Conservancy A publication of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
UPDATE www.conservancy.org
Winter/Spring 2008
“Saving Southwest Florida” Campaign for the Conservancy
$25 Million Goal Announced January 13.
Over $20 Million Raised to Date.
Over 200 guests attended the special announcement celebration at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida on January 13, 2008 “Saving Southwest Florida” is the most ambitious Capital Campaign in Conservancy history and 80% of its goal has been achieved during the “quiet phase.” The Campaign will support the work being done by the Conservancy to protect our unique natural environment and quality of Conservancy staff about their important work. life. Guests roamed about the displays staffed by ConConservancy Chair Nick Penniman kicked off servancy environmental science, policy, educathe event with a special thank you to Campaign tion, wildlife rehabilitation, membership, facilisupporters for their gifts that comprised the ties and volunteer teams to discuss Conservancy $20 million raised to date. As of January 13, the projects and plans in process and planned for the Conservancy received future. eight leadership gifts “People that support the Barbara Conklin, a of $1 million and above Conservancy get it. They love that 28-year veteran volunteer – and the largest gift in we care about keeping the natural observed, “This is why Conservancy history – I love what I do. People beauty of our area protected.” $4 million. Penniman that support the Conser-Barbara Conklin, 28-year veteran Conservancy volunteer recognized Edie and Ed vancy get it. They love Andrew, Geri Martin, that we care about keepKatie Miller, Nancy Seeley, Lynne and Chip Shot- ing the natural beauty of our area protected.” well and Sharon and Dolph von Arx for their gen“This was a vision that started from the ground erous support and belief in the mission of the up,” said Kathy Prosser, former Conservancy Conservancy. president and CEO who was in attendance. “The A roar of laughter filled the courtyard when realization of the Capital Campaign is a result of Andrew McElwaine, CEO and president of the volunteers, staff and donors.” Conservancy, admitted he will now sleep better For more information about the Capital Camsince some of the funds raised will cover a $2 paign, visit www.conservancy.org or call Rob Above: Sharon and Dolph von Arx million note he signed on his first day as presi- Moher 239.403.4205. Bottom Left: Sue Dalton, Lisa and Jay Merritt dent. McElwaine explained, “The loan was for the purchase of eight acres of the former Fleischmann property connecting the Conservancy Nature Center out to Goodlette-Frank Road.” An Please contact Rob Moher to find out more about anonymous Capital Campaign donor had gifted “Saving Southwest Florida: Campaign for the the other $2 million toward the $4 million land Conservancy.” Rob can arrange for a one-on-one purchase. consultation, group meeting, or send you more On a more serious note, McElwaine described information on your particular area of interest. the sense of urgency needed to protect our 239.403.4205 or robm@conservancy.org. natural resources. “What we accomplish in the next five years will determine our future,” said See www.conservancy.org for more details McElwaine. He announced the four goals of the about the Campaign. View the video, read the Capital Campaign and the important work they Case Statement, understand the environmental would support. (See page 3.) issues threatening our quality of life, the sense of urgency and how you can help “Save Southwest After the announcement, guests had the chance Florida.” You can also request information online. to tour Conservancy grounds and speak with
highlights
Get Involved!
2 3 Leaving a Legacy: Eagle Society
page 2
Campaign I-75 Leadership expansion Gifts page 3
page 6
Estero Bay Study page 8
10 Snowbird SEASON page 10
From the President Protecting Southwest Florida’s unique natural environment and quality of life...now and forever. directors Chairman Nicholas G. Penniman IV Past Chair Tuck Tyler Vice Chairman Dolph von Arx President & CEO Andrew McElwaine Treasurer Gary L. Thomas Secretary Pamela C. Williams
BOARD of directors Dawn Allyn Edith G. Andrew Ed Bransilver Jennifer Cheng Ted Corbin Paul Corddry Sue Dalton J. Dudley Goodlette Jonathan Green Andrew D.W. Hill Rich Housh Colleen Kvetko Maureen Lerner Lisa Merritt James T. Murphy Hugh W. Nevin, Jr Jane Pearsall Alan B. Rosoff Judith C. Tryka Thomas B. Wheeler Gene Windfelt
Update is published by the Conservancy Marketing and Communications team Editor/Writer Barbara J. Wilson Contributing Writers Andrea Stetson Mollie Page Graphic Design Kate Kintz We welcome comments and suggestions from readers and ideas for future coverage. Please send feedback to info@conservancy.org or mail your input to: Conservancy of Southwest Florida 1450 Merrihue Drive Naples, FL 34102 Information: Conservancy Information
239.262.0304 Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Center 239.262.CARE (2273) Membership Information
239.403.4207
Volunteer Information
239.403.4212
www.conservancy.org
30 Printers Ink International is proud to be a preferred vendor of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and strives to protect the environment for our children and generations to come by utilizing Soy Bean Inks, and buying products with the FSC label, supporting the growth of responsible forest management worldwide. To learn more contact us at 800-940-1500.
