I can to address our clean water issues at the same time,” said Ruth Brooks.

Weeds ‘n’ Seeds: Three Decades of Botanical Enthusiasm

For more than three decades, the volunteer-led group Weeds ‘n’ Seeds has explored the ecosystems of the islands and surrounding mainland, botanizing and teaching with each step. The group began under the leadership of conservationists, volunteer trail guides, and Sanibel Vegetation Committee members and welcomes all new and longtime residents, retired botany professors, and plant enthusiasts. Weeds ‘n’ Seeds’ goal of inspiring islanders and teaching about the botanical world has become an island tradition.

Sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa)

Dune sunflower (Helianthus debilis)

Simpson’s stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans)

Lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum)

A Chance to ‘Sea’

Bringing Ocean Love to Messina Children’s Center

Itwasn’t just any normal afterschool day for the group of 6- to 8-year-olds at the Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center, an early-learning center for lowincome students in Fort Myers.

This day was special because the kids would be getting a visit from Sanibel Sea School Marine Science Educator Annie Clinton.

Once a month since 2019 — minus a hiatus due to Hurricane Ian — Sanibel Sea School staff have traveled to the Messina Children’s Center to provide kids with interactive and observational education programs and meaningful outdoor experiences.

"With many of these students coming from underserved

communities, they may not have as many opportunities to connect with nature in a measurable way. Some haven’t even had the chance to see the ocean or spend time on the beach, even though they live only 30 minutes away,” Clinton said. “Our staff have a blast spending our time with these kids and bringing the ocean to them."

Excited squeals and chatter quickly erupted in the room as Clinton corralled the class around her for a lesson about the fish of Southwest Florida. The children were eager to share what they already knew as they formed a circle for a competitive, handson activity — a matching game

designed for identifying local fish species.

“Who knows what type of animal this is?” Clinton asked the group. “I’ll give you a hint: It has hundreds of teeth, and it can grow them back throughout their lifetime!”

The students engaged in a productive discussion about sharks and their anatomical features, and everyone had the opportunity to discuss their favorite sea creatures. To close the afternoon, the children went outside to play a game of “Sharks and Minnows.” As several participants implored Clinton to stay longer, she assured them she’d be back the following month.

CONNECTING ALL KIDS WITH NATURE

In addition to the Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center — part of Child Care of Southwest Florida — Sanibel Sea School also regularly works with underprivileged children at The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center and Pine Manor Improvement Association.

“Our goal for these outreach programs is to connect the deserving children of Southwest Florida to our region’s natural environment,” said Sanibel Sea School Director Shannon Rivard.

In this spirit, Sanibel Sea School never turns a child away from its summer camps due to financial need. This year, nearly $30,000 in scholarships have been granted, thanks to generous donations and an annual fundraiser.

“We are committed to providing experiential opportunities to local youth and strongly believe that learning outdoors builds self-confidence, encourages trust, and ignites curiosity and wonder,” Rivard said.

The Rewards of Immersive Volunteering with Coastal Watch

Without its dedicated volunteer base, SCCF’s Coastal Watch would face many more challenges carrying out its programs that protect and restore natural habitats on Sanibel and Captiva — mostly because there’s only one single full-time employee, SCCF Coastal Watch Director Kealy McNeal. Thanks to the help of hundreds of volunteers, and a handful of fellow SCCF employees pitching in when they can, Coastal Watch has made an enormously positive impact on our local environment over the last several years.

Thousands volunteer hours completed 4,000+

of pounds of debris removed from Sanibel and Captiva’s beaches and roadways

115,000

oyster shells recycled

20,200 mangroves planted

ASK A VOLUNTEER: Why dedicate your time to Coastal Watch?

“Volunteering gives me a sense of community and joy cleaning up the island that I care so much about. Programs like Coastal Watch are an integral component of environmental awareness that is essential to preserving our natural habitats.” — Sharon Finkelstein

“Volunteers are critically essential to these accomplishments, showing up time and again for our environment — even when the work is long and the sun is burning hot. I’m continually proud to work alongside these individuals.”

“I have time to help, and I love this island like all the other volunteers. SCCF’s goals are our goals. SCCF completes their tasks, and we get the satisfaction of contributing to them. Everybody wins.” — Dan

Hopta

“This is my third year volunteering for Coastal Watch. I’ve participated in mangrove planting, oyster reef restoration, and lots of beach cleanups. What better way to make friends, exercise, and enjoy nature — all at the same time?” — Karen Turner

“Volunteering for Coastal Watch is a way I can give back to Mother Nature for providing us with this beautiful place to live. There is something everyone can do. Little steps create big changes.” — Frances

Tutt

Kealy McNeal Coastal Watch Director

See You at our Signature Events!

We’re thrilled to welcome you back to a full season of events after Hurricane Ian recovery took precedence last season. Please save these dates and stay tuned for more.

The Watch Party - Sept. 29

Come celebrate all the hard work that Coastal Watch volunteers have done over the past year with hurricane and beach cleanups, mangrove restoration, oyster restoration, and other sustainability projects. We'll have live music, a shrimp boil, craft beer and wine, as well as a fun casting competition and other unconventional ways to give!

Wines in the Wild - Nov. 17

Enjoy strolling the grounds of our Bailey Homestead Preserve while tasting wines specially selected for the evening. Complementing the wine tastings, our favorite island chefs tempt attendees with their delectable dishes. It’s not just a fundraiser but a great way to kick off the start of snowbird season!

Pine Island Sounds - Nov. – Feb.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind monthly concert series aboard Captiva Cruise’s Lady Chadwick as we sail into the sunset enjoying eclectic music to support SCCF’s efforts to protect local water quality.

Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture Series - Early February

Renowned conservation leaders share their big-picture insights on the state of the environment annually through this series sponsored by the Boler Family Foundation. Look for an announcement of the 2024 speaker this fall!

The Cause - March 2, 2024

Celebrate our community’s resilience as we auction off the funding of our extraordinary capital needs, including our destroyed intern housing buildings. Look forward to a fun evening of fine foods and libations followed by a live auction!

Beer in the Bushes - March 30, 2024

The 10th Annual Beer in the Bushes promises to deliver an exceptional version of this legendary end-of-season celebration! Join fellow islanders to mark the end of tourist season with craft beer tastings, great food, and world-class music.

SCCF Annual Meeting - Dec. 5

Meet fellow SCCF supporters at our annual membership meeting.

Volunteer Appreciation Party – Early April Volunteers have always been at the heart of the SCCF Family.

Wines in the Wild

Pine Island Sounds

The Cause

Beer in the Bushes