Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)

Elevating our partnerships with water managers and stakeholders! ?? On Wednesday, SCCF staff hosted U.S. Army Corps Jacksonville District Commander Col. Brandon Bowman and Maj. Cory Bell on the R/V Norma Campbell to tour our estuary. We were joined by City of Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller, USFWS Southwest Florida Refuge Complex Project Manager Kevin Godsea, City of Sanibel Director of Natural Resources Holly Milbrandt, and SanCap Chamber Board Member Calli Johnson DuPont. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eih7EhE6

This month, SCCF held art-based educational programs for both adults and children in coordination with our?2024-25 Brush of Excellence artists Cecilia Montalvo and Charlie McCullers. ???? “Learning about and creating art inspired by our environment is another avenue of connecting with nature in a meaningful way,” said SCCF Adult Education Director Jenny Evans.?“Having professional working artists such as Cecilia and Charlie?share their process can give a fresh perspective of seeing the world, and ideally helps students to experience nature in a new way.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eSSsCBJT

A HUGE win for the Everglades and water quality! ?? Yesterday, the sugar industry’s lawsuit threatening the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir was REJECTED in federal court. When big sugar brought a challenge against the Army Corps and EAA Reservoir in 2021 — claiming they were owed some of the water going to the EAA Reservoir due to unrelated operational changes made over 15 years ago — SCCF and 11 of our partners signed an Amicus Curiae brief supporting the Corps, filed by the EVERGLADES LAW CENTER INC. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ekuBG4mZ

Join us Wednesday, April 2 for Everglades Trivia Night! ?? This casual, FREE event is a fun way to learn more about the Everglades and to test your knowledge about the incredible ecosystem. Beer, wine, and light snacks will be provided! RSVP: https://lnkd.in/ef2cgPwi

On the heels of #WorldWaterDay, we’re highlighting our support of the Florida Right To Clean Water, which aims to solidify Floridians' right to clean water by granting citizens the ability to hold state executive agencies accountable when their duties to protect Florida’s waters are falling short. It was only a month and a half ago that our coastal communities faced yet another red tide bloom that left thousands of fish and other wildlife dead on our shores, and this movement provides an actionable step we can take now. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eJSC2JAe

Clean water is essential to the health of Southwest Florida’s ecosystems, communities, and economies. ?? At SCCF, we work year-round to protect our estuary and coastal resources through: ??Continuous monitoring through our network of water quality sensors deployed throughout the Caloosahatchee watershed, and weekly water conditions reports ??? Science-based advocacy? ?? Mangrove fostering and restoration ?? Oyster restoration, including a major reef restoration project (2,000 tons of shell!) starting this year in San Carlos Bay ?? Selling native plants at our Native Landscapes & Garden Center ?? Inspiring adults and children to become stewards of our waters through nature-based education and programs On #WorldWaterDay, we’re celebrating these daily efforts. When combined with partnerships, Everglades restoration, and collective and individual actions to reduce nutrient pollution, we can help safeguard our waters and the diverse habitats, flora, and fauna they support.?

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