Protecting our Water Protecting our Land - SCCF
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Protecting our Water
Protecting our Land
Protecting our Future
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Annual Report 2012 - 2013
Time and Space Dear SCCF Supporters and Island Neighbors: Looking at the many accomplishments highlighted in this annual report, there are two broad concepts that come to mind – Time and Space. In pursuit of our mission to conserve coastal habitats and aquatic resources on Sanibel and Captiva and in the surrounding watershed, the time and space to get that job done has expanded significantly. SCCF and its island home of Sanibel-Captiva were once very much seasonal in nature. That timing has certainly changed. Our work no longer “slows down” in the summer months. We are constantly vigilant throughout the year, especially when it comes to marine research, water quality issues, natural resource policy, and the management and monitoring of wildlife and wildlife habitat. The concept of space has also expanded in our day-to-day work. In the last 46 years, our generous supporters have made it possible to acquire and expand the space we have protected for wildlife. We continue the restoration of our most recent land acquisition – the Bailey Homestead Preserve – and see signs of its increased use as part of Sanibel’s Northern Wildlife Corridor. The space we must consider “on our watch” has also expanded significantly. Particularly with regard to water quality issues, our concerns flow all the way from the Kissimmee Basin in Orlando to our estuary; and we are seeking solutions from as far away as the Everglades, Lake O, Tallahassee, and Washington, D.C. Our work, and the time and space needed to achieve results, has never been more imporant. To get that work done, we need your help – now more than ever. Please consider expanding your support of SCCF by returning the enclosed envelope with your most generous tax-deductible gift to the Annual Fund Drive. Thank you in advance for supporting the islands’ good nature. Sincerely, Linda Uhler Erick Lindblad President, Board of Trustees Executive Director
Sanibel and Captiva.
Two islands.
Connected to a drop of rain in Orlando by a river
... and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
... and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
... and the Central & South Florida Flood Control Project
The web that
binds us
ap
es m
ciliti
fa
MD
SFW
Page 2
SCCF. Working to
protect our waters.
SCCF Marine Lab Intern Maddie Johnston collecting water samples in Tarpon Bay.
SCCF is dedicated to
the conservation of coastal habitats
and aquatic resources on Sanibel and Captiva
and in the surrounding watershed through:
Marine Research
Natural Resource Policy
Wildlife Habitat Management
Native Plant Nursery/Landscaping for Wildlife
Sea Turtle Conservation
Land Acquisition
Environmental Education
Page 3
Protecting our Water through Advocacy
Water Supply/Water Quality inequitable and unsupportable water policies, the South
Our water resources and the habitats they support have Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) brought
suffered devastating extremes in recent years. A shift in the an old proposal out of the closet in a new package.
climate this year officially ended six years of drought and Agricultural backpumping of nitrogen and phospho-
brought near-record-setting rains that have resulted in bil- rus-laden water from the Everglades Agricultural Area
lions of gallons of excess, polluted water being dumped into (EAA, south of Lake O) into Lake Okeechobee was re-
the Caloosahatchee estuary. Like the flows of 2005, the vived as a solution for Caloosahatchee water shortages
freshwater plume has washed the estuary out beyond the bar- under a new name: Water Supply Augmentation, WSA.
rier islands into the Gulf of Mexico. This follows one of the The SFWMD’s concept is that backpumping unwant-
longest running red tide blooms in the region. The environ- ed water from the EAA into the lake would provide more
mental and economic damage is compounding. water in the lake that could be allocated to the Caloosa-
hatchee in times of drought. No thanks!
Water Shortage and Backpumping Revisited EAA discharge water adds to the phosphorus and ni-
Between 2007 and 2012 our region suffered drought trogen pollution of the lake and — ultimately — our es-
that resulted in significant habitat losses due to poor wa- tuary. Both water bodies are already classified as Impaired
ter management policies that cut off the Caloosahatchee due to excess nutrients.
from vital freshwater flows. (See pages 6-7 to learn more Instead, our solution has been to hold out for no-cost
about the impacts caused by the extremes of too much operational changes that would fairly divide water be-
water and too little water on the river and estuary.) tween competing users. Called “shared adversity,” this is
In response to our pushing for change in the existing what Florida’s model water code envisioned, rather than
moving untreated polluted water from one source to an-
other already impaired natural system. With the return
Too Much Water/Too Little Water Impacts of the rains, this issue is no longer being actively discussed
Salinity, Tape grass and Manatees but we expect it to return when water shortages reoccur.
(See pages 8-9 for solutions and storage projects and
what you can do to help.)
Weekly Caloosahatchee Condition Report
SCCF policy and science staff participate with our
west coast partners in weekly science status conference
calls with state and federal agencies to provide detailed
scientific assessments of the ever-changing conditions
in the Caloosahatchee, estuary and coastal waters.
SCCF’s Rae Ann Wessel coordinates preparation
of the Weekly Caloosahatchee & Estuary Condition
Reports on behalf of local stakeholders. The report is
provided to state and federal water managers, legisla-
tors and elected officials.
These reports provide a factual basis for water man-
agement decisions to be made and they also provide
an unparalleled data base of ongoing conditions and
natural system responses to management decisions.
The reports are available on our web site (www.
sccf.org).
Above: In the winter, manatees congregate in the warm water supplied by the FPL power plant along the Orange River (by Manatee
Park). However, high salinities have killed their primary food source, Tape grass, in the upper estuary (see page 7), forcing manatees
and calves to travel 25 miles downriver to feed on sea grass in the lower estuary. During Red Tide events, like the 2012-13 bloom,
manatees feeding downstream are exposed to the Red Tide toxin. 309 manatee deaths were linked to the 2012-13 Red Tide. Photo
of March 2013 rescue of a distressed manatee courtesy Red Rubino.
Page 4
Weather Stations and RECON
Marine Lab Research Assistant A.J. Martignette working on an SCCF weather station on a navigational marker that also
serves as a RECON data transmission platform. Weather stations are at three RECON sites: Redfish Pass, Fort Myers in the
Caloosahatchee by the U.S. 41 bridge, and the Gulf of Mexico, west of the Sanibel Causeway. www.recon.sccf.org/weather
RECON (River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network)
RECON has become the model for “wiring an estuary” and determining estuarine conditions in “real time.” SCCF
is on the leading edge of this technological wave and RECON and its real time data transmissions are the
premier model for determining estuarine conditions in the United States. Other established
labs such as Harbor Branch and other communities have followed our lead,
looking for water quality solutions.
RECON has seven stations that monitor 24-7, 365 days
a year. A new global initiative, combining other estuar-
ies that have deployed similar sensors, has been convened
to develop modeling and data-sharing tools for researchers
with the goal of resource protection. Predicting water qual-
ity conditions has lagged behind meteorological predictions
because of the lack of adequate data.
Locally, RECON provides important real-time data showing
the impact of water management decisions on the environment.
