Capital Campaign Case Statement by Barbara Wilson

Saving Southwest Florida 1450 Merrihue Drive Naples, FL 34102 Office of the President 239-403-4209 www.conservancy.org info@conservancy.org

Raising $25 Million For Our Water, Our Land, Our Future

The challenges we face are serious and urgent. Through the Campaign for the Conservancy we hope to rally our friends and neighbors together to protect our beautiful home. Our Mission To protect Southwest Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique natural environment and quality of lifeâ&#x20AC;Ś now and forever.

1450 Merrihue Drive Naples, FL 34102

Our Vision We envision a Southwest Florida where our land, water and wildlife are protected, our citizens are engaged and our leaders make decisions with the health, well-being and sustainability of our region in mind. We seek to increase our knowledge of the natural world through continued scientific research and to increase our impact through collaboration with our partners. We work to protect a high quality of life for both our current residents and generations to come.

Office of the President: 239-403-4209

www.conservancy.org

Together... we can make a difference.

l info@conservancy.org

www.conservancy.org

Saving Southwest Florida: CAMPAIGN FOR THE CONSERVANCY

Lake Okeechobee Caloosahatchee River

• Ft. Myers

Estero Bay Clam Pass Naples Bay

• Naples

Rookery Bay Tigertail Beach

Alligator Alley Big Cypress National Preserve

• Fort Lauderdale • Miami

Ten Thousand Islands Everglades National Park

GULF OF MEXICO

The Situation is Urgent – The Time is Now

Florida Keys

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEWS-PRESS.COM, MARC BEAUDIN

Our Future on the Gulf Coast... What Will it Look Like?

Overdevelopment of our coastal areas has resulted in more pollution, algae blooms, fish kills and may contribute to record levels of red tide.

Executive Summary Today, the residents of Southwest Florida are standing at a critical juncture. The human population is soaring – and rapid development is jeopardizing our land, water, wildlife and the quality of our lives. We must act now to prevent our extraordinary natural treasures from disappearing forever.

For over 43 years the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been protecting our natural environment. Our legacy continues as we rally our partners, collaborate with neighboring governments and engage the public in a campaign that is critically important for our region.

This document sets the stage for the Campaign for

CAMPAIGN GOALS

the Conservancy – an unprecedented effort to CONSERVE OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

$ 4

Million

BUILD A STRONG ENDOWMENT

$ 6.5 Million

CREATE A WORLD CLASS NATURE CENTER $ 9.2 Million GATEWAY TO THE GORDON RIVER GREENWAY

$ 5.3 Million

CAMPAIGN TARGET

$ 25

Million

balance growth and economic security with environmental integrity. We will continue to develop responsible, balanced, nonpartisan solutions to our region’s most pressing challenges. Our goals are clearly defined, our leadership is in place and our vision is clear. We believe in the future of

Southwest Florida – and the success of this campaign will help us define a future that benefits all of us.

Our founders, members, staff and volunteers have been instrumental in our past success. Now, we must look forward. The Campaign for the Conservancy is about planning for the future of our magnificent region. The stakes are higher than ever before – and we are prepared for the task ahead. Your investment in the Conservancy of Southwest Florida will pay dividends to our wildlife and to our way of life for generations to come.

When you consider all the gifts of nature that we enjoy along the Paradise Coast, please give a gift to nature in return. The future is in your hands; the future is now.

Thank you for supporting Saving Southwest Florida: Campaign for the Conservancy.

Nick Penniman Chairman of the Board Conservancy of Southwest Florida

“In every deliberation we must consider the impact on the seventh generation....” Great Law of the Iroquois

A Region in Crisis The threats facing Southwest Florida are numerous, complex and seemingly unstoppable. Our ecosystems are among the most endangered in the country. Our wetlands are declining and our water supplies are in jeopardy. Traffic clogs our roads, red tide chokes our shores and wildlife species are disappearing everyday. The long-term consequences of these threats will affect residents for generations to come.

“Southwest Florida has stopped growing sugar, tomatoes and citrus — and we’ve started growing condos.”

POPULATION GROWTH BY COUNTY

Population

650,000

The human population in Florida has skyrocketed —

600,000

growing from just 3 million in 1950 to over 16 million today, and expected

growth. Naples and Fort Myers have been the fastest- or second fastestgrowing communities in the United States every year through the 1990s. The consequences of this growth are significant. If we don’t act quickly — the natural treasures that drew us here in the first place will be gone.

550,000 P E R M A N E N T P O P U L AT I O N

to hit 21 million by 2025. Southwest Florida is at the forefront of this

500,000 450,000 400,000 350,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000

Development

The demands of population growth have

50,000 0

exacerbated the pace of development. The coast of Southwest Florida is nearly built-out and now development is headed inland – toward our region’s last open spaces and most fragile ecosystems. A recent University of Florida

1960

1970

1980

Charlotte Collier

1990

2000

Glades Hendry

2010

2020

Lee Sarasota

Source: Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council

study found that over the next several decades, all available land in Southwest Florida will be needed to accommodate growth and development. Hastening this process is the departure of the region’s agriculture, particularly citrus and vegetables, forced out by global competition and the opportunity to sell land at high prices.

Water

Clean water is a scarce commodity in Southwest Florida. Runoff from development prevents water

from filtering down to the aquifer, straining our drinking water. Most of the water that does reach the aquifer is contaminated by fertilizers and not healthy to drink. Overdevelopment is also contributing to our serious flooding problem in the region with more and more communities on the horizon every day.

The Gulf Coast

Our entire Gulf Coast is in jeopardy – including our beaches, marshes, sea grasses,

coastal prairies and sand systems. The abundant and diverse animal and ocean life is also suffering. Millions of gallons of contaminated water are being dumped with a full load of nutrients into the Gulf – causing red drift algae, blue-green algae and is suspected of contributing to red tide. Many beaches have been covered with algae, and our fish and aquatic species are suffocating.

The Everglades

The Everglades once covered 4,000 square miles stretching from the headwaters

of the Kissimmee River, to the tip of the Florida peninsula. Today the Everglades are less than half that size, with growing threats from agriculture and development. Historically 100 percent of Lake Okeechobee’s waters flowed south – breathing life into the Everglades. Today only twenty percent of this vast water supply reaches the River of Grass – and much of this water is polluted with nutrients. The Everglades are dying of thirst. The wildlife, cypress forests and some of the most extensive and productive mangrove estuaries in the world are all in serious trouble.

Native Wildlife

Caught squarely in the cross-fire of development are the American crocodiles, wood storks,

manatees, sea turtles and many other species. There are about 60 endangered species in Southwest Florida, including one of the most endangered mammals on earth – the Florida Panther. As population growth, development and the water crisis continue, our wildlife is disappearing – and many species will be completely eliminated in our lifetime.

We Have Made A Difference The year was 1964. Naples, Florida, a quiet backwater community barely on the map, was about to make national headlines as "the town that put up the fight of its life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for its wildlife."

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been there. We will continue the fight to save our extraordinary region.

More than 40 years ago, a group of concerned local community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” slated to run through Rookery Bay, one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. The determination and resolve that were a part of this project set the tone for the Conservancy’s subsequent efforts that continue to this day. Significant Conservancy milestones include: • Helping to conserve 55,000 acres of land in

• Earning the “Peoples Choice” Award from the Naples

Southern Golden Gate Estates while restoring

Daily News three years in a row for our summer

natural water flows to the Western Everglades

camps and environmental education programs

• Monitoring existing species populations for the

• Reaching over 30,000 children and adults each

Western Everglades Restoration Project

year through public awareness and community outreach programs

• Protecting more than 200,000 sea turtle hatchlings over the past 25 years through our Sea Turtle Monitoring and Protection Program

• Assessing the state of our region’s water quality and publishing our findings and recommendations in the Estuaries Report Card

• Treating over 2400 animals per year and successfully releasing about half of them back into their native habitats

• Providing scientific data that was instrumental in designating the Caloosahatchee River as one of our nation’s ten most-endangered rivers

• Helping to preserve Naples Bay, its mangroves and sea life by limiting boat slips and shoreline development in Hamilton Harbor

• Helping to protect environmental jewels such as Ten Thousand Islands, Big Cypress, Estero Bay, the Cocohatchee Slough, the Caloosahatchee River and

• Encouraging voters to protect environmentally

Naples Bay

sensitive land for conservation by assisting in the passage of Conservation Collier, Conservation Charlotte and Lee County Conservation 20/20

• Developing responsible, balanced, nonpartisan solutions to our region’s most pressing challenges

• Helping to negotiate the successful state purchase of 74,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land at Babcock Ranch, keeping all parties talking when the deal was threatened

“It’s Now or Never. What we do in the next 5 years will define the next 50.” — Andrew McElwaine

Campaign Vision: Future generations will enjoy a high quality of life, more open space that is protected from development, and clean, plentiful water.

CAMPAIGN GOAL #1

CONSERVE OUR NATURAL RESOURCES Everyday, we lose some of the natural resources that have thrived in Southwest Florida for centuries. Abundant, clean water… ecologically significant land… diverse wildlife species… These natural wonders are part of the reason we are all here – and they are disappearing. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida plans to protect and sustain the things that make our region an outstanding place to live, work, raise a family and enjoy retirement. The following is an overview of our goals: • Address pollution discharges from Lake

CORE PROGRAMS

Okeechobee that contaminate the Caloosahatchee WATER & WETLANDS

$ 1 Million

THREATENED LAND & WILDLIFE HABITAT

$ 1 Million

GROWTH MANAGEMENT

$ 1 Million

• Use our Estuaries Report Card – which assesses

EDUCATION & OUTREACH

$ 1 Million

and ranks our region’s waters – to influence policy,

CAMPAIGN TARGET

$ 4 Million

River, underground reservoirs (aquifers) and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico.

inform decisionmakers and engage

Water & Wetlands Southwest Florida is facing a water crisis. Poor

the public. • Establish a storm-

drinking water quality, flooding, loss of habitat and

water management

the destruction of some of the most beautiful and

program and best

productive estuaries in the world are all issues as more

practices to prevent

and more residents flock to the coast. We will:

flooding and

• Strengthen our 30-year estuarine research and monitoring program – including advocating for estuary preservation in the Gulf of Mexico through regulatory and legislative measures. • Enhance research and monitoring programs in Naples and Estero Bays to gain a better understanding of the sources of pollution and the impact on our water.

pollution of rivers and bays. • Ensure water supplies are properly managed within the Everglades Agricultural Area to prevent interruption of our drinking water. • Continue to study and protect mangroves – including the on-going Clam Bay project which studies the effects of hurricanes and development on these vital trees. • Continue to challenge developments that would drain and destroy critical wetlands. • Work with communities and government to improve water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and the health and quality of life of our population.

CONSERVE OUR NATURAL RESOURCES (continued)) Threatened Land & Wildlife Habitat Much of the land in Southwest Florida is ecologically sensitive – including mangrove estuaries, wetlands, barrier islands and wildlife habitat. The ripple-effects of development threaten every aspect of our community – especially loss of land that is resulting in devastating, long-term consequences for all of Southwest Florida. We will: • Seek state and local funding to acquire land for wetlands restoration, water storage and preservation – including land in the Everglades Agricultural Area.

Growth Management The stress of massive and often unplanned development

• Develop strategies for growth management and environmental restoration.

– including roads, buildings, infrastructure and golf courses – has turned the tide on our beautiful amenities. The natural environment does not follow political

• Promote threatened

boundaries, and the Conservancy is continually working

and endangered

toward a strong and effective presence in the counties

species recovery

that comprise our region. We are building our influence

plans through basic

with state representatives and strengthening our ability

and applied

to speak on behalf of a large regional constituency.

research.

We will:

• Prevent the misuse of lands and improper mining within Charlotte County that threatens to impact our water supplies and overall environmental health. • Protect underground water recharge areas from development. • Prevent development that would threaten habitat

• Strengthen and enforce growth management policies in the five-county region. • Designate and protect critical lands for habitat protection, flood control and environmental restoration. • Review, and fight if necessary, development

vital to many threatened and endangered species,

that threatens ecologically

including the Florida panther, wood storks, wading

sensitive land – including

birds, bald eagles and others.

the over 70,000 approved

• Invest in monitoring equipment, tracking chips, nest protection devices and other equipment to protect sea turtles.

but unbuilt residential units in Collier County. • Implement new water management regulations to safeguard our drinking water and reduce pollution along our coasts. • Continue projects and lobbying efforts to restore the Western Everglades – which are vital to maintaining our water supplies and water quality.

Education & Outreach The Conservancy believes in the environmental leadership of tomorrow – and we want to ensure that both children and adults understand the critical issues facing our region. Through our work, we hope to equip our constituencies with knowledge and understanding to make a difference. We will: • Strengthen environmental education and create a conservation ethic among the exploding population

• Develop and promote a “Conservancy Speakers

in the region. • Develop an enhanced, region-wide “K to Gray”

Bureau” that will bring our experts into the

environmental education curriculum in partnership with schools, school districts, and

community to speak on science, policy and other conservation issues.

other organizations. • Invest in strategic marketing, information technology and communications to build

• Create permanent, traveling and interactive educational exhibits to showcase our work and build awareness.

membership and engage residents.

