Winter Spring 2010 UPDATE Newsletter by Barbara Wilson

Winter/Spring 2010

Protecting Southwest Florida’s unique, natural environment and quality of life...now and forever.

Water Win

Federal judge revokes permits for controversial development. Back in April, 2008, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, National Wildlife Federation, Collier County Audubon Society, Florida Wildlife Federation and National Audubon Society filed a lawsuit against the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers and Interior Department for issuing permits that would allow the destruction of 645 acres of wetlands. In November, a federal judge revoked permits for the controversial Mirasol golf course community project in northern Collier County. Mirasol is one of several proposed new homes and golf course developments in the Cocohatchee Slough. According to Andrew McElwaine, Conservancy of Southwest Florida president, “Mirasol was expected to contain 799 homes and 36 holes of golf right in these wetlands that are so important to southwest Florida --they filter and store waters important to sustaining life in the region.” “The permits were revoked based

on failure to consider cumulative impacts of the multiple developments proposed for that same area,” said Nicole Ryan, Conservancy of Southwest Florida governmental relations manager. “We expect essentially the same ruling not too far behind this one regarding a preliminary injunction hearing for another development in the Cocohatchee Slough, Saturnia Falls.” McElwaine likened this wetland controversy to the landmark challenge undertaken by the Conservancy to stop further dredging and filling of mangrove wetlands by the Deltona Corporation in the Marco Island area. In 1964, Deltona began their Marco Island development, impacting thousands of acres of environmentally-sensitive wetlands. With the advent of tougher environmental regulations in the 1970s, the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation in 1978 denied Deltona’s application to destroy 2,500 additional acres of mangroves for

Wading Wood Stork

residential development. This denial led to an appeal by Deltona, and the Conservancy and other environmental groups intervened on behalf of the State. Before all administrative appeals were finalized, a comprehensive Settlement was reached in 1982, where Deltona swapped 15,000 acres of wetlands and islands surrounding Marco for equally valuable uplands for development. “It was the right thing to do back then, and challenging Mirasol and other proposed Cocohatchee developments is the right thing to do now,” McElwaine concluded.

Wildlife Woes

or 2009, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic (WRC) has treated over 2,200 sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. “We’re very happy to see a decrease in the number of ‘patients’ we’ve treated this year,” said Joanna Fitzgerald, Conservancy wildlife clinic director. “Unfortunately, more could have survived if swift action was taken. We encourage everybody to call us if they have questions about injured wildlife.” Joanna contributes a weekly column in the Naples Daily News, recapping the trials and tribulations of the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic. Read an update on the Wildlife Clinic activities on page 14 in this newsletter.

Baby Eastern Cottontail

1450 Merrihue Drive

Naples, FL 34102

239.262.0304

w w w. c o n s e r v a n c y. o r g

Conservancy Development and Marketing

From the President Protecting Southwest Florida’s unique natural environment and quality of life ... now and forever.

directors Chairman Dolph von Arx Past Chair Nicholas G. Penniman, IV Vice Chairman Andrew D.W. Hill President & CEO Andrew McElwaine Treasurer Gary L. Thomas Secretary Sue Dalton BOARD of directors Dawn Allyn Edith G. Andrew Jennifer Cheng Ted Corbin Paul Corddry John D. Fumagalli John Hall Robert L. Heidrick Rich Housh Lois Kelley Colleen Kvetko

Maureen Lerner Lisa Merritt James T. Murphy Jane Pearsall Tony Rodriguez Patsy Schroeder Lynne Shotwell Jeannie M. Smith Kermit Sutton Judith C. Tryka Tuck Tyler Gene Windfeldt

Update is published by the Conservancy Marketing and Communications team. Marketing Director & Editor Barbara J. Wilson Graphic Designer Kate Kintz Photography Jim Bigelow, Dennis Goodman, Roz Katz Bob Melin, Ira Rubenstein We welcome comments and suggestions from readers and ideas for future issues.

So far this “dry season,” it’s been pretty doggone wet. And last year’s “wet season” seemed bone dry. While it may be fun to speculate about these changes in our weather, alternating between drought and flood is not much fun at all. Florida receives the most precipitation of any lower-48 state. And yet we are under year-round drought controls.

Small gifts can create positive change.

At our recent Annual Meeting, “Paving Paradise” authors Andrew McElwaine Craig Pittman and Matthew Waite stated that since 1990, when the policy of “no-net loss” for wetlands was first adopted, Florida has lost over 80,000 acres of wetlands. Wetlands provide three essential services: they purify water as it passes through them; they store water during the dry season; and they retain flood waters during the rainy season. The loss of so many wetlands helps explain why our water has become so flashy – here at one minute and gone the next. And it helps explain why Florida’s water quality has not improved. 50 percent of our water bodies do not meet national water quality standards. The Conservancy has worked hard to keep those wetlands still remaining. Some of our efforts include: • Serving on the advisory committee developing new state-wide storm water rules. Our goal is to ensure that new development preserves existing wetlands. • In partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and others, successfully challenging three developments in north Naples that would wipe out over 1,500 acres of wetlands and wood stork habitat. • Working to overturn a state policy that considers wetlands a “source of pollution.” • As part of our “Saving Southwest Florida” Capital Campaign, constructing two new wetlands at our Nature Center: one captures and cleans our own water and one captures and cleans water from our neighbors’ lands. • Working with Lee County to conserve 38,000 acres of groundwater recharge areas. • Assisting the state of Florida with acquisition and restoration of the Picayune Strand State Forest, a 55,000 acre failed subdivision. While it is too late to restore many of our lost wetlands and groundwater recharge areas, we have learned that it is easier to prevent harm than to try and fix it years later. We will be trying to do just that this year and in the future.

Please send feedback to info@conservancy.org or mail your input: Conservancy of Southwest Florida 1450 Merrihue Drive, Naples, FL 34102

INFORMATION Conservancy Information

New Board Members Elected

239.262.0304

Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

239.262.CARE (2273)

Membership Information

239.403.4207

Volunteer Information

239.403.4212

Lois Kelley

Tony Rodriguez

Patricia Schroeder

Lynne Shotwell

Tuck Tyler

The Conservancy welcomes five new board members elected at the January Annual Meeting. Full bios are available at conservancy.org. 2

Give a Little

In the midst of a successful Capital Campaign, where six and seven figure gifts have led the effort to fund critical needs, the Conservancy remains mindful of the importance of all gifts, no matter the amount, to the campaign and annual fund. In fact, gifts of $250 or less fund account for over 25% of our annual operating budget. Conservancy program staff were asked how important these gifts were to their daily efforts; their responses below confirm the importance of modest but on-going gifts. Thank you for your continued support! Jennifer Hecker, Conservancy Natural Resources Policy Manager “Advocacy is vital to southwest Florida. The best policies in the world are all for naught if they fall upon deaf ears.”

50 100 250

Mapping Three month supply of toner to produce maps for growth planning.

Knowledge One-year subscription to a conservation publication.

Travel Day trip to Tallahassee for lobbying.

Troy Frensley, Conservancy Education and Discovery Center Manager “It is so very important to educate those who will be the next generation of conservationists.”

50 100 250

Fruits & Vegetables One week supply of food for Discovery Center animals

Summer Camp One week of summer camp supplies for nature crafts.

learning One environmental education class for 90 students.

Kathy Worley, Conservancy Environmental Science Co-Director “Restoring our environment without ongoing research would be like putting a drug out on the market without testing it.”

50 100 250

Equipment One headlamp for night time frog surveys.

Nest protection Cages to protect eight sea turtle nests.

Research One day of water quality analysis.

Joanna Fitzgerald, Conservancy Wildlife Clinic Director “On average, each animal treated in the Wildlife Clinic costs us over $100. Every donation is important to ensure we can continue to give the best quality care to these creatures.”

50 100 250

Supplies One week supply of latex gloves to protect staff and ‘patients’ from disease.

Food Two week supply of crickets for songbirds, turtles and water fowl.

Medication One month supply of medicine to treat ‘patients’ with respiratory problems.

Conservancy Development and Marketing

The Spirit of Philanthropy Alive and well at the Conservancy.

Phi • lan • thro • py: voluntary association or private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of life.

s we begin our final year for the Campaign for the Conservancy, “Saving Southwest Florida”, I am constantly reminded of the spirit of philanthropy that is so evident in our region and at the Conservancy. Often, the word philanthropy is associated with multi-million dollar gifts. But really, philanthropy is the art of generosity at any level. I think of the two 10-year old young ladies who over the summer had asked for money to be donated to the Conservancy instead of receiving presents for their birthday. That is the spirit of philanthropy! I think of the 20 year, $50 member who has been loyal through many ups and downs in the market and in their own personal circumstances. That is the spirit of philanthropy. As a member, did you know that over 25 percent of our annual op-

erating budget is supported by gifts of $250 or less? Your membership, your donations and participation at various events are absolutely Rob Moher essential to our ability to protect our water, our land and our wildlife on an annual basis. So, thank you for your continued generosity in supporting the Conservancy of Southwest Florida at all levels and in all ways. Your spirit of philanthropy is truly the wind behind our sails.

Vice President, Marketing and Development

Eagle Society Honored The annual Conservancy Eagle Society luncheon was held at The Club in Pelican Bay in December, honoring those who have included the Conservancy in their estate plans, have made a planned gift arrangement, or have established an endowed gift for the benefit of the Conservancy. Conservancy member Peter Thomas interviewed guest speaker, Ellin Goetz, this year’s Conservancy Eagle Award winner. The luncheon was hosted by members of the Conservancy Planned Giving Committee. For more information about Planned Giving, please call Christine Kruman, director of major Peter Thomas interviews Ellin Goetz at the and planned gifts, at 239.403.4206. Eagle Society luncheon. 4

Saving Southwest Florida

Magic is in the Air

Just a few seats are left for the 2010 “Magic Under the Mangroves” gala auction and dinner fundraiser on March 4 for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Nancy White is this year’s chair and Ellin Goetz will be honored with the 2010 Conservancy Eagle Award. Magic sponsors include Northern Trust, Gulf Bay, Betty Maclean Travel, NBC-2, Gulfshore Life Magazine, Florida Weekly, Pelican Bay Foundation, Comcast and the Miami Dolphins. Magic Patron Party sponsored by BNY Mellon. 239.403.4219.

2010

We invite you to view some of the fabulous auction items at conservancy. org/magic. Unique experiences and one-of-a-kind items await your pre-bid! • • • • • • • • •

Bahamas Private Jet-Set Experience for Six Norman Love Private Candy Cooking Class for 20 One-Week for 12 People at Private Villa Paraiso in Manzanillo, Mexico De Beers “Rainfall” Earrings Classic Polar Bear Expedition for Two Fourth of July Experience in D.C. for Four Miami Dolphins VIP Experience for Four Gourmet Dining Party for 24 Pacific Northwest Coastal Escape Cruise for Two

Call Meghan Clancy at 239.403.4200 to place your pre-bid today.

Discover the New Discovery Center The future Dalton Discovery Center and new exhibits will feature the unique habitats of southwest Florida. Conservancy Discovery Center and Education Manager Troy Frensley and Operations Director Curtis Cafiso have been working with Cambridge Seven and Associates (experts in public spaces and “museum-type” designs such as the Baltimore Aquarium) to develop exciting immersive experiences and exhibits. Naming opportunities at various levels are still available. Contact Rob Moher, 239.403.4205 or visit conservancy.org/campaign. Conservancy members (at the $50 and above support level) are invited to attend a free “Into the Future” presentation to learn more on April 28th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Limited seating and reservations required. 239.403.4207.

Uplands Gallery

$2 Million Campaign Gift Eva Sugden Gomez has donated $2 million to support the Conservancy “Sugden Gomez Environmental Planning Center.”

Eva S. Gomez & Chris Kruman

Thanks!

New Capital Campaign gifts since October 2008

Life Support Room

Sandy Beach Gallery Ocean Gallery

Everglades Gallery Florida’s Future Theater

Mr. and Mrs. George M. Ahrens Mr. Joshua J. Allyn Mr. and Mrs. Lew Allyn Mr. and Mrs. William F. Allyn Mr. Paul G. Benedum, Jr. Board of County Commissioners Mr. Stefan R. Bothe/Mrs. Jennifer V. Cheng City of Naples Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Comstock Mr. and Mrs. Blake Dillon Mr. and Mrs. Derick L. Driemeyer Mr. and Mrs. Carl E. Eklof Mr. and Mrs. David C. Farrell Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Fontana, Sr. General Mills Foundation Ms. Eva S. Gomez Representative and Mrs. J. D. Goodlette Mr. and Mrs. F. George Green Ms. Jane G. Haley Mrs. Phyllis Hallene Mrs. Joan W. Leonard Mrs. Sally A. Masters Mr. and Mrs. Jay Merritt Mr. and Mrs. James W. Murray Dr. Chris Papadopoulos Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Pearsall Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Renna Mr. and Mrs. Sidney F. Sapakie Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Schulte Mr. Samuel Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Selby, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Smith, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Smith Mr. and Mrs. David Byron Smith Mr. and Mrs. Peter Soderberg Mr. and Mrs. Mead A. Sommers State of Florida Environmental Protection Mrs. Joan Tanner Ms. Patricia C. Tarnow Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Toadvine, III Mr. and Dr. Ron F. Tougas Ms. Judith C. Tryka Mr. and Mrs. Tucker Tyler Mr. and Mrs. Dolph W. von Arx Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Yawney Full list at conservancy.org/campaign

Conservancy happenings

Tidbits

Celebrating people, places, events of note.

Turtle Trek!

Peter Thomas

Person of the Year Long-time Conservancy supporter, Peter Thomas, has been recognized by Gulfshore Life magazine as a “Person of the Year” for his many contributions of time and talent to support local causes.

New Employee Julianne Thomas joins the Conservancy Policy Department as a Growth Management Specialist. Julianne brings a great wealth of experience in the Julianne Thomas growth management and comprehensive planning areas and the challenges specific to Florida.

2010 RedSnook Chairman Wayne Meland, Senior VP of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, has been named Chairman of the 2010 RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Tournament to benefit the Wayne Meland Conservancy juvenile fish gamefish research. The 2009 event, Chaired by Tom Wagor, M&I Bank, raised over $70,000 thanks to sponsors, tournament participants, Roland Martin and auction bidders.

2010 Magic Under the Mangroves Committee

A Busy Season Awaits • • •

Nature Excursions Speakers Series Spring Break Bonanza Activities • Earth Day Festival • Nature Center Activities Check your 2010 “Activities” book. An electronic version of “Activities” is available at conservancy.org under “Publications.” 2009-2010

Your guide to explore nature

2010 Magic Committee

Members of the 2010 “Magic Under the Mangroves” committee met at the Naples Harbour Yacht Club to continue planning for the gala fundraiser, scheduled for March 4, 2010. Info and tickets: 239.403.4219 or conservancy.org/magic

Spring Eco Trip

Pamela Williams was honored at the Annual Meeting for her service to the Conservancy. She is stepping down as a board member due to term limits. In addition to being Board Secretary, Pamela is a third generation Conservancy member and has donated over 8,000 hours of time. Pamela has served as Magic Auction Chair, Development Committee Chair and is the founder of the “Caregivers Memorial.”

Six Spaces Left! Join other Neapolitans for an 8-day tour, April 1725, including boating on the Panama Canal, visiting local villages and enjoying Panama’s finest natural wonders! Starting at $3,498 plus airfare. For information, call Jennifer Hecker at 239.262.0304 X250.

Woman of Honor Conservancy volunteer Judy Hushon will be honored with a 2010 “Women of Achievement” award from the Greater Naples AAUW (formerly known Judy Hushon as the American Association of University Women.) The award recognizes women who set a high standard of excellence in their professions or their communities.

Sea turtle sporting tracking device.

FGCU Partnership Marguerite Forest is working for FCGU in partnership with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida on a regional environmental education program. The project is Marguerite Forest partially funded through a leadership donation to the “Saving Southwest Florida” Campaign.

Big Thank You

Troy Frensley, Tony Rodriquez and Andrew McElwaine.

Wachovia Awards $10,000 to Conservancy New Board Member Tony Rodriguez presents a $10,000 donation to Conservancy Discovery Center and Education Manager Troy Frensley. Wachovia Bank donated the funds to support environmental education programming.

2010 Annual Meeting A record crowd of over 450 members attended the Annual Meeting in January at the Naples Hotel and Beach Club. Guest speakers were Craig Pittman and Matthew Waite, authors of “Paving Paradise.”

Conde’ Nast Visit Conservancy Science Co-Director Dave Addison and Volunteers Roz Katz and Pat Pokorny joined host Mollie Chen on Keewaydin Island for a Conde’ Nast web special on southwest Florida. ©2010 Roz Katz

2010

PPJ739, the sea turtle we’ve been monitoring since 1988 has a new name --- Emily! Six-year old Emily “adopted” PPJ739 and is tracking her progress on seaturtle.org. She is the great-grand daughter of Dellora and Lester Norris who played a pivotal role in the founding of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in 1964. Three other turtles, including “Donna” (named after donor Donna Hall) and D.R. (named after donors Don and Ruth Campbell) are also being tracked. Call Rob Moher for details on how you can donate. 239.403.4205.

Craig Pittman and Matthew Waite.

“Shotwell Shuttle”

Roz Katz, Dave Addison, Mollie Chen and Pat Pokorny.

New Board Member Lynne Shotwell and her husband Chip generously donated a multi-passenger golf cart to help the Conservancy team transport folks touring the Nature Center who are interested in the “Saving Southwest Florida” Campaign.

Panther Protection Andrew McElwaine, Jennifer Hecker and Conservancy panther biologist David Shindle traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby key decision-makers to designate critical habitat for the Florida panther. With a record number of panther collision deaths in 2009, the situation is urgent. More at conservancy.org.

Celebrating people, places, events of note.

Ira Rubenstein and his group of Conservancy volunteers spotted this creature’s track at the daily Clam Pass Nature Walks. Meet at 9 AM at the tram stop. 7

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

eye on the issues

Everglades Coalition 25th Anniversary

Conservancy leads water quality and growth management panels. Water: Key to Everglades Restoration Resources; and Charles Lee, Audubon of Florida. The discussion focused on proactive measures, including fertilizer ordinances, agricultural runoff and residential stormwater best management practices. Emerging water quality policies such as designated use changes, statewide stormwater rule development and numeric nutrient standards were also discussed. See page 9 for details.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Sole and Jennifer Hecker

Balancing the Environment with Development Conservancy Governmental Relations Manager, Nicole Ryan, was selected to moderate a panel discussion highlighting the opportunities and challenges inherent in rural land use planning. The Rural Lands Panel included Lee County Commis-

sioner Ray Judah; Charles Pattison, 1000 Friends of Florida; and Florida Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham. Intensive development continues to spread to Florida’s interior, where farming was historically seen as the

Ray Judah, Charles Pattison, Tom Pelham and Nicole Ryan

Take Action

You can help ensure our waters are safe.

In January, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and other leaders from agencies and organizations devoted to restoring the Everglades participated in the 25th Everglades Coalition conference in West Palm Beach.

Everglades restoration depends on a sufficient amount of clean, fresh water. Jennifer Hecker, Conservancy natural resources policy manager and Everglades Coalition board member, was selected to lead a panel discussion on proactive policy strategies to enhance water quality protection. Other panelists included Damon Meiers, South Florida Water Management District; Karen Bickford, Lee County Natural

Water Quality Protected, for Now

highest and best land use. In Southwest Florida alone, 750,000 acres of land have a rural lands plan in place or are being created. The Conservancy supports large scale planning that accommodates development, balanced with protection for natural resources and maintenance of agriculture. If these plans are carefully designed, we can successfully create sustainable new towns in these rural lands and still provide sufficient protection of natural resources. Panelists agreed that rural lands planning contains opportunities, but the challenges within the process must be reconciled in order for Florida’s natural environment to survive and thrive in the future. See page 9 for details.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) had proposed downgrading pollution standards for “artificial” water bodies, such as channels and canals, to a “splashable” or “unswimmable” use. If enacted, it would downgrade Florida’s water quality standards from the “swimmable” and “fishable” goals of the Clean Water Act. These “artificial” water bodies are also occasionally used for swimming and fishing by residents, visitors and wildlife. Reduced pollution standards make these waters less safe for all users. The resulting increased pollution in the “artificial” inland waters flows into the natural rivers, bays and beaches downstream. Hence, pollