Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)

Who's joining us at Beer in the Bushes this year? ?? ?Tickets are on sale NOW? https://lnkd.in/exibY_HT

Announcing the opening of SCCF's Puschel Preserve! ?? Originally acquired in 2021, the Puschel Preserve was used as a hurricane debris staging site after Hurricane Ian in 2022. After 2.5 years of debris clearing, replantings, invasive species management, and setbacks from subsequent storms, this preserve has undergone a MAJOR transformation into a vibrant green space for both wildlife and humans. ? A HUGE thank you to all the volunteers and donors who helped us get here. And our deepest gratitude goes to Roberta and Philip Puschel, who gave the lead gift for the property. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e6zkNvib

Beer in the Bushes tickets go on sale THIS FRIDAY at 10 a.m.! ???This end-of-season party on Saturday, April 19 will feature live music from Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, diverse food and beverage options, and so much more to support SCCF’s mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Don’t wait to get your tickets, as this event will sell out! ? ?Cosmos? is our attire theme this year — come channeling your best sparkly, starry, shiny, or outer space vibes. ?? Details & ticket link: https://lnkd.in/en7sGkFt?

As barrier islands, Sanibel and Captiva are at the forefront of sea level rise, stronger and more frequent storms, and saltwater inundation — but we’re also at the forefront of embracing coastal resilience. Learn about how we are adapting and mitigating to a changing climate and ecosystem conditions in our latest “Connecting You to Nature” Magazine: https://lnkd.in/eJTgsSui

SCCF recently hosted the Florida chapter of the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group for its first meeting since 2019! Sixteen researchers from around the state joined us to present and discuss recent terrapin research. ?? Read more: https://lnkd.in/eDGWcnzx

From Maine to Florida ?????. SCCF biologists recently documented a juvenile herring gull that was banded last summer on Great Duck Island, Maine! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eFH3GtEq

Honoring the passing of Norm Zeigler, a local flyfishing legend and longtime water quality advocate. Zeigler was a memorable figure in the flyfishing world, and he was especially dear to those who learned so much from him about fishing the waters of Southwest Florida. As a strong advocate for water quality, SCCF pays tribute to his legacy and encourages those who knew him to join his wife, Libby, and other friends, at a Celebration of Life to honor Norm at the Sanibel Community House on from 12-2 p.m. on March 14.

Advocacy opportunity! ??? Join the Everglades Coalition and SCCF policy staff on Everglades Action Day?on April 7-8, an annual trip to Tallahassee to meet with lawmakers and?advocate for Everglades funding, protection, restoration, and supporting legislation. Registration is free, as well as chartered east and west coast buses to the state capitol, with a local west coast pickup in Fort Myers.?Learn more and register by March 21: https://lnkd.in/eKEMPy7Y

Flora Friday ?? Meet the seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens), a perennial wildflower. Named for its yellow tubular flower stalks, seaside goldenrod grows best in sandy, moist, well-draining soils, and its high salt and drought tolerance make it a great no-fuss wildflower for coastal landscapes. Learn more or purchase this native plant at our Native Landscapes & Garden Center on Sanibel!

We’re fresh into Florida’s annual Legislative Session, which began Tuesday, and we wanted to give a shout out to three bills SCCF is supporting this year: 1. HB 6023 / SB 836 (Bartleman, Smith) — Would remove state preemption on the regulation of certain auxiliary containers, wrappings, and disposable plastic bags. This would allow local governments to regulate single-used plastics that pose a threat to our coastal wildlife and ecosystems. 2. HB 73 / SB 156 (Gosset-Seidman, Rodriguez) — Would improve public notification of potentially unsafe or toxic waters at beaches and other recreational swimming areas. SCCF strongly supported last year’s similar bill, HB 165, which was vetoed. We will work with this year’s bill sponsors to readdress the critical need for these improved water quality and public health protections. 3. HB 209 / SB 80 (Snyder, Harrell) — Written in response to proposed high-impact developments in nine Florida state parks last year. This bill would strengthen conservation protections for state parks, require more public input for development in state parks, and remove vague and unclear language that could lead to loopholes for destructive development. Follow along with us by viewing our real-time Legislative Tracker and signing up for our Action Alerts: https://lnkd.in/esd7He8p