• Implement strategic and interactive solutions that will educate and engage the public on conservation issues – including web-based strategies, e-communications, government communications, and lobbying. • Promote environmental education through experience – such as nature walks, field trips and kayak and boat tours – so visitors can gain first-hand understanding of the urgency of our work.

Five Fast Facts about our Natural Resources:

• Development can lead to red tide, which has been linked to toxic fish and fish kills, food poisoning, foul odors, health issues and the decline in recreational use of the water.

• Only one out of 1000 sea turtles survives until maturity. The Conservancy’s efforts have saved over 200,000 hatchlings.

• When underwater sea grasses are deprived of light from intense algae blooms, the animals that depend on them for food or shelter, such as manatee, leave the area or die.

• Our underground aquifers, or water reservoirs, are in jeopardy from pollution from Lake Okeechobee and fertilizer runoff from farms and development.

• Our region’s many wetlands are extremely valuable and versatile. They provide habitat for wildlife, water storage and purification, and protection from floods, fires and droughts.

A Strong Team is Our Most Essential Tool

Campaign Vision: The Conservancy is equipped with the staff and financial resources to fulfill our mission far into the future.

CAMPAIGN GOAL #2

BUILD A STRONG ENDOWMENT Will Southwest Florida remain a unique jewel – or will it become a west coast extension of Greater Miami? Reporter and author Michael Grunwald gave us a chilling vision of our future, predicting a day when citrus, sugar and cattle will be replaced with condos, housing and golf courses linking Naples to Palm Beach. He called it “Napalm Beach.” Preserving our future as the “paradise coast” will require more than a week or a year’s effort. It will require long-term staying power. The Conservancy must build a strong endowment centered on our two most important tools – the people who drive our work and the programs that advance a higher quality of life for our region. A robust endowment is critical for the Conservancy to continue its urgent work in uncertain financial times and in the face of increasing environmental challenges. Endowment income provides a stable, permanent fund that supports the teams and initiatives that are the core of our work. It also allows us to recruit the brightest people to protect our future. These talented individuals influence policies, shape legislation, negotiate for smarter development and remain on the cutting edge of science and research. • In eastern Collier County, address impending

ENDOWMENT GOALS:

growth and development proposed in rural areas CONSERVATION POLICY

$ 1.75 Million

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

$ 1.75 Million

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION

$ 1.5 Million

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

$ 1.5 Million

CAMPAIGN TARGET

$ 6.5 Million

that will impact our drinking water, traffic, wetlands and endangered species habitat. • Increase Collier County advocacy efforts for Naples Bay – including reform of Rural Land

Conservation Policy Ensuring that our region’s leaders have the tools to make

Stewardship programs, endangered species habitat protection, and innovative stormwater management. • Set up a contingency fund to enable effective

informed decisions is a critical role of the Conservancy.

and timely responses to urgent and unforeseen

The Conservation Policy Endowment will help us

policy issues.

steward Southwest Florida’s natural resources by expanding our economic, science and policy research capabilities. We will continue to collaborate with new partners and actively take on broad regional issues to make a difference. Endowment support will help us address these key long term goals: • In Glades and Hendry Counties, increase advocacy efforts around growth and development management, education of local governments and citizens, and water management issues – especially as the amount of land for agriculture decreases. • In Lee and Charlotte Counties, develop proactive environmental planning to address building density, management of mining areas, transportation issues and water quality issues related to Charlotte Harbor and the Caloosahatchee River.

• Increase and upgrade document management tools, mapping systems and other support tools to improve response times to critical litigation and environmental planning efforts. • Continue to develop a state of the art electronic advocacy system to communicate with our constituents and public officials in a timely manner.

BUILD A STRONG ENDOWMENT (continued)) • Create an effective system for compiling, analyzing and communicating environmental science information and research results. • Establish new monitoring programs to protect the biological health of Estero Bay, its freshwater tributaries, and Naples Bay – including water quality, sea grasses, mangroves, oyster bars, shorelines and coastal waterways. • Purchase additional lab and field equipment to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of environmental science projects.

Environmental Science The importance of science in protecting the biological and ecological health of our region has never been greater. Scientists at the Conservancy have an active research agenda to promote the understanding and action necessary for healthy ecosystems. The Environmental Science Endowment will enable us to expand our efforts in ecological research, diagnostic and monitoring programs, restoration initiatives, professional partnerships, university programs and community outreach. We will:

Wildlife Rehabilitation The remarkable wild animals of our region are vulnerable to the effects of a growing human population. Panthers, bobcats, sea turtles, manatee and birds are among those that have lost habitat, suffer from contaminated food and water, and come into often fatal contact with an increasing number of boats and automobiles. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Endowment will ensure ongoing efforts to expand the Conservancy’s capabilities and provide the essential tools and resources for our animal clinic to keep pace

• Initiate new areas of research for the Western

with continued growth. We will:

Everglades Restoration Project. • Develop and implement water quality studies across the region, including Naples Bay, the Caloosahatchee River, Ten Thousand Islands, Lake Okeechobee, Rookery Bay and Clam Pass. • Increase research of protected species such as sea turtles, panthers, gopher tortoises, wood storks and others. • Create an on-site filter marsh and water quality

• Build alliances with other like-minded institutions to create comprehensive wildlife protection efforts. • Develop proactive, grassroots outreach programs for businesses and citizens to build awareness of native wildlife handling and protection. • Increase local veterinarian and intern support to build additional capacity for native wildlife rehabilitation and improve release rates.

monitoring system that promotes the use of natural filtering systems across the region.

The People Behind the Conservancy Last year we nearly lost one of our expert panther and Everglades scientists who had joined the Conservancy as part of a temporarily funded project. We want to make sure that resources for our critically important staff are never in jeopardy and that our annual operating capital is reserved for funding programs. Building the Conservancy endowment will help us accomplish this goal. Tagging and releasing the Florida Panther into the wild helps maintain an accurate count of these endangered animals.

Making a Gift

Environmental Education One of the most successful and far-reaching areas

We are asking our members and friends to leave an enduring legacy by endowing the core elements of our mission. This critical endowment will provide our organization with a stable flow of income, allowing us to plan for current and future needs.

of focus of the Conservancy is education. The Conservancy has a number of strategic approaches to reach our communities, including environmental education programs for local students and at-risk children, award-winning summer camps and the

Tax Benefits Donors can benefit from income tax savings, avoid capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated long term capital gain securities, and reduce estate settlement costs.

Conservancy Nature Center, which provides numerous interactive learning tools and hosts thousands of visitors each year. The Environmental Education Endowment will enable us to expand

Named/Anonymous Gifts

these programs and develop a new generation of

Donors can elect to establish named endowments to honor or memorialize a loved one and/or support a cause close to a family's heart. The Conservancy will recognize these individuals or respect a donor’s wish for anonymity. Named gifts for endowment have a minimum investment of $50,000.

environmentally conscious leaders. We will: • Build alliances with other institutions to survey gaps within the environmental education arena. • Develop new environmental education programs that foster a conservation ethic across the region. • Create new, innovative and interactive environ-

Restricted/Unrestricted Gifts

mental education activities and exhibits relevant

Donors may make gifts to the endowment that are restricted for a particular purpose, staff position or area of research. Unrestricted endowment gifts are equally important because they enable the Conservancy to use the funds where needed, for urgent projects or to support the overall health of the organization.

to the changing demographics and needs of the region. • Craft continuing education and scholarship programs for “at-risk” kids and open the door for more youth to participate. • Provide ongoing upgrades to the Conservancy

Donor Involvement

website to showcase environmental research,

Donors are welcome to meet personally with our staff to learn more about our work. Our staff will go into depth about our goals and strategies in any area of interest. In addition, one gift can be structured to address a wide range of donor interests.

publish reports, promote programs and build awareness.

Professional Management and Accountability All investments are closely monitored by our Finance and Investment Committee and our Board of Directors. All gifts received are recognized in our annual report and a professional independent audit is performed annually. We are dedicated to providing lasting stewardship of all charitable funds entrusted to the Conservancy.

How the Conservancy Endowment Compares Endowment support for the Conservancy lags behind other conservation organizations. This is particularly alarming given the environmental threats facing our five-county area.

Peninsula Open Space Trust San Francisco, CA $92 Million Central Park Conservancy New York, NY $84 Million Trust for Public Land San Francisco, CA $79 Million Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Pittsburgh, PA $39 Million Natural Lands Trust Media, PA $15 Million Nantucket Conservation Foundation Massachusetts $11 Million Ocean Conservancy Washington, DC $10 Million Big Sur Land Trust Carmel, California $ 8 Million Little Traverse Conservancy Michigan $ 6 Million Conservancy of Southwest Florida Florida $ 6 Million Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Florida $ 6 Million Source: 2005 990 Reports, Guidestar.org

Our Success Depends Upon the Leaders of Tomorrow

Campaign Vision: The Conservancy Nature Center is a living example of the natural world. Our programs continue to grow and foster the next generation of conservationists.

CAMPAIGN GOAL #3

CREATE A WORLD CLASS NATURE CENTER The Conservancy’s Nature Center is a 21-acre oasis in the heart of Naples, and a focal point of conservation activities. Built in 1984, many of our facilities are outdated, in need of repair, or inadequate to handle our growth. To meet the demand for environmental experiences across our region – for both children and adults – we must update and expand our facilities to accommodate the 100,000 or more visitors we project will visit the center in the coming years.

NATURE CENTER GOALS:

Going Green!

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING CENTER

$ 4.35 Million

The Environmental Planning Center will be a

DELNOR AUDITORIUM

$ 1.8 Million

cutting-edge green building – with the U.S.

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER

$ 1.75 Million

Green Building Council’s LEED and Florida

LEARNING CENTER

$ 1.3 Million

Green Building certifications. The site will be a

CAMPAIGN TARGET

$ 9.2 Million

dynamic, interactive, energy-efficient model for the public to experience, highlighting sustainable

Environmental Planning Center

principles, and economic and health benefits. Some of the features include:

A new headquarters for our outstanding team! The new, 17,000 square foot Environmental Planning Center will serve as the Conservancy’s home base – with administration and policy offices, laboratories and public meeting space. The Center’s two new indoor/outdoor labs upgrade the research capabilities of our science teams and provide open common areas for collaboration with the policy team. When our science and policy teams work together – we can stay in front of the ever-increasing challenges facing our region.

• Passive and active solar power • Rainwater catch systems • Native plants for window screens • Day lighting and a large light well • Natural, fresh-air ventilation • High-efficiency LED lighting • Possible vegetated roof for cooling efficiency • Bicycle parking areas • Educational kiosks in entry area

CREATE A WORLD CLASS NATURE CENTER (continued))

Delnor Auditorium Hear the swish of a gator cruising on the river of grass... Look up to catch a sleek woodstork as it glides overhead... Swim with a giant manatee as it grazes on the sea grass beds that line our waterways... Experience the sights and sounds of the Everglades when our current auditorium is transformed into a multi-purpose public meeting space. Surround sounds and screens will be used to present films, lectures, and educational sessions for Nature Center visitors. The Auditorium will help prepare the next generation of conservationists and inspire all citizens of Southwest Florida.

Learning Center The new Learning Center located in the Paul H.

• Flexible Classrooms

Benedum Hall of Environmental Education will

• “Hands-on” Learning Lab

bring the work of the Conservancy to life and

• Traveling exhibit space for visiting exhibits

inspire our community to protect the natural

• Electric and video microscopes

wonders of our region. Building a conservation

• Audio/Visual and Cable TV technology

ethic is an important part of the Conservancy’s

• Environmental wall murals

mission. Through the Learning Center, we will continue this important quest by enhancing our tools and recources to better educate the public. The new Center will enable us to convert our current office quarters back to their original purpose – education classrooms for the public. These classrooms and exploration stations will provide fun, interactive learning for all ages.

Some of the features include:

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Originally built to handle 500 injured and displaced

A Sustainable Campus The new Conservancy Nature Center

animals, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center now cares for

will be a “living” demonstration site for

over 2400 animals per year. Our expanded, 4500 square

the public. It will incorporate green

foot Center will include a larger hospital and upgraded

building features, native landscaping,

interpretive facility to increase visibility and raise

pervious parking areas and sustainable

awareness of our important work.

design principles that are in tandem with nature and minimize environmental

The new medical clinic will be a significant milestone

impact. The entire campus will also utilize

for the Conservancy, enabling us to treat animals in a

best practices for stormwater manage-

less stressful environment – and increase their chances

ment – resulting in cleaner waters in the

to be realeased into the wild. It will include separate

Gordon River and Naples Bay.

wards for mammals, reptiles and birds, an animal nursery, and new operating and x-ray rooms. The clinic will also act as an education center, allowing the public to tour and learn about rehabilitation without disturbing the wildlife or our medical team. Some of the building features include: • Entrance into an interpretive wildlife rescue area • Viewing area into treatment rooms and animal nursery • Exterior space for animal recovery with sunlit areas and natural habitat features • Improved flight cages for better release evaluation • Improved ventilation system • Elevated building for flood protection

Southwest Florida Residents Have Made Their Voice Heard

Campaign Vision: Gordon River Greenway is a 180-acre natural oasis in the heart of Naples â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including the Conservancy Nature Center, Naples Zoo and the Gordon River Greenway Park.