RECON data are used in weekly conference calls with water man-
agers and other concerned stakeholders in Southwest Florida (see
Caloosahatchee Condition Report, left) and Marine Lab scientists also col-
lect water samples as needed and photographs of conditions as needed.
Page 5
Water Management, Salinity and the Caloosahatchee
No High Loss of Tape grass
Releases = Salinity = for food & habitat
Heavy Low Loss of
Releases = Salinity = Shoal grass
& Oysters
Shoal grass & Oysters Tape grass
The Caloosahatchee once support-
ed lush beds of tape grass that served
as critical nursery habitat, providing
food and protection for a variety of
species. Tape grass prefers salinities
of 10 psu and below. It begins dying
when there are sustained periods of
20 psu and above. Even at 10 psu,
tape grass growth slows.
During the dry season, when the
South Florida Water Management
District provides releases for ag-
riculture and other permitted us-
ers and none (or too little) for the
Caloosahatchee, high sustained sa-
Healthy Shoal Grass Shoal Grass die-off linities west of the Franklin Lock
have taken their toll on those
once-lush beds.
High wet season freshwater releases impact the shoal grass beds by Iona and Shell
Point. They also cause oyster die-offs during the critical spawning season.
45
40 Salinity at Iona from 2005 to Present
35
30
25
20
Oysters preferred salinity range S
15
10
5
5 psu or less causes oyster mortality and harm to shoal grass
0
2005
1-Jan-05 2006
1-Jan-06 2007
1-Jan-07 2008
1-Jan-08 2009
1-Jan-09 2010
1-Jan-10 2011
1-Jan-11 2012
1-Jan-12 2013
1-Jan-13
Salinities are calculated based on flow at S79 (Franklin Lock) and Cape Coral salinities, plus actual data during parts of 2011 thru
2013. (There is a RECON sensor at Shell Point but not upriver at Iona.) In 2007 and 2008, oysters were stressed with sustained
high salinities. Low salinities from 2008-2010 and 2012-13 have resulted in oyster and shoal grass die-offs.
Page 6
RECON, Salinity and Tape grass
X
Salinity at Fort Myers Since Jan. 2008
X
Salinities of 20 psu and above kill Tape grass
XX
Tape grass growth begins slowing at 10 psu
Tape grass preferred salinity range
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Above: Salinity readings from the RECON sensor at Fort Myers (near the U.S. 41 bridge) since January 2008. The aerial below
shows the retreat of Tape grass to the upriver Caloosahatchee after repeated years of high dry season salinities. There are no longer
lush tape grass beds west of the Franklin Lock. Manatees wintering by the FPL power plant must swim 25 miles downriver to find
seagrass. When there is Red Tide, they are exposed to the toxin.
Tape grass Extent Since 1993
High dry season salinities have dramatically
impacted the extent of Tape grass in the river
Page 7
Water Quality: Undoing the Largest Man-Made Plumbing System in the World
The flood control system in south Florida, called the With funding assistance from our partner, the Ever-
Central and South Florida Flood Control Project, was glades Foundation — and working with the City of Sani-
built by the state and federal governments in the 1940s to bel and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
provide flood relief extending south from the center of the — we have focused on recapturing storage throughout
state near Orlando. The flood control plan was focused the greater Everglades to enable restoration of this inter-
on quickly moving the water off the land, to and through national treasure. Holding water longer on the landscape
rivers and canals and directly out to tide. It works… too provides water quality treatment and is key to addressing
well. Dumping all of that excess summer rainy season wa- the high and low flow water needs of the Caloosahatchee
ter to tide gets it off the land quickly — but then it is not estuary, and water supply for the parched Everglades Na-
available for water supply in the winter dry season when tional Park and Florida Bay.
our population more than doubles. Storage in all watersheds is a fundamental piece of the
Essentially, we need to undo the damage created by the solution. To achieve this an additional 1 million acre-feet
largest man-made plumbing system in the world. Toward of storage capacity is needed north of the lake, 1 million
that end, our policy staff spends a significant amount of acre-feet south of the lake and 450,000 acre-feet in the
time on building partnerships to focus disparate groups Caloosahatchee watershed. For scale, an acre-foot of
on attainable solutions. water is a football field covered with one foot of water.
Red Tide Monitoring at the Lab
When there are Red Tide events, Marine Lab scientists provide in-
formation to the public about daily Red Tide concentrations around
the islands. The staff collect water samples, count the cells responsible
for Florida Red Tide and provide daily updates. Red Tide blooms are
patchy and unpredictable, so a combination of remote sensing and wa-
ter samples are used by Marine Lab scientists to provide information
to the public.
The Lab works closely with CROW when there is a Red Tide
event. Dr. Heather Barron provides blood samples from CROW
patients to test for the presence of the Red Tide toxin. During the
2012 - 2013 Red Tide event, CROW treated over 250 cases of Red
Tide poisoning, mostly birds but also some sea turtles.
Marine Lab Research Scientist Dr. Rick Bartleson preparing to check water
samples for the Red Tide toxin with ELISA testing equipment.
Help Us Celebrate!
The Gateway Kiosk and the Shipley Trail at the Bailey Homestead Preserve
Please join us on Thursday morning, January 23, 2014 as we officially open the Bailey Homestead Preserve’s
Gateway Kiosk, Shipley Trail, and the boardwalk SCCF and the City of Sanibel created to connect the Bailey
Homestead Preserve to the City’s Pond Apple Park. This is a great opportunity to celebrate with all the funding
partners for these projects, especially Richard Shipley, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, the Thomas
Family in memory of Starr Thomas, and the Gilbert Family in memory of Harris Gilbert.
We look forward to opening the rest of the homestead at a future date. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, watch for details at www.sccf.org or learn more by calling 472-2329.
Page 8
Solution: Move Water South and Find Storage
Moving Water South Out of Lake O
The one unifying solution is moving water south of Lake freshwater supplies for the “River of Grass” and Florida
Okeechobee where it historically fed into the Everglades. Bay. This first phase provides the initial infrastructure
CEPP (the Central Everglades Planning Project) is the needed to ultimately reduce the damaging discharges to
first major federal/state plan for restoring flow south from the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries.
Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades, providing critical
Caloosahatchee Watershed Storage Projects
In the Caloosahatchee there are a series of projects we have been working on and advocating for that will supply approximately half
of the storage needed in the river’s watershed.
How You Can Help
We need to send a strong message to legislators and water managers. Damaging conditions this year have cap-
tured the attention of elected officials. This is our opportunity to support changes they are beginning to discuss.
Now that we have their attention, we need to keep the pressure on to encourage meaningful action. You’ll find
more information on our website, www.sccf.org (look at the Caloosahatchee and Lake O green box on the right of
the home page) about ways that you can help:
1. As we head to press, the U.S. House passed the WRRDA bill (Water Resources Reform Development Act).
WRRDA funding is needed for the C-43 Reservoir (see “D” above). A conference committee will reconcile
differences between the bills from the House and Senate (passed last May). We’ll keep you posted on the status.
2. Write the Florida Governor and the SFWMD Governing Board to urge them to make planned water proj-
ects in the Caloosahatchee watershed operational before next year’s rainy season begins and urge them to
immediately revise the SFWMD Operational Protocols to store more water north and south of Lake O.
Contact information can be found on the website (click “contacts” off the Caloosahatchee and Lake O
green box).
Page 9Improving Water Quality in the Lakes at The Dunes
Algae blooms, fish kills, and ex-
otic infestation plague the lakes on
Sanibel as well as the Sanibel “riv-
er,” more accurately called a slough.
The Marine Lab was invited
by The Dunes Golf & Tennis
Club to study the fish communi-
ties and water quality in the lakes
at The Dunes.
Monitoring by the Lab has pro-
vided the golf course managers with
feedback on improvements such
as no-mow zones around the lake
edges, eliminating both overspray
for irrigation and the treatment of
lakes with copper sulfate.
Left: Intern Mary Kate Swenarton
in Ladyfinger Lakes (part of “Ding”
Darling) by Dixie Beach Road, seine
netting and looking for exotic fish;
and (far left middle) looking at accu-
mulations of algae. Discharges from
the Dunes lakes raise nutrient levels,
supporting the growth of algae. Left:
Lab staff spent a day cast netting for
exotic fish in the Dunes lakes, collect-
ing several bucketloads of fish which
Tilapia and Mayan cichlid
were delivered to CROW.
Non-native invasive tilapia and Mayan cichlids present
a danger to native fish by competing for food and out-
reproducing them; they have no native predators; and
they pose a threat to the estuary if they escape from the
Dunes lakes during rain and high tide events.
March 2013
This mat in Lake 4 of The Dunes
is 250 sq. ft. and it was installed in
March 2013. Financed by a Dunes
resident as a pilot project, it is a first
step toward improving water quality
in the lake.
Page 10When Marine Lab staff began looking at options for removing
nutrients from stormwater ponds in The Dunes, they found that
the City of Naples has been successfully using Beemats’ floating
islands in some of their stormwater ponds.
Basically, the mat provides for a hydroponic system, with the
plant roots absorbing nutrients directly from the water. The plants
will grow larger and seem to fill the area between pots (see below The root systems grow and form large un-
right). After about a year, the adult plants will be harvested or cut derwater clusters, which provide refuge for zoo-
and the plant material will be taken offsite for composting. The plankton, which in turn eat algae. The roots
cut plants will then be allowed to regrow on the island, beginning help protect the zooplankton from the large non-
the process again. native fish population of tilapia and cichlids.
The mat in July (below) and September (below right). Almost immediately birds began using the island for foraging and even for
nesting (top photos). Algae has been a large problem in Horseshoe Lake in The Dunes. Bird photos above and mat photos pg. 10
courtesy Thelma Clark.
July 2013 September 2013
Page 11SCCF. Working to protect wildlife and their habitat.
Eden Oak is the name of a 158-acre proposed develop-
ment located along both sides of Shell Point Road in Punta
Rassa. The proposed 306 residential units and 171-slip ma-
rina and clubhouse are all proposed to be built in wetlands
that are considered aquatic resources of national importance
Shell Point
and essential fish and wildlife habitat. SCCF has engaged
with the neighboring community and other partners to
fight this proposal and protect the mangrove wetlands and
fishery habitat that also provide protection from hurricanes,
as we saw after Hurricane Charley in 2004.
Proposed Eden Oak
Preserve development
The red outlines the proposed Eden Oak
Preserve development. Yellow-outlined
areas are also owned by the developer.
Above right: In June, SCCF Natural Resource Policy Director Rae Ann Wessel and Marine Lab Director, Dr. Eric Milbrandt,
inspected the mangrove areas that would be impacted by the Eden Oak development. Diamondback terrapins are among the
wildlife that would be affected by the development (see story next page about SCCF’s diamondback terrapin research project).
Legal Action: Cape Coral Ceitus Canal Ceitus Boat Lift
SCCF has joined six other local stakeholder partner groups
to issue a 60-day notice to bring a legal action to compel the
DEP to enforce a settlement agreement on the stormwater
discharge from the Cape Coral Ceitus Canal. Agency inaction
has left this project languishing for the past two years. The Northwest
Ceitus canal barrier and boat lift on the western edge of Cape Cape Coral
Coral were required by the state to force the water collected
in this “spreader” canal to flow slowly west through the man-
grove fringe, where the mangroves could filter the water before
entering the Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, an Outstanding
Florida Waterbody.
Its removal causes concentrated stormwater discharges to
flow directly south, unfiltered, dropping salinity levels and
dumping sediment and pollutants on submerged aquatic veg-
etation, devastating the aquatic marine community. Location of Ceitus Barrier
There are about 100 miles of canals in the northwest Cape, Image from GoogleEarth
and Boat Lift before removal
carrying stormwater discharge into the Ceitus Canal.
Page 12Diamondback Terrapin Project
The SCCF Diamondback Terrapin Project began in early 2012. With permits and cooperation from the Florida
Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, SCCF
has embarked on a new research and monitoring project involving these unique, secretive and under-researched turtles
in Southwest Florida. Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are a group of “freshwater” turtles that exist in
a marine environment, typically brackish water. They exist along the eastern coast from Massachusetts to Texas in
mostly salt marshes and mangrove creeks and lakes. Their major threats are drowning in crab pots, and collection for
the pet trade. In the early 1900s, they were an upper class food source. As a result, populations were nearly depleted
in much of the northeastern U.S.
SCCF has begun a mark-recapture study to assess their population size, conservation status and natural history at several
locations on and around Sanibel. These
turtles have some level of protection in all of
their range states and were added to CITES
(Convention on International Trade in En-
dangered Species) in March 2013. SCCF
and our partners are interested in finding
their nesting areas so they can be protected.
SCCF has deployed satellite transmitters
on some females to find their nesting loca-
tions. SCCF is the first entity to use satel-
lite transmitters on diamondback terrapins.
Measurements and habits from Pine Island
Sound terrapins are being compared with
terrapins from other parts of the state.
Results from these studies will be used to
develop further management actions, such
as nest site protection.
Right: Map showing the movement of
two terrapins in the study.
Page 13Pine Island Sound Eastern Indigo Snake Project
The SCCF Pine Island Sound Eastern Indigo Snake Project is in its second year of research. In cooperation with the
Orianne Society, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the Florida Department of Environmental Protec-
tion/Division of Parks and Recreation and the residents of several barrier islands, eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon
couperi) have been verified on three of the five major islands in Pine Island Sound. Recapture data has given us a
glimpse of the home range on at least one of these islands.