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Our recently announced Capital Campaign has services, you would reached more than two-thirds of our $25 million think our regulators goal. But that accomplishment should not lull and elected officials Conservancy members and supporters into com- would do whatever it takes to protect wetplacency – we must work harder than ever. The biggest issue we face right now is water – lands. Think again. The Conservancy and the amount we have and its purity. Just two years ago the Army Corps of Engineers dumped billions five other environmenof gallons of freshwater down the Caloosahatchee tal groups are fighting and the St. Lucie Rivers to keep Lake Okeechobee to preserve over 1,000 acres of wetlands in north from breaching the Hoover Dike. Today that Naples that developers want to turn into gated same water seems irreplaceable, because it golf course communities. State and federal govis. We are at Phase III water restrictions – the ernments, along with the South Florida Water toughest ever. We may see Phase IV by May, Management District, are assisting the destrucused only when the aquifer from which we draw tion. They are basing their decisions on the “Harper Methodology” out drinking water is which holds that wetin imminent danger of “When the well is dry we lands cause pollution irreparable harm. The water we do have is shall know the value of water.” and the environment - Benjamim Franklin would be better off degraded, polluting our with stormwater retenbeaches and depriving tion basins, housing and golf courses. This has sea grasses, fish and manatees of oxygen. Florida has lost over 84,000 acres of wetlands allowed developers to bulldoze the regulatory since President George H. W. Bush announced a process just before bulldozing the land. Law“no net loss” of wetlands policy in 1990. The U.S. suits are our last resort, but regulators and some Army Corps of Engineers approved 12,000 per- developers have given us no alternative but to mits to destroy wetlands, and rejected only one take them to court We need to overturn this methodology and get between 1999 – 2003. No other state had as our leaders to do the right thing. We must raise many approvals as we did. Wetlands have everything to do with the additional funds for our advocacy and legal work amount of water we have and how clean it is. and to create an endowment that will provide Waters stored in wetlands during the rainy season the resources to protect our region for another help prevent flooding. In dry season, that stored 44 years. water sustains the ecosystem until the next wet season. Wetlands naturally purify the water by removing some pollutants. Given these essential
Conservancy Awarded $300,000 Grant Mary Reinhart Stackhouse Foundation commitment supports land acquisition and preservation.
“Mary Stackhouse was very committed to protecting southwest Florida,” said Rob Moher, Conservancy vice president of development and marketing. “When she passed away in 2002, she transferred some of her wealth to the Stackhouse Foundation. The Conservancy was designated as one of the Foundation’s recipients.” According to Moher, this year’s larger Foundation gift will be used to help purchase and protect land for conservation, one of the Conservancy’s core programs to ensure southwest Florida is preserved for future generations.
The Conservancy was founded on principles of land acquisition and protection. In 1964, a group of concerned citizens joined together to protect Rookery Bay from development.
Leaving a legacy Eagle Society members honored at special luncheon. Planned gifts benefit the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, help you save taxes, increase your income and pass more on to your heirs and future generations. When you make a bequest to the Conservancy, it reflects the value you place on the environment and your desire to protect it far beyond your lifetime. Members of the Conservancy Eagle Society were honored in November at a special luncheon held at the Conservancy Nature Center in the Delnor Auditorium. ““We are deeply appreciative of our special members, who with foresight and commitment, provide a gift that will live in perpetuity,” according to Carol Maus, director of planned gifts.
Contact Carol C. Maus, director of gift planning, for Conservancy members Ed Andrew, Lynne Shotwell, Edie more information on how you can leave a legacy for Andrew and Rob Moher, Conservancy VP of Marketing and Development at the November Eagle Society luncheon. future generations. 239.403.4206
S av i n g s o u t h w e s t f l o r i da C a p i ta l C a m pa i g n
Leadership Gifts of $1 Million and More
Endowment “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.” -Edie and Ed Andrew, Leadership gift for an Environmental Education Endowment in support of a partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center “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 chose to make a leadership gift to build the new Center with the hope that it will enable the Conservancy to expand and enhance its work.” - Dolph and Sharon von Arx, Leadership gift for the new Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Environmental Planning Center “It seems very appropriate to be funding one of the first green public buildings in our own community. The Environmental Planning Center is a big step for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and I am pleased and proud to be part of this critical effort to move toward sustainable building,” says Geraldine Martin, Conservancy of Southwest Florida supporter. - Geri Martin, Leadership gift from The Martin Foundation, Inc. for the new Environmental Planning Center
Learning Center “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 Interactive Learning Center
Conservation Policy “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 science-based advocacy. We believe strongly in the Conservancy’s talented and tenacious staff and its proven ability to get the job done.” -Lynne and Chip Shotwell, Leadership gift for Conservation Policy.