CAMPAIGN GOAL #4

GATEWAY TO THE GORDON RIVER GREENWAY The Gordon River Greenway has long been a vision of many residents of Southwest Florida. In 2004, nearly 80 percent of Collier County residents went to the polls and voted in favor of protecting the valuable Fleischmann property from development – moving this vision closer to reality. Building on the momentum, the Conservancy

GATEWAY TO THE GORDON RIVER GREENWAY: FLEISCHMAN PROPERTY

$ 4

Million

GATEWAY TO THE GREENWAY

$ 1.3 Million

CAMPAIGN TARGET

$ 5.3 Million

purchased eight acres of the Fleischmann property between the Nature Center and Goodlette-Frank Road. This upland and scrub habitat is now safe from major development, helping to preserve the habitat of over 50 gopher tortoises – a threatened species in Florida.

Collier County has secured a $9.9 million “Florida Forever” grant to help create the 79-acre Gordon River

U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE

Greenway Park with lakes, marshes, boardwalks and a boat launch for kayaks and canoes.

We believe that Gordon River Greenway will be an exciting, interconnected destination site providing a significant recreational and educational asset for our community.

Gateway to the Gordon River Greenway The Gateway to the Greenway will include a new, visible entrance off Goodlette-Frank Road, connecting the Naples Zoo, the Conservancy Nature Center and Gordon River Greenway Park. As visitors traverse a curved wooden bridge, they will experience wetlands and uplands habitat and educational signage that reinforces the unique characteristics of Southwest Florida’s natural treasures. Guests will experience first-hand the feel of “Old Florida.” While down below the slightly-elevated bridge, the gopher tortoises continue their everyday life, knowing that land enhancements can touch the ground gently.

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Gordon River Greenway Park

N E

W S

Conceptual map provided by Architectural Network, Inc.

Investing In The Future The Campaign for the Conservancy is seeking the gifts that are indispensable for realizing our vision. By investing today in our ecological infrastructure, we invest in tomorrow’s quality of life. Those who care most about protecting our environment in Southwest Florida – most notably our members, friends, volunteers, and donors – hold the key to our future. Consider the legacy that you could leave.

Reliable education about the environment is required at every level to equip our citizens to make informed decisions – both now and in the future.

The following is an overview of our $25 million goal:

CONSERVE OUR NATURAL RESOURCES Water & Wetlands

$ 1

Million

Threatened Land & Wildlife Habitat

$ 1

Million

Growth Management

$ 1

Million

Education & Outreach

$ 1

Million

Total:

$ 4

Million

BUILD A STRONG ENDOWMENT Conservation Policy

$ 1.75 Million

Environmental Science

$ 1.75 Million

Wildlife Rehabilitation

$ 1.5

Million

Environmental Education

$ 1.5

Million

Total:

$ 6.5

Million

CREATE A WORLD CLASS NATURE CENTER Environmental Planning Center

$ 4.35 Million

Delnor Auditorium

$ 1.8

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

$ 1.75 Million

Learning Center

$ 1. 3 Million

Total:

$ 9.2 Million

Million

GATEWAY TO THE GORDON RIVER GREENWAY Fleischmann Property

$ 4

Million

Gateway to the Greenway

$ 1.3

Million

Total:

$ 5.3

Million

$ 25

Million

CAMPAIGN GRAND TOTAL Total:

Leadership Gifts $1 Million and Above

Saving Southwest Florida Campaign for the Conservancy www.conservancy.org

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has an important dual role in caring for and rehabilitating injured wildlife, but also introducing more people to the Conservancy than any other program. We hope that the new Center will enable the Conservancy to expand and enhance its work.â&#x20AC;?

Dolph and Sharon von Arx Leadership gift for the new Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being second generation supporters to the Conservancy provides a lot of long-term perspective for us. Though the Conservancy has grown in size, the breadth and depth of the issues it tackles are increasing at an even faster pace. Our Leadership Gift to the campaign is directed at strengthening the immediate needs for policy and sciencebased advocacy. We believe strongly in the Conservancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talented and tenacious staff, and its proven ability to get the job done.â&#x20AC;?

Lynne and Chip Shotwell Leadership gift for Conservation Policy

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to make a gift to the Conservancy that would give us the biggest bang for our buck. We felt that helping to foster a partnership between the Conservancy and Florida Gulf Coast University would bring people together to educate future generations on the importance of protecting our environment.â&#x20AC;?

Edie and Ed Andrew Leadership gift for an Environmental Education Partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University

“I wanted to give the Conservancy a boost as it moves forward with this important campaign. If people who move to Southwest Florida’s paradise don’t protect the area — they will lose it. This gift will help in the critical task of educating the public.”

Nancy Seeley Leadership gift from the Leonard C. and Mildred F. Ferguson Foundation for the new Learning Center

Supporting The Campaign The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has always depended on a variety of funding sources to finance our core activities and fund innovation and growth. With your leadership and support, this campaign can exceed our greatest expectations.

PHOTO: GEORGE GENTRY/U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

There are many ways to support the Campaign. The following examples are not intended to provide specific financial or tax guidance. Individuals should check with their personal financial advisors.

The Florida Panther is one of the most endangered creatures on earth. There are only about 90 left and they are on the verge of extinction.

RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED GIFTS

SECURITIES

Gifts of any size may be designated for a specific

Many donors may realize substantial tax advantages

campaign goal chosen by the donor. Or a gift may

by transferring gifts of appreciated stock. Capital

be made without restrictions. Unrestricted gifts

gains on the amount of appreciation are avoided,

provide flexibility to allocate the funds where they

and the donor receives a tax deduction for the

are most needed at the time.

stockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full market value.

NAMED GIFTS

RESIDENCES AND REAL ESTATE

Make a gift in honor of someone close to the

Gifts of residences and real estate can be

Conservancy. Or you can associate your name with a

advantageous ways of making sizable gifts to the

major project, facility or endowment opportunity. The

Conservancy. Residences can be given, allowing

Conservancy will be pleased to provide a list of such

the donor to realize a tax deduction, avoid the capital

opportunities or discuss other naming possibilities.

gains tax and retain lifetime occupancy, if desired.

GIFTS OF CASH

OTHER PROPERTY

Many gifts to the campaign will be cash contributions,

Gifts of tangible property may result in an

for which donors may receive tax benefits if they

immediate tax deduction for the donor, with the

itemize deductions. Pledges to the campaign may

amount of the deduction determined by whether

be paid over a period of up to five years.

or not the gift is related to the mission of the Conservancy. The gift may also lessen or eliminate

PLANNED GIFTS AND BEQUESTS

the donorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estate taxes. All gifts-in-kind will be

Many donors discover that they can make a

credited to the campaign at the appraised value,

substantial gift through planned giving. Donors

including donations of art, equipment, rare books,

may enjoy full tax benefits for such contributions,

real estate and similar non-monetary contributions.

enhancing their own financial situation even as they make a lasting contribution to the

MATCHING GIFTS

Conservancy. Life income gifts such as trusts will

Thousands of companies match donations that

be counted at their discounted present value. Gifts

employees make to institutions like the

of life insurance policies for which the Conservancy

Conservancy. Donors are urged to request that

is the owner and beneficiary will be counted at

their employers match their gifts.

cash value. Bequest intentions will be recognized but not counted. The Conservancy can provide more details about planned giving at your request.

TABLE OF GIFTS FOR CAMPAIGN # of Gifts

Amount

Totaling

Cumulative Total

$ 5,000,000

$ 2,000,000

$ 7,000,000

$ 1,500,000

$ 3,000,000

$ 10,000,000

$ 1,000,000

$ 5,000,000

$ 15,000,000

$ 500,000

$ 4,000,000

$ 19,000,000

$ 250,000

$ 2,500,000

$ 21,500,000

$ 100,000

$ 1,500,000

$ 23,000,000

$ 50,000

$ 1,000,000

$ 24,000,000

$ 25,000

$ 500,000

$ 24,500,000

Many

<$ 5,000

$ 500,000

$ 25,000,000

Thank You for Supporting the Campaign for the Conservancy

“Intrusion into my world can break the intricate webs that mold my existence and I vanish forever — a memory erased by the tides of time.” – Anonymous

1450 Merrihue Drive Naples, FL 34102

Office of the President: 239-403-4209

www.conservancy.org

Together... we can make a difference.

l info@conservancy.org