These rare barrier island populations of this federal and state threatened species are a treasure that needs im-
mediate attention and effort to remain sustainable. With the help of the cooperative entities and many concerned
residents, indigo snake
education and awareness
has increased. As a result,
more people are report-
ing indigo snakes and un-
derstand their role in the
ecosystem and the need
to protect them. The
residents of these barrier
islands are the most im-
portant stewards of these
large, docile snakes.
Most of the funding for
this project has come from
the North Captiva Con-
servation Fund and Upper
Captiva Civic Assocation.
Measuring the length of an indigo
Page 14SCCF. Working to protect conservation land.
Legislative Session 2014 ballot. The initiative would allocate the 33% of doc
One of the bills passed by the 2013 legislative session stamp taxes that for 20 years has been used to fund state
is driving two conservation efforts for SCCF policy staff: conservation and park purchases — but for the last sev-
advocating for protection of park lands being promoted eral years, most of this money has been redirected by the
for surplusing by the state; and securing a funding source legislature to other programs. Petitions are available in
for the state’s Florida Forever land conservation program. the Nature Center; they can also be downloaded at flori-
The Florida legislature passed a bill that tied the budget dawaterlandlegacy.org.
for land purchases for conservation to the sale of exist-
ing conservation lands. This unworkable concept has Two Proposals Defeated on North Captiva
prompted the state to suggest the surplusing of state park On North Captiva, two development proposals were
lands across the state including portions of Cayo Costa successfully opposed by SCCF. One was to build a 17-
State Park in our area. unit hotel on lands that were flooded during a storm
last fall.
Florida Water and Land Legacy Petition The other was the construction of a boat barn and
To address the funding question SCCF has endorsed marina near an aquatic preserve. Although new docks
and is actively engaged in collecting petitions for a consti- may still be dredged as part of a multi-slip dockage
tutional amendment initiative called the Florida Water & facility, it cannot be a commercial marina or contain a
Land Legacy (FWLL). The objective is to collect 680,000 72-unit boat barn.
signatures of Florida voters to qualify for the November See Growth Page 17
Outlined in red are the proposed Cayo
Costa land parcels for surplusing
Page 15Air Potato Control: Beetle Release
Air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) is an invasive, exotic vine from tropical Asia that has become a large problem in
south Florida, especially Sanibel. It aggressively grows over the top of native trees and shrubs, choking them out. They
are very difficult to eradicate because of the numerous bulbils that can form a new plant, even after the plant is sprayed
with herbicide.
The USDA-ARS (Agricultural Research
Service) Invasive Plant Laboratory has
identified an Asian beetle (Lilioceris cheni),
that feeds on air potato but does not devour
any native Florida plants. After remaining
in quarantine testing for two years, this in-
sect is being released at various locations
around south Florida. SCCF lands are
being used as part of the project. We are
happy to report that reproduction of the
released insects has been verified as well as
evidence of skeletonized air potato leaves
from the beetles. This will not rid the is-
land of air potato but it will slow down the
reproductive success of the plant.
Field Technician Toby Clark
introducing air potato beetles
onto SCCF lands in an effort
to slow down the growth of in-
vasive air potato.
Page 16Exotic Removal Success and Reappearances
Continual monitoring and maintenance of SCCF properties is essential to prevent reoccurrences of exotic plant
invasions. The punktree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) is an all too common invasive, exotic tree that has taken over
much of South Florida. It was eradicated from Sanibel over a decade ago; it has reappeared in very small numbers
twice on the West Sanibel River Preserve (2005, 2013). Even though Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) has
been removed from all SCCF properties, newly sprouted individuals are found every year on these properties and
must be removed.
Our field technicians (Toby Clark and Victor Young) have had around 90% success in eradicating Widow’s-Thrill
(Kalanchoe sp) on the Wulfert Gopher Tortoise Preserve. At least four species of this plant have been found on Sanibel.
Meanwhile, other extremely invasive plants like Java Plum (Syzygium cumini) and cogon grass (Imperata cylindrical)
have infiltrated properties where they were previously not known to occur. Consistent surveys and knowledge of native
and exotic flora are essential for keeping our properties as healthy as possible for native wildlife.
Widow’s Thrill (Kalanchoe sp) has been 90% eliminated on the Wulfert Gopher Tortoise Preserve
Brazilian Pepper Removal on North Captiva
North Captiva conservation projects have included
eradication of over 40 acres of Brazilian pepper on
state park lands as well as on private properties. Cayo
Costa State Park and Barnacle’s Restaurant have been
generous in supporting this initiative. Draft docu-
ments for Lee County Code modifications have been
submitted that include a requirement for all private
lands on North Captiva to have Brazilian pepper re-
moved by 2021. Those documents also request a “dark
skies” lighting code.
Brazilian pepper
Growth -- Continued from page 15
Growth Management
SCCF celebrated a victory in protecting our critical quiet backbay wildlife habitat with the defeat of a request by
the marina on Connie Mack Island to modify two Lee County ordinances to allow them to operate jet ski tours. This
win protects habitat where at least three species of endangered sea turtles, juvenile and adult, are known to forage as
well as the rare Ornate Diamondback Terrapin, federally endangered smalltooth sawfish and Florida manatee. This is
doubly important for seagrass, which grows densely in the proposed tour area and has been heavily impacted by this
year’s high freshwater flows.
Page 17Beach Dune Planting
SCCF’s Native Plant Nursery was contracted by
the City of Sanibel to plant dune vegetation at
island beaches.
5,929 plants
on Sanibel beaches
planted by the Nurwery
this summer
17 species were planted: Ambrosia (Ambrosia hispida), Bay Bean
(Canavalia rosea), Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea imperati), Bit-
ter Panic Grass (Panicum amarum), Coastal Sea Rocket (Cakile
lanceolata), Dune Sunflower (Helianthus debilis), Gaillardia
(Gaillardia pulchella), Inkberry (Scaevola plumieri), Railroad
Vine (Ipomoea pes-caprae), Saltmeadow Cordgrass (Spartina
patens), Sea Lavender (Argusia gnaphalodes), Sea Oats (Uniola
paniculata), Seacoast Marsh Elder (Iva imbricata), Seashore Drop-
seed (Sporobolus virginicus), Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vagi-
natum), Seashore Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), Spider Lily (Hy-
menocallis latifolia). Plantings focused on dune areas closest to the Lighthouse Beach planting. Native Plant Nursery
water, which were impacted by last year’s Tropical Storm Debbie, so Assistant Rebecca Grotrian, top and above. Nursery
the diversity was a little lower than a “normal” year.
intern Calli Thompson, left above.
Page 18Nursery at the Florida Association of Native Nurseries Trade Show
Partnerships
The Native Plant Nursery has informal
partnerships with the City of Sanibel, J.N.
“Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the
Sanibel Bike Club, the Lake Murex & Little
Lake Murex Homeowner’s Assocation, the
Gumbo Limbo Homeowners’s Association
and the Naples Botanical Garden. Nursery
Manager Jenny Evans is an annual speaker for
the Sanibel Master Gardener’s lecture series.