Four a d d itional anonymous gifts totaling $8 Million To
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S av i n g s o u t h w e s t f l o r i da C a p i ta l C a m pa i g n
Gateway Go Ahead The Capital Campaign puts into motion plans to open access to the Gateway to the Gordon River Greenway. The Gateway will combine access from Goodlette-Frank Road to the Naples Zoo, the Greenway and the Conservancy Nature Center. “The benefits to the community through this collaboration are immense,” according to Collier County Commissioner Donna Fiala, who attended the Campaign kick-off event.
“The Conservancy has always worked to save public space and their leadership will help preserve our natural resources.” The Gateway is made possible through Conservancy Capital Campaign gifts that support the purchase of the former Fleischmann property, extending the Conservancy Nature Center to GoodletteFrank Road and a new entrance.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Gateway to the
Proposed Gordon River Greenway Park
Gordon River Greenway
Conceptual rendering
In the near future, residents and visitors can enjoy an all-day nature excursion at the ZOO, the Conservancy Nature Center and the Gordon River Greenway Park.
MAJOR
GOALS The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Capital Campaign has four major goals: 1 Conserve Our Natural Resources by expanding advocacy, research, native wildlife protection and education programs. 2 Build a Strong Endowment and ensure that the staff and resources needed are available to sustain the work of the Conservancy. 3 Create a World-Class Nature Center, a 21-acre oasis and focal point of conservation and “greening” activities. 4 Create the Gateway to the Gordon River Greenway.
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“...we may be able to break ground in fourth quarter.”
- Andrew McElwaine
Below (Top): Environmental Planning Center - to be a certified “green” building. (Bottom) Architectural rendering of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Getting a GREEN Facelift New Environmental Planning Center and WRC
Built in the early 1980’s, the Conservancy Nature Center and its buildings have been stretched thin with makeshift offices in broom closets, portable trailers and outdated labs and classrooms. The old-style, energyinefficient buildings must be upgraded to meet the increased demands on protecting our environment and urgent need for energy and resource conservation. Expansion without disrupting the natural ambiance of the property is the major priority. “Our vision includes green building principles so we can attain the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED™ and Florida Green Building Coalition certifications,” said Andrew McElwaine. “Hopefully we may be able to break ground in fourth quarter.” A new Environmental Planning Center will serve as the Conservancy home base with offices for science and policy, new science labs and public education space. The Martin Foundation Inc. has given a generous Campaign leadership gift to help fund the new Planning Center. When nursing 2,400 animals per year in a building that was meant to treat 500, expansion is a blessing. Sharon and Dolph von Arx understood this and their Capital Campaign gift will go toward funding a new Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Other elements of the “Extreme Makeover” include transforming the Delnor Auditorium into a multi-purpose theatre and meeting space, while an interactive Learning Center in the Paul H. Benedum Hall of Education will provide more opportunities for education. Nancy Seeley, through the Leonard C. and Mildred F. Ferguson Foundation has made a Capital Campaign leadership gift for this purpose. Learn more at www.conservancy.org.
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
EYE ISSUES on the
LAND PROTECTION PLAN REVISited Now in its fifth year, the plan to manage development in Eastern Collier County is under review.
In 2002, Collier County adopted the Rural Lands Stewardship Area (RLSA) program as part of its comprehensive Growth Management plan. The RSLA plan was designed as an innovative planning tool to encourage environmentally sound development in rural areas. In addition to limiting urban sprawl into the rural areas, the goals of the RLSA program included: • direct incompatible land uses away from listed species and their habitat • protect inter-connected wetlands systems to restore natural flowways and create water retention areas • discourage premature conversion of agricultural lands to poorly planned development • provide rural landowners with economic incentives for stewardship of rural lands to both protect environmental features and beneficial agricultural uses, and • allow for appropriate, high density, self-sustaining development in less environmentally sensitive settings.
the Collier County Rural Lands Stewardship Area program,” said Andrew McElwaine, Coservancy president and CEO. “The Conservancy supports the goals of the Rural Land Stewardship program. We believe in a balance between conservation, agricultural preservation and limited development in appropriate areas. RLSA can provide an important tool for smart growth,” According to Nicole Ryan, Conservancy governmental relations manager, “While some of the technical concerns the Conservancy submitted during the 2002 RLSA approval process were addressed, others remain. Since we’ve had further time to review the program and processes, new issues have emerged that must be addressed. We’re taking advantage of this five year review process to improve the program.” “The Conservancy will promote the use of updated data and scentific information to make the necessary modifications to ensure the program is consistent with the most current science available,” continued Ryan.
Stay Informed Conservancy Chair Nick Penniman encourages members to weigh in on RLSA. “The Conservancy relies heavily on best available science and planning standards to drive its environmental policy decisions,” says Nick Penniman, Conservancy board chair. “The process we use for solving environmental issues is well-structured, deliberate and balanced.” Penniman continues, “As a follow up, it is important for our members to stay informed and participate in all pubic comment and review opportunities.” Penniman invites all members to learn more about the RLSA and voice their comments. Please contact Kathy Adams, 239.262.0304, x 232.
The RSLA program is designed to incentivize property owners to remove environmentally damaging land uses from sensitive lands. The credits earned from removing damaging uses can then be utilized to develop higher-density, self-sustaining projects on less sensitive lands where development is more appropriate. The RLSA is currently up for review. The Conservancy supports the concept of the RLSA program, but there are concerns that must be addressed during this five year review process. A newly appointed RLSA Advisory Committee is undertaking a technical review of the program to date and make recommendations for future changes to improve the program. “In 2002, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida participated in the policy process that created
Population Escalation The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s goal is to find ways to appropriately accommodate growth while ensuring that environmental resources are protected. The 2060 “build out” worst case scenario (bottom right) assumes that about 7 million additional acres will be converted to urban use. The conversion will come from agricultural lands, open lands and native habitat. Growth management plans are critical to preventing this scenario.
Developed Lands and Permanent Conservation Lands
TODAY
tomorrow
Conservation Lands Permamently Protected
Conservation Lands Permamently Protected
Developed Lands
Developed Lands
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Conservancy of Southwest Florida
EYE ISSUES on the
I-75 Expansion:
Culvert Controversy
Widening project on schedule. Culverts waived pending study. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) governing board voted unanimously on February 14 to approve special conditions related to placing controversial culverts under Interstate 75. The SFWMD governing board and the Lee County Commission agreed to undertake a new study to determine whether culverts are needed, and if so, how many. The district and county set a 15 month timeline to complete the study and make a decision. The conditions call for updating a 1999 study of flood conditions in south Lee County. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida played a key role in the negotiation process to keep the culverts out of the plans until the proper studies can be conducted.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to include five, 60-inch culverts in its I-75 permit application. The culverts would drain off vital waters from environmentally sensitive areas that provide aquifer recharge, natural flood protection, water purification, preservation of wildlife habitat, and public recreation. Both the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) public lands straddling Lee and Collier Counties and Lee County’s Density Reduction / Groundwater Area (DR/GR) would be negatively “...we want to ensure that Resource impacted by the installation of these culthe culverts are absolutely verts. The collection and redirection of the necessary and ascertain water from these areas would be routed how they impact public west through The Brooks, a group of communities across the interstate, then into health and safety.” Halfway Creek, the Estero River and even- Jennifer Hecker tually Estero Bay. Brooks’ residents joined with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida “We’re pleased we could get a resolution to oppose the water district permit requirthat meets the needs of all the parties,” ing the culverts and attended the February said Jennifer Hecker, Conservancy natural 14 SFWMD meeting in West Palm to express resources policy manager. their concerns. Previously, the SFWMD was requiring the Jennifer Hecker, natural resources policy
manager for the Conservancy, said “This issue must be studied further. The compromise is a good sign that things are heading in the right direction. Overall, we want to ensure that the culverts are absolutely necessary and ascertain how they impact public health and safety.” Since the proposed culverts would be located next to 4,000 acres of wetlands used for drinking water supply, water cleansing and wildlife habitat, Conservancy CEO and President Andrew McElwaine cautions, “We’re already under one of the worst water restrictions in many years. Draining these wetlands could set the stage for development on that environmentally sensitive land and stress our water resources even further. The issue is far from over.”
Conservation Collier in Action Pepper Ranch acquistion approved.