Nursery Manager Jenny Evans and staff setting up for a FANN
(Florida Assocation of Native Nurseries) trade show. The Nursery
also participated in an inaugural Native Plant Trade Show in
Kissimmee, which drew over 350 attendees.
Increased Program Variety in the Nature Center Realtor® Partnership
All new members of the Sanibel and Captiva
Islands Association of Realtors® attend an
SCCF orientation program, and more special-
ized Realtor® classes continue to be popular.
Our relationship with local realtors and their
actions have helped in our continuing challenge
FWRI Researcher Gregg Poulakis with a smalltooth sawfish in the of water quality and water quality issues.
Peace River.
Increase in program variety and frequency in the Nature Center has led to building relationships with new
members and increasing visitation. Presentations on Endangered species — the smalltooth sawfish and Kemp’s
Ridley sea turtles — by local researchers from Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) and the
Conservancy of Southwest Florida brought these species to the spotlight in the community. New SCCF vol-
unteer-led beach and shorebird programs at Island Inn and Sanibel Inn broadcast the SCCF mission to record
numbers. A new Sea Turtle exhibit in the Nature Center highlights SCCF’s years of sea turtle monitoring. The
“Alien Invasion” program helps islanders understand the effects of introduced species on the islands’ natives.
Page 19Clam Bayou Mangrove and Oyster Restoration
The SCCF Marine Lab’s Clam Bayou restoration has wound down. Due to the effectiveness of the Marine Lab’s approach — and
the help of many volunteers — the ecological restoration of Clam Bayou has been measured and deemed a success.
Sea Turtle Nesting on the Islands
The 2013 sea turtle nesting season was one for the record books. Overall, it was the third highest nesting season with
348 nests on Sanibel and 134 nests on Captiva. Even more exciting was the large number of green sea turtle nests laid
on the islands. Green sea turtles are considered rare nesters on the west coast of Florida, as most of our nests are usually
laid by loggerhead turtles. This year, 23 green nests were laid on the islands. Prior to this year, we had never documented
more than eight green nests.
In 2013, the sea turtle program expanded its research collaboration with Florida Atlantic University. In addition to
gathering data on the sex ratios of loggerhead turtles, we hosted Ph.D. student Jake Lasala. Jake is studying paternity in
loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles on Tequesta, Boca Raton, and Sanibel beaches. On Sanibel, his focus is exclu-
sively on loggerheads but may expand to green turtles in light of the large number of nests laid this year.
Since male sea turtles never return to land after hatching, little
is known about their biology. By collecting DNA from nesting
females and hatchlings, Jake is able to determine the DNA of the
male turtles. The goal of this project is to determine if the same
males are mating with east and west coast female turtles or if each
population of females has its own group of males. The project
will give a better understanding of how, and how many, male
turtles are contributing to the nesting on the study beaches. This
knowledge will ultimately aid in the management of sea turtle
populations in Florida.
Green sea turtle hatchling. Photo by Donna Aldrich
Page 20Environmental Education
We continue to work with Captiva Cruises and docents
to provide visitors a rich experience on board natural his-
tory boat trips. No Child Left on Shore has reached hun-
dreds of children in Lee and Collier County that may not
have ever experienced a boat trip, exploring beaches and
seeing the wildlife that lives in our waters.
This year we also did a special trip with Dr. John Worth,
former Assistant Director of the Randell Research Center
and an archaeologist and ethnohistorian who has spent
time in Spain and Cuba researching both the Calusa In-
dians and the early Cuban fisheries in Pine Island Sound.
Participation in the Lee County Visitor and Conven-
tion Bureau’s long range planning has kept conservation
of natural resources high on their list. Part of their mis-
sion statement is to preserve and protect the area’s unique
attributes for the continual benefit of its residents and the Richard Finkel exploring Cayo Costa with kids visiting the
travel and tourism industry. VCB too has dedicated re- island through the No Child Left on Shore program, a part-
sources to water quality and water quantity issues as well nership between SCCF and Captiva Cruises.
as beach habitat preservation.
Programs at Shell Point Village have been extremely stronger relationships with businesses and residents of
well-received. Many of our members reside there and Captiva, having great fun and providing more educa-
keeping in touch personally has been a joyful experience. tional programs on island.
Captiva Holiday Village participation has built See Education on Page 22
SCCF Shorebird Monitoring Program
2013 marks the 11th year of SCCF’s Snowy
Plover Monitoring Program, which has contin-
ued to monitor the shore/seabirds of Sanibel
and Captiva islands. This year, Sanibel fledged
19 new Snowy Plovers (Charadrius nivosus)
from 29 chicks: a 67% fledge rate!
In 2010 the shorebird program began
monitoring Least Terns (Sternula antillarum)
in addition to Snowy Plovers. Least Terns
are colonial nesters which historically nest
on Florida’s beaches. Colonies can consist of
dozens to thousands of birds. Least Terns find
strength in numbers and are highly aggres-
sive when it comes to defending their nesting
habitat. Once a perceived predator approach-
es a colony, the adult birds will fly from their
nests to dive-bomb and defecate on the threat,
whether it is animal or human. Due to this
behavior, Least Terns and humans commonly Checking out a pair of wooden decoy terns.
come into conflict.
This year, Wildlife Habitat Management of Bowman’s Beach, where they placed 30 decoys (approximately half
(WHMP) staff used wooden decoys to try to of them in pairs) in a small roped-off area high on the beach. Within
attract the terns to nest in areas on Sanibel two weeks of placement, terns began to nest among the decoys inside
where birds and humans would have minimal the roped area. Shortly after, the roped area was expanded to over
interaction. WHMP staff chose an area west three acres. At the height of nesting 34 nests were recorded.
Page 21Education -- Continued from Page 21
This year, we have been involved in developing exhibits and educational materials about Captiva’s history including
the ever-changing nature of the island, beach erosion and wildlife.
In our efforts to build relationships upstream, SCCF staff provides programs during the Big O Birding Festival.
Manatee awareness via fish measuring stickers for boaters and caution of the dangers of feeding dolphins by way of
educational rulers were designed and distributed. Through the years SCCF has learned that useful items appear to be
retained by recipients longer than most print materials.
Owls on the Islands
Screech Owl and Barn Owl nesting boxes have been made by SCCF
Hammerheads since 2000 and they are available to homeowners in the
Native Plant Nursery. In addition to encouraging homeowners to pro-
vide nesting sites for these owls, education programs include an initiative
to stop the use of rat poisons that can kill these owls. Nesting Barn Owls
have not been observed on Sanibel since 2006; they had been nesting at
the SCCF Nature Center for thirty years.
There has been a North Captiva initiative to install Screech Owl nest-
ing boxes to restore this population, which appears to have crashed in the
past two decades.
Busy at the Nursery
A New SCCF Preserve
SCCF has a new preserve — the Native Plant Nursery staffers provided 47 Landscaping for Wildlife consulta-
Bird House Preserve — thanks to an tions for homeowners plus 16 private landscape designs and installations. There
anonymous donor, who provided funds to are 12 private properties in the biweekly landscape maintenance program, and
purchase the property. The new preserve the Nursery has done seven landscaping and restoration installation projects for
is adjacent to land already owned by SCCF the City of Sanibel and also maintains seven City of Sanibel parks/roadways on
off Bay Drive, on the east end of Sanibel. a monthly basis. Photo courtesy Thelma Clark.
Page 22Operating Financial Statement
July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013
Income: Expenses:
Unrestricted Contributions / Memberships $1,292,059 Administrative $241,766
* Wildlife Habitat / Wildlife Habitat/
Land Management $373,983 Land Management $365,020
* Marine Laboratory $296,543 Marine Laboratory $663,982
* Native Plant Nursery/ Native Plant Nursery/
Landscaping for Wildlife $177,610 Landscaping for Wildlife $194,399
* Environmental Education / Environmental Education $203,911
Natural Resource Policy $133,584 Natural Resource Policy $110,997
** Endowment Support for Operating $134,172 Special Events $31,827
Special Events $74,993 General Operations $171,326
Misc. Income $22,456 Insurance $89,071
Nature Center Admissions $22,704 Public Relations / Communications $204,338
Memorials $15,000 Memorials $15,000
Total Operating/Project Income $2,543,104 Total Operating/Project Expenses $2,291,637
Fund Balance Carry forward $251,467
Designated Funds and Grant Income are carried forward to the next fiscal year as projects continue.
* Program income, Designated contributions, Grants and Contracts
** 5 % of the average value for the last 12 quarters
Marine Lab: Engaging the scientific community
Six presentations were made by Marine Lab staff at the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography and the
Benthic Ecology meetings. There were four publications by Marine Lab staff scientists.
Publications:
Martin, N., L.D. Coen, A.J. Martignette, E.C. Milbrandt, in press. Testing anti-fouling coatings with special emphasis
on coastal observing systems. Florida Scientist.
Provost, K., E.C. Milbrandt, A.J. Martignette, J.J. Siwicke, in press. Methodological comparison for determining drift
and attached macroalgae abundance. Florida Scientist.
Thompson, M.A., E.C. Milbrandt, R.B. Bartleson, and A. Rybak, Evaluation of bacteriological and nutrient concerns
in nearshore waters of a barrier island in SW Florida. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 64:1425-1434
Milbrandt, E.C., R.B. Bartleson, L.D. Coen, A.Rybak, M. Thompson, P. Stevens,. Local and regional effects of reopen-
ing a tidal inlet on estuarine water quality, seagrass habitat, and fish assemblages. Continental Shelf Research. 41:1-16.
The Marine Lab’s intern program encourages students to conduct an independent scientific research
project developed with staff guidance. Interns Nicole Martin and Keleigh Provost each designed field and
laboratory experiments meant to result in presentations at regional meetings and publication in the peer-
reviewed journal, Florida Scientist (listed above).
Page 23Fundraising Events
Our fifth annual Wines in the Wild on November
10, 2012, was bigger and better than ever. Local wine
aficionados Linda and Tom Uhler continued their service
as Wines’ founding co-chairs. More than 175 guests visited
six wine stations set up on the Nature Center porch and
boardwalks to sample fine wines. Delicious hors d’oeuvres
were prepared by Catering by Leslie Adams.
For the first time, Wines in the Wild had a Presenting
Sponsor! Many thanks go to Bank of the Islands for making
this fundraiser more successful than ever.
Special Host Committee members were Nancy and
Pete Bender, Linda and Wayne Boyd, Tory and Bill Burch,
Leone and George Graham, Anne Haslem and Ed Wheeler,
Luc Century with Men’s 4.5 champions Dave Petrick and Tony
Janie Howland, Mike Kelly, Deborah and John La Gorce,
Fittipaldi, and finalists Mark Andrews and Helmut Peters at
Ellen and Erick Lindblad, Kay and John Morse, Roberta
this year’s 21st Annual Tennis Tournament.
and Philip Puschel, Joyce and Don Rice, Nancy and Chip
Roach, Robbie and Geoff Roepstorff, Lucy and Paul Roth, Your Neighborhood Gopher Tortoises… Jack Thomas, Hal
Donna and John Schubert, Tom and Linda Uhler, Nanelle and June Patinkin, Henry and Inge Glissman, and Carol
Wehmann and Martha and John Wolf. Gardner. Game sponsors are Harry and Mona Gleitz, Dick
Thanks are also due to all who donated to our raffle: Luc and Robin Cohan, REMAX: Art and Sandi Corace, Dorado
Century for a set of wine glasses; gift certificates for dinner Property Management/Lisa Newmeyer-Cochrane, Island
at Il Cielo, Traders, the Normandie Restaurant at the West Condo Maintenance, Wiles Architects/Arla and George
Wind Inn, Mucky Duck and, also, a gourmet dinner for Wiles, Tom and Jane Settanni, Bill and Carol Rosenberg,
four prepared by island caterer Leslie Adams; Gift baskets Sallie Soule and Sanibel-Captiva Community Bank.
from: the Coffee Bar at Bailey’s, Zebra Frozen Yogut, Doc Raffle prizes were an Eternal Light Glass Sculpture
Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille, Tarpon Bay Explorers, Creative donated by Lucas Century, and a one-week island stay,
Baskets, Dolce Tesoro featuring Queenie’s Ice Cream and donated by VIP Vacation Rentals. Silent Auction items were
Simply Cupcakes, Holly Cakes; a set of Waterford crystal donated by Terry See, Sherrie and Chris Hughes, Captain
wine stoppers donated by Diane and Leroy Neitzel, a James Branca, Jim Castle, Deborah La Gorce, Laura@
bottle of the 2002 vintage from the personal collection of Creative Baskets, Jessy Lees, Jodi Cort and Warren Schwab,
Wines in the Wild organizer Tom Uhler in honor of the Tarpon Bay Explorers, Michael and Charlene Zausner, Ace
Marine Lab’s 10th anniversary; and from SCCF, a “Toast Hardware, Lucas Century, Ed Wheeler, The Dunes, George
the Sunset” sunset excursion for four on Pine Island Sound and Wendy’s Seafood Grille, Lazy Flamingo, Veranda
with Dr. Eric Milbrandt and Kristie Anders. Restaurant, Danny Morgan, and Congress Jewelers.
SCCF’s 21st Annual Tennis Tournament was held at Thanks to The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club for making the
The Dunes Pavel-Blackwood Tennis Academy on April 6-7. tournament a resounding success, and a very, very special thanks
SCCF gratefully acknowledges Barbara Chappell, the late to Lisa Newmeyer-Cochrane and also to Warren Schwab.