On January 29, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve County acquisition of the Pepper Ranch. The approximately 2,500 acres of land is valued for its environmental aspects – home to imperiled species habitat, an aquifer recharge area vital to maintaining the Collier County’s drinking water supply, and public access to unique outstanding recreational opportunities – potentially including horseback riding, camping, and other eco-wilderness adventures. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a property containing significant contiguous acreage and a diverse array of habitat, including Lake Trafford frontage,” according to Jennifer Hecker, Conservancy natural resources policy manager. “The Conservancy was instrumental in working with the willing seller landowner to promote permanent public protection of this property.” Hecker continued, “Now the County Commissioners need to get formal appraisals and work through several issues from outstanding
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oil and mineral right leases to several Rural Lands Stewardship credits, development credits that already have been stripped from almost 1,000 acres.” The Conservancy is asking that citizens encourage the Commissioners to work through these issues to permanently protect Pepper Ranch. For more information, contact Jennifer Hecker, Natural Resources Policy Manager, at 239.262.0304 x250. ACT NOW! Contact Collier County Commissioners to support the purchase of Pepper Ranch at: FrankHalas@colliergov.net, JimColetta@colliergov.net, FredCoyle@colliergov.net, DonnaFiala@colliergov.net, and TomHenning@colliergov.net
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
EYE ISSUES on the
Lee County Motivated to Protect Resources The intended purpose of designating Lee County’s Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource area (DR/GR) was to keep residential density lower (one unit per 10 acres) within the more rural areas of Lee County and to protect our future drinking water supplies. Currently, permitted land uses within this protected area are numerous, many of which are not compatible with each other or with the natural resource protection as required by the Lee County Comprehensive Plan. To date, land uses in this 150-square mile area in south Lee County have been approved in a project-by-project, piecemeal fashion, without any requirement to assess how the development projects fit into the overall protection of the lands and compatibility with adjacent uses. The Lee County Board of County Commissioners approved a significant, sciencebased review of these lands. Known as the McLane Study, it reinforced the Conser-
vancy’s position that the DR/GR is an interconnected, cohesive unit and is important for water recharge, habitat connectivity, flow ways, restoration and connections to downstream resources. The Study supports that land use decisions must occur with an overall plan for the area in place to protect natural resources. Consequently, the Lee County Commission approved a moratorium on rezone and privately initiated comprhensive plan admendments. The moratorium is in effect until September 10, 2008. During this time, a new, County-appointed DR/GR Advisory Committee will assist in reviewing proposed land use options for the area and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. Conservancy Environmental Policy Specialist, Steven Brown, has been appointed as one of the members of this 15-member committee. Additional information can be obtained by calling Nicole Ryan at 239.403.4220.
©FCIT/University of South Florida
Moratorium in place. Conservancy’s Steven Brown appointed to advisory committee.
Growth Management & Water Top Priority List Conservancy commits to smart growth and water issues as 2008 Legislative priorities.
T
Southwest Florida Int’l Airport
The intended purpose of designating the 150 square mile DR/GR was to keep building density at one unit City of Bonita Springs
per 10 acres to protect future water supplies.
he Conservancy of Southwest Florida will continue to actively lobby for the inclusion of language that protects our natural resources and properly manages growth in order to preserve our quality of life. “Our members have indicated that one of their greatest environmental concerns is the amount and the condition of our water,” according to Jennifer Hecker, Conservancy natural resources policy manager. “Our priorities focus on these concerns across the multiple counties we serve.” Smart growth is another key environmental concern for our members. “We will be working closely with Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to ensure upcoming Legislation focuses on planning to protect natural systems, create transportation alternatives and reinforces the concept of appropriate growth planning preceding land use changes and development,” said Conservancy Governmental Relations Manager Nicole Ryan. “This includes a citizen’s planning bill of rights and inclusion of goals, objectives and policies that further the restoration and protection of the Everglades.” To find out more details about 2008 Legislative priorities, please call Jennifer Hecker or Nicole Ryan at 239.262.0304.
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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
$6.5 Million Needed for Continued Environmental Protection
S
ustaining the work of Conservancy teams is critical to protecting our environment and at the heart of the “Saving Southwest Florida” Capital Campaign. Gifts made to this Campaign goal will establish endowments that will fund key positions and programs on a long-term basis. In addition to providing tax benefits to donors, the endowments will generate ongoing income and work as a “hedge” against future financial challenges. Edie and Ed Andrew have made a leadership gift to the Endowment, funding an environmental educational partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University. The articles below are samples of some of the environmental science work being conducted by the Conservancy to protect our water quality Field work in progress by Conservancy Environmental Science team members Dave and Western Everglades Restoration. Shindle and Kathy Worley.
Salinity study in Estero Bay sets stage for stormwater management. To help better understand water conditions in Estero Bay, Dr. Jeff Schmid, Conservancy environmental research manger, is studying oyster reef crab populations and sea grasses in various areas of the Bay. “Both crabs and sea grasses can be used as Conservancy intern, Nathan Gavin (above), conducting an indicator of salinresearch under the guidance of Dr. Jeff Schmid. ity levels in the water,” according to Schmid. “The difference in the composition of crab species and sea grasses found in various areas gives you a biological indication of fresh water inflow.” Schmid provided some preliminary information on the variances in species in different areas of the Bay. “For example, porcelain crabs and turtle grass prefer higher salinity and are found in those Bay areas with lower freshwater inflow. On the other hand, mud crabs and shoal grass
are tolerant of areas of the Bay where higher levels of freshwater exist.” When asked how this study can help protect our water quality, Schmid replies, “Information from this study will assist regulatory agencies establish proper water management practices to control alterations in fresh water flows into Estero Bay. Salinity levels must be maintained for optimum water quality and survival of estuarine life. Water quality is a key concern for all southwest Floridians and this study is one of many that will help us ensure we manage our waters correctly for future generations.”
“Water quality is a key concern of all Southwest Florida ... ” -Jeff Schmid, Conservancy Environmental Research Manager
The study is funded in part by an $110,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico program. Gifts to the endowment portion of the Capital Campaign will help minimize the Conservancy’s dependence on the dwindling supply of research grants and ensure funding is in place for future water quality studies and the experts available to work for environmental quality protection.
Before&After Conservancy studies used to determine Everglades restoration success.
As Everglades restoration efforts begin, establishing a look at the “before” picture is necessary to determine its success. The Conservancy environmental science team has been active in establishing baseline populations in the Picayune State Forest, an environmentally “disturbed” area targeted for restoration. As a comparison, species population studies were also conducted in the undisturbed areas of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Native green and squirrel frogs are in abundance in the undisturbed areas, but the exotic, non-native Cuban tree frog dominates in the drained and disturbed Picayune area. “Our study is suggestive that Cuban tree frogs better adapt in disturbed areas than our native frog species,” according to Melinda Schuman, Conservancy biologist. Dave Addison, Co-director of Environmental Science, adds, “The reference sites in the Florida Panther Refuge and Fakahatchee contain spe-
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Research indicates that non-native species better adapt to habitat degradation than native species.
cies populations that are typical of what you would find in well-established natural areas. The glaring difference of species populations in the Picayune is indicative of the damage done by draining the area. Once restoration work is done, the idea is to go back and study it again to determine if native species populations are restored.” The Conservancy environmental science team collected samples of organisms such as fish, amphibians, grasshoppers, ants and aquatic insects from more than 40 sites at the Picayune. Ian Bartoszek, Conservancy biologist, said that the diversity of fish collected in Picayune was much lower compared to the more natural
areas. “The Picayune habitat was so severely drained we captured one or less species samples even during the rainy season,” he said. “The number of fish collected in undisturbed areas was much greater.” Bartoszek continues, “We expect the rehydration to restore the normal water sheet flows, the abundance of fish and the wading birds that rely on them for food. The Conservancy completed the study in January. It is critical to return for another study once the restoration is underway. Kathy Worley, co-director of the Conservancy environmental science department likens the restoration studies to a new drug put out in the market. “It’s so important ongoing monitoring continues. Otherwise, it’s like putting a new drug on the market without monitoring its side effects. We need to monitor the effects of restoration throughout the process so we can determine if changes are needed.” Endowment funds can bring followup studies and other like it closer to reality. For more information, contact Rob Moher at 239.403.4205.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATIONAL
Seeing the Beach for the First Time
Without the Y.E.S. Kids program, many of the 46 third and fourth graders might never get to see a beach, a mangrove, a wading bird or learn about the importance of our Southwest Florida environment. Each week Beth Fellini, a naturalist in the cleaning up Lowdermilk Park. The children are environmental education departstudents at Avalon, Lake Park, Shadowlawn ment of the Conservancy of Southand Manatee elementary schools. Teachwest Florida, takes these children ers recommend these children for the on adventures throughout the program based on need. area. They visit places like “A lot of them have Clam Pass where they learn never been to the beach about mangroves and before or have never the local shoreline. They seen a mangrove,” go to the Naples Waste Fellini said. “It Management landfill and gives them learn about garbage and a better recycling, they visit places sense of the like Edison College and environment. help the environment by And it’s a self
esteem builder.” The children in the program say they love being part of the Y.E.S. (You’re Extra Special) Kids program. “We get to go on field trips,” said Sherry Luvin, 9. “We learn about the environment. We have amazing adventures.” Frantzcesse Gedeon, 12, enjoys the nature art projects she does in Y.E.S. Kids. She also likes knowing she can help make a difference. “I learned I can help the environment,” she said. To sponsor a Y.E.S. Kid for Summer Camp, call Cheryl at 239.262.0304, X266
Discovery Center’s new turtle display in time for launch of turtle nesting season.
Dot Dronkers Dot Dronkers retired from her career as an elementary school teacher and for the past seven years has been volunteering as a docent in the Discovery Center. Dot pleasantly guides guests around the Center, explaining the exhibits and the unique features of the Southwest Florida environment. “The best part of my ‘job’ is sharing with others what our environment is all about,” Dronkers said. “It’s fulfilling to know that I have helped them understand the environment is something we need to preserve.” Congratulations, Dot!
“One of the purposes of our Discovery Center is to showcase the importance of the work being done by the Conservancy,” says Troy Frensley, Discovery Center manager. “Since our sea turtle protection work is now entering its 27th year, it seemed appropriate to update our display.” The new display contains a life-sized adult turtle in the sand appearing to have just laid eggs. “People that come through the center find it eyeopening when we tell them that only one in 1,000 sea turtle hatchings aver makes it to maturity,” Frensley continues. Sea turtle season begins in May and you can help by making a donation to the “Sea Turtle Protection Fund.” Watch your mail for more information, call Michelle Schweber at 239.403.4228 or visit conservancy.org.