Francis Bailey and FineMark National Bank & Trust as our On April 20, partiers gathered at the Nature Center for
lead sponsors, and all of our Championship, Match, Set SCCF’s second annual Beer in the Bushes, with stations
and Game Sponsors. Championship sponsors were Bill and offering different signature craft beers. SCCF’s backyard
Tory Burch, VIP Karen Bell Realty, and Wayne and Linda was opened up for games, tables, dancing and music. An ill-
Boyd; Match sponsors were John and Deborah La Gorce, timed downpour didn’t stop the fun as Uproot Hootenanny
Philip and Robert Puschel, John and Martha Wolf, Barefoot led the guests under the porch roofline for more dancing
Charley’s Painting Company, Paul and Lucy Roth, Ellen as the night went on. Beer in the Bushes was graciously
Raisbeck, and Bob and Nancy Orr. Set sponsors were Tom sponsored by The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company and
and Mimi Adams, Patrick and April Tzanis, Fran Cameron, generously supported by Jensen’s Twin Palm Marine, Red
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Curtin, Fred Gobel, Jodi Cort and White and Brew Distributors, Point Ybel Brewery, Island
Warren Schwab, Rick and Martha Siders, Sally Reed, BBQ, Catering by Leslie Adams, The Grog Shop and Island
Island Chiropractic/Dr. Bob Fisher, Nanelle Wehmann, Cinema.
Page 24Special Events
SCCF kicked off the beginning of the season on September President Linda Uhler, Vice President Patti Sousa, Secretary
15 with the 27th International Coastal Cleanup. Working Martha Siders, and Treasurer Don Rice. Outgoing President
with the Ocean Conservancy, Keep Lee County Beautiful Paul Roth (who remains on the Board of Trustees) thanked
and the City of Sanibel, SCCF directed volunteer efforts to all who helped him during his board leadership, especially
clean the beaches on Sanibel and Captiva. Debris removed his wife, Lucy. After program reports and Legacy Society
from the beaches ran the gamut from cigarette filters to crab inductions, members enjoyed a casual dinner from Catering
traps. Data recorded over the years is used by the Ocean by Leslie Adams.
Conservancy for education and research. The Life Member/Benefactor Luncheon was at the
In October SCCF once again relied on volunteers for Sanctuary Golf Club on February 6. SCCF’s Erick Lindblad
the Third Annual Monofilament Madness, a Keep Lee brought members up-to-date on the work of the Foundation
County Beautiful countywide event. Back bay mangroves and the ongoing restoration of the Bailey Homestead.
were cleared of fishing line and other trash to protect Many thanks to Yolande Welch and Diane Neitzel for their
wildlife using that habitat. Every year birds and sea turtles organization of this event.
are caught in and can perish from old monofilament Visiting families and residents enjoyed SCCF’s annual Open
line. On Captiva, Jensen’s Twin Palms adopted Roosevelt House on President’s Day, Monday, February 18. Family-
Channel to clean for the second year and Captiva Kayak at friendly displays, crafts and the ever-popular Nature Sounds
McCarthy’s Marina hosted a Kayak cleanup of Buck Key. Contest were enjoyed by all.
‘Tween Waters provided kayaks for volunteers to clean up The Nature Center was the venue for another great
Hurricane Hole on Buck Key. FGCU students cleaned up Volunteer Appreciation Party on March 14. Volunteers
SCCF’s Albright Island in Blind Pass with kayaks provided had the chance to visit with each other and to explore the
by Castaways Marina. FGCU students also removed debris outdoor areas at the Foundation. Catering by Leslie Adams
from the mangroves at the end of Dixie Beach Boulevard. provided a wonderful buffet dinner. Following dessert,
The Foundation’s Annual Membership Meeting was awards were passed out in recognition of the invaluable
held December 3. Three outgoing Trustees, Janie Howland, contributions of our volunteers.
Chip Lesch, and Carol Zell, were recognized for their With catering partner Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille, SCCF
service. New board members voted in at the meeting hosted the Chamber After Hours on Monday, March 18.
were Ron Gibson (returning to the board), Deborah La Island business members had an opportunity to enjoy the ideal
Gorce and Ran Niehoff. The members present accepted outdoor location of the Nature Center porch and learn more
the recommended slate of officers for the coming year – about SCCF’s mission and programs.
Membership Volunteers
Number of Number
Life (Individuals): 620
Program Volunteers of Hours
Family: 1,134 Board of Trustees and Committees 36 982
Individual: 347 Captiva Cruises Wildlife Cruise docents 11 1,218
Corporate and Life (Business): 71 Carpentry Crew (Hammerheads) 11 3,623
Marine Laboratory 67 551
Total: 2,172 Native Plant Nursery 26 798
For 46 years, we have been proud to be a part of Nature Center and Office and
this very special community. But we can’t do it without Environmental Education 38 2,190
you. Thank you! Sea Turtle Conservation Program 120 4,588
Shorebird Monitoring 13 332
Our volunteers continue to sustain SCCF with their Special Events 145 403
expertise and dedicated hard work. We had 475 volunteers Wildlife Habitat Management 8 208
work a total of 14,893 hours, which is the equivalent of
seven full-time staff positions. The actual number is prob-
ably higher because we know we miss capturing some hours
for various reasons. Thank you to all!
Page 25Legacy Fund Endowments
Thanks to the leadership of SCCF Trustee Philip
Puschel and others, the independent governance of the
Legacy Funds has been formally codified. Through a
thoughtful process completed earlier this year, SCCF has
amended its bylaws to formally recognize a newly created
“permanent committee” — the Endowment Committee.
It is charged with overseeing SCCF’s endowment invest-
ments and making an independent determination as to
what the annual allocation from the endowment to the
operating budget should be for the next fiscal year. The
inaugural Endowment Committee members include Don
Rice, Mike Kelly, Doug Ryckman, Richard Shipley and
Rod Verblaauw, who was elected the committee’s first
chairman. We are so appreciative of their service.
The Legacy Fund endowments as of the June 30, 2013 Sally Lichtenstein, inducted into the Legacy Society at the 2012
close of the fiscal year totaled $3,211,296. This year, the Annual Membership Meeting
Board of Trustees transferred $134,172 toward program and other endangered sea turtles
support, representing 5 percent of the average fund value • The Marine Laboratory Fund, endowing research
over the previous 12 quarters. That program support is and public policy activities and promoting the health
distributed through six program funds reflective of the of the marine nursery areas surrounding our islands
Conservation Foundation’s core program areas: This fiscal year, three SCCF members were inducted into
• The Preservation Fund, supporting our general the Legacy Society during the December 3, 2012 Annual
operations and ensuring our ability to act in sup- Membership Meeting. The new inductees are Natalie Jivoff,
port of the Foundation’s mission statement Sally Lichtenstein and Deborah Williamson. The Preserva-
• The Habitat Management Fund, allowing us to tion Fund benefited from a very generous outright gift from
manage the land we have acquired for perpetual Natalie Jivoff, who made this gift to honor her belated hus-
conservation band’s longstanding support of SCCF’s mission. Sally Lich-
• The Landscaping for Wildlife Fund, helping the tenstein spoke eloquently about her family’s appreciation of
Native Plant Nursery bring the principles of habi- SCCF during her induction. Her estate planning includes
tat management to homes, businesses, and transi- a significant residuary bequest for the Preservation Fund.
tional corridors Deborah Williamson also plans to make a residuary bequest
• The Environmental Education Fund, underwrit- to SCCF, and has identified the Sea Turtle Conservation and
ing staff teaching positions and broadening our Research Fund as the beneficiary.
program outreach In addition to Mrs. Jivoff, we are also grateful to other
• The Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Fund, Legacy Society members who made new endowment gifts
supporting our work with threatened loggerheads during this fiscal year. They include dearly departed Jane
Legacy Society Members
Tom and Mimi Adams Millie B. Ford Kip and Andrea Koss Barbara Shane
Bill and Margery Angst Charles and Janet Gleason Deborah and John La Gorce Sallie and Gardner Soule
AWC Family Foundation Phyllis and Glen Gresham Virginia Letourneau Sovereign People Internship Fund
Armand and Beverly Ball Bill and Nancy Hanger Sally Lichtenstein Evelyn Spencer
Edward Beattie Bob and Jane Hanger Sally Lupfer David Stanley
Chuck and Sally Bisbee Al and Sally Hanser Bob and Tricia Maxeiner Vesta Stearn
Helen Blomquist Bill and Tina Hillebrandt Nancy McDowell Linda Sturgis
F. N. Bowles, Jr. Dr. Charles Holland Keith Moffat Barbara Tobin
Claudia Burns Harry Huizenga Bill and Betsy Pugh Linda and Tom Uhler
Dick and Mary Butler Larry and Jeannette James John D. Purdy Gretchen Valade
Yolanda Cannon Linda and Greg Jennings Philip and Roberta Puschel Judy Wellons
Adelaide Cherbonnier Natalie Jivoff John Raffensperger, M.D. and Susan Luck, M.D. Jane Werner
Peter Blaze Corcoran Louise Johnson Sally Reed Bob Wigley
Nancy and Richard Curtin, M.D. Virginia and Thomas Johnson Jack and Rose Rogers Deborah Williamson
Don and Carolyn DeCoster Joan and Wally Kain Robert E. Schneider Foundation – Pat Wilmeth
Meleanor and Donald Deming Kind World Foundation Dick Schneider Bill and Ann Wollschlager
Elizabeth Eagleton Stephen and Barbara King John and Florence Scott Barbara Wood
Page 26Staff Collaborations and Advisory Roles: Regional and State
SCCF staff actively works with a number of local, regional representative for the Everglades Coalition. She’s on the board
and statewide groups. of the Southwest Florida Watershed Council and is a founder
Erick Lindblad has served on the Florida Communities and past president of CRCA (Caloosahatchee River Citizens
Trust Board since 2009, part of the state’s Florida Forever land Association) Riverwatch. She currently serves on Lee County’s
acquisition program. He was recently re-appointed to the six- Historic Preservation Board and is a past Commission appointee
member board by Governor Rick Scott. to the County Local Planning Agency. Rae Ann was selected as
Eric Milbrandt, Ph.D. represents SCCF on the Florida one of WGCU’s Women Who Make Southwest Florida.
Institute of Oceanography (FIO) Council, and is an adjunct Kristie Anders works with local REALTORS®,
of the graduate faculty at Florida Gulf Coast University. He providing ongoing training and a state-accredited, 7-hour
was recently invited to participate in a workshop to develop class on the conservation history of the islands. Attendance
a strategy for a science-based estuarine observation and is required for new REALTORS®. Kristie serves as chair
prediction network at Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce, FL. of the Upper Captiva Community Panel; she is an advisor
Drs. Bartleson and Milbrandt serve on the Charlotte Harbor to the Captiva Holiday Village and on the board of the
National Estuary Program’s Technical Advisory Committee Captiva Island Historical Society.
which reviews science and resource management for the Chris Lechowicz is a member of the International Union for the
region. Dr. Bartleson provides scientific information to the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle
Southwest Stakeholders on weekly conference calls with the Specialist Group (TFTSG); membership is by appointment only.
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and He is also a Board member of the Florida Turtle Conservation
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps); he provides input Trust; serves on the South Florida Exotic Animal Task Force
on the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council’s Water and on the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Quality Functional Assessment Method. (FWC) Imperiled Species Advisory Committee for Freshwater
The Marine Lab has established academic collaborations Turtles and the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group. As
with numerous universities, including Florida Gulf Coast coordinator of SCCF’s sea turtle research and protection program,
University, Florida SouthWestern State College (formerly Amanda Bryant holds a permit from the state and works closely
Edison State College), the University of South Florida, with the FWC as well as local rehab facilities. Joel Caouette is
Florida Atlantic University (and associated Harbor Branch a member of the state’s Snowy Plover Working Group Steering
Oceanographic Institute), the University of New Hampshire, Committee, the Lee County Shorebird Partnership, and the
Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Florida Fish Florida Ornithological Society.
and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Jenny Evans is a Board member and Treasurer for the
Rae Ann Wessel coordinates west coast stakeholder science Florida Association of Native Nurseries, a Board member
partners on calls with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and and Newsletter editor for the Florida Native Plant Society,
South Florida Water Management to report on local water Coccoloba Chapter. She serves on the Lee County Roadway
conditions. She is a member of the Environmental Advisory Landscape Advisory Committee and on the Horticultural
Committee of the Everglades Foundation and serves as SCCF’s Advisory Committee for Lee County Extension.
Legacy -- Continued from left
Werner, whose estate planning included a $30,000 be- ten gift annuities in support of the endowments.
quest to the Habitat Management Fund. Mr. and Mrs. (Please note the Board has suspended the gift an-
William W. Pugh also continued their annual support of nuity program at this time.)
the endowments through their $15,000 gift to the Sover- • Trusts and Bequests – We are aware of the Con-
eign People Internship Fund. servation Foundation being remembered in 42
We are thankful to them and all the Legacy Society mem- bequests and trust vehicles. Among others, we are
bers who have used various planned giving vehicles to sup- most grateful for the planned bequests made by the
port the Legacy Funds. To date, we are aware of the follow- new Legacy Society members listed above.
ing types of planned gifts being used to endow our efforts: If you have endowed our work through any of these
• Outright Gifts of Cash, Real Estate, Securities and vehicles and feel we are unaware of your gift, we hope you
Life Insurance – We have received 29 outright gifts will inform us so we may thank you now for the gift you
to date in this category. have planned for the future. It is our hope to recognize
• Charitable Remainder Trusts – Planned gifts to the new Legacy Society members at our Annual Membership
Foundation include eight remainder trusts. Meeting on December 10, 2013.
• Charitable Gift Annuities – Members have created
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