December Volunteer of the Month Deki Stephenson Since 1997, Deki Stephenson is one of the first volunteers to arrive back to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to help the injured, orphaned and sick animals. “Deki does a variety of work for us,” said Joanna Fitzgerald Vaught, manager of the WRC. “She helps in the outside area cleaning the cages, comes in early to feed the baby birds and brings in badly-needed supplies. We’re grateful for all the work Deki has done for us over the past 11 years.” Congratulations, Deki!
e x p l o r e pa n ta n a l a n d i g u a z u
l i z Bra Travel to
with the
C onservancyof S outhwest F lorida
ALMOST SOLD OUT! Customized small group 10-day tour in April. Space is limited. Call today and make your reservation. 239.262.0304 X250
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W ILDLIFE REHA B ILITATION CENTER
WRCUpdate: Snowbird Season
Snowbirds are filling the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC) at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida , but these are the feathered kind, and they are not there to visit. They are there as patients. As birds migrate south they stop to rest along our shores and some find the long journey too taxing. So when they arrive sick or injured many end up at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. “We have a lot of terns in right now,” said Joanna Fitzgerald-Vaught, WRC manager. “And we have some of the hawks that have migrated down here for the winter.” The center is busy with birds filling almost every cage. The patients are cleaned, fed and sometimes given antibiotics. When they get a bit better they spend time in an outside flight enclosure getting ready for release back into the wild. Fitzgerald-Vaught wants to remind people that the birds resting on the beaches in large numbers need that rest. Though people think it makes a good picture to walk through and scatter them, it’s harmful to the feathered creatures, “ Fitzgerald-Vaught added. “The birds are resting and they expend valuable energy for nothing when people walk through them,” she said.
Improved recovery cages at the new WRC will provide a less stressful environment for the animals and improve recovery rates compared to current cramped quarters.
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Bathtub Therapy? Bathtub in the WRC popular destination for recovering animals
atching a recovering loon splash in the bathtub and wiggling her body under the faucet, Rebecca Galligan, Conservancy Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC) specialist, says that the loon loves her bath. “The loon and a large number of other patients wait their turn to enjoy their daily swim therapy,” according to Galligan. The makeshift “recovery pool” is located in the bathroom in the aging WRC. The WRC office is often used as the nursery for injured and orphaned baby animals. “All these space limitations add to the stress on the animals,” says Joanna Fitzgerald-Vaught, WRC manager. Unfortunately these type of situations prolong recovery time for the animals.” Thanks to the generous leadership gift to the Capital Campaign from Sharon and Dolph von Arx, the desperately needed new WRC facility is closer to reality. The new facility will provide the room to care for the increasing numbers of native wildlife that come into the facility. Endowment gifts to the Capital Campaign will provide a steady income stream to support future staff and increase wildlife protection programs. To make a gift to the Capital Campaign, call Rob Moher at 239.403.4205.
SAVE the DATE!
Get details at conservancy.org Call 239.403.4216
March 6 Magic Under the Mangroves
March 31 Early Registration Summer Camp: Members only.
April 19-20 Earth Day Weekend Festival
March 26 Gators in the Glades with Ian Bartoszek
April 14 Charity Golf Tournament
April 23 Dining for Wildlife
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April 24 “Water Woes” Good Fortune cruise with Jennifer Hecker
April 30 “Paradise Lost?” Good Fortune cruise with Nicole Ryan
Wednesday, April 23 A scrumptious meal at an area restaurant will help put food on the table for the thousands of animals treated at the Conservancy Wildlife Rehabilitation Center each year. Participating restaurants designate a portion of their proceeds to benefit the WRC. Many thanks to the volunteers who are finalizing details for the event. Watch your mail for more information!
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
VOLUNTEERnews
CApital Campaign Propels Conservancy into Spotlight Volunteer Connection President Judy Tryka and Conservancy Volunteer Manager JoAnn Johansen are very excited about all the work the volunteers have done to make the January 13 Capital Campaign announcement a success. Volunteers (and staff) attended the first-ever “Green Glove Service” training conducted by professional trainer Christine Davlin. “We plan on making that training available on a yearly basis to all our volunteers,” according to JoAnn Johansen. “Our ‘Green Glove Service’ training reminds us that we are delivering an everlasting impression to our guests,” says Tryka. “When we demonstrate our sincere commitment to the Conservancy, our guests may get involved with a sincere commitment to the Capital Campaign.”
upcoming
VOLUNTEER activities: VOLUNTEER FORUM First Fridays at 10AM: “Volunteer of the Month,” important Conservancy news, educational programs and socializing with fellow volunteers.
Tryka
Johansen
The horticulture group of volunteers were involved in a major makeover of the Butterfly Trail. Susan Snyder has been busy snapping pictures of all the new ‘visitors’ to the trail. “The butterfly trail looks like a brand new place thanks to our volunteers,” says Michelle Schweber, Conservancy director of development.
Garden volunteers worked hard to spruce up the Butterfly Garden. (L to R) Roz Katz, Sheri Arnold, Barbara Allison, Karla Phillips, Dr. Charles Grady, and Susan Snyder. Not present for the photograph were Michael Seef, Gary Schultz, Marcia Byrd, Ruth Jacob, and Julie Thiele.
March 6
MAGIC Under the Mangroves Our signature fundraising event needs many hands on deck to make the “Magic” happen.
March 19
MAGIC Thank You Celebration for all the hardworking “Magic” volunteers and staff.
April 3
Volunteer Appreciation Cocktail party and awards presentation.
April 19 and 20
Earth Day WEEKEND FEstival Happy faces needed for guest relations throughout the Nature Center.
Volunteers
Wanted!
Volunteers are the backbone of the Conservancy. There’s a place and activity for everyone who wants to help, so please encourage your friends and families to join in the fun! 239.403.43212 or www.conservancy.org
Volunteers of the Month for November and January Congratulations in order for Donna and Ed! November: Donna Weidman
Weidman
Selby
Since 2000, Donna Weidman has been volunteering at the Conservancy and in November she was honored as volunteer of the month. Weidman said she chose the Conservancy for her volunteer work because she believes in conserving natural resources and knew it was an important Conservancy goal. Weidman volunteers in the Nature Store ands as Volunteer Social Committee Co-Chair. “I really enjoy meeting all our visitors to the Nature Store,” she said.
January 2008: Ed Selby
One day Selby saw a group of people on a walk with a Conservancy guide at Clam Pass. That sparked his interest and he became a Florida naturalist and then joined as a volunteer guide at Clam Pass. Ed enjoys sharing his enthusiasm and information with others. “Clam Pass is the closest preserved area in the center of Naples,” says Selby. “There’s always something new in ‘Mother Nature’s Classroom.’ Clam Pass is one of those places you never tire of.”
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Conservancy of Southwest Florida
SPOTLight
1. Chairman’s Advisory Council event
4. Chairman, Nick Penniman
2. Calusa Park Elementary students
3. Colleen Kvetko
1.
Barbara Moore, Sudie Geier and Nancy Seeley enjoying the Chairman’s Advisory Council reception in December.
2.
Fourth grade students from Calusa Park Elementary performing at the Campaign kick-off event.
3.
Board member Colleen Kvetko chaired the Capital Campaign launch committee responsible for planning the event.
4.
Chariman Nick Penniman kicking off the $25 Million Capital Campaign announcement on January 13.
5.
FGCU/Conservancy education partnership announcement on Oct. 30, 2007: Nicholas G. Penniman, IV, Board Chairman, Conservancy of Southwest Florida; Hon. J. Dudley Goodlette, Board Member, Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Former FGCU Board Member; Dr. Richard Pegnetter, Interim President, FGCU; Andrew McElwaine, President and CEO, Conservancy of Southwest Florida; Dr. Donna Price Henry, Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences FGCU; Dr. Aswani Volety, Professor and Department Chair, FGCU
6.
Many volunteers have been helping with “Magic Under the Mangroves,” including making sure the invitations were beautifully finished.
5. Announcement of the FGCU partnership, “K to Gray” 6.
Conservancy Staff News New Staff Members:
Tonisha Gaines
Meghan Clancey
has been promoted from events coordinator to the new position for E-Communications. This position will deepen and broaden our current web site and e-communication initiatives. Tonisha has a broad background in communications and received her BS in Business Economics at Florida A&M.
joined the organization as the new events coordinator. She has broad experience in events through Expoships, GMAC Home Services, and CRUNCH Fitness. After graduating from Naples High, she went to Ohio State University where she received her BA in Communications and Spanish. She is working on her Masters in English at FGCU.
Robert Minzey (Bob) is the Conservancy’s new seasonal maintenance technician. He will be working at the Conservancy three days a week through season. Minzey previously worked for Comcast and with a handyman service.
Matthew Jessen Joined the Conservancy as a full time maintenance technician. He’s a familiar face to patrons of Tropical Smoothie Café off AirportPulling Road. Jessen also worked at Outrigger Hotels and Resorts in Hawaii and Hudson River Club in New York.
NEW Conservation Associates: Environmental Policy Evan Barr, University of Colorado Environmental Education Arielle Rames, Brown University Jordan Walker, Palm Beach Atlantic
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Alissa Mundt, Bismarck State College Vivianne Bernardin, Russell Sage College Nolan Lancaster, Denison University
Is Drinking Water the New Oil? So asks Cynthia Barnett, investigative journalist and the author of “Mirage - Florida and the Vanishing Water of the Eastern U.S.” Ms. Barnett will be speaking at Florida Gulf Cost University on Saturday, April 12 at 10 AM. Barnett’s talk is in Academic Building #5 on the FGCU campus and parking is in Lot P2. Call for further information: Lori Beall Collier County Audubon Society 643-7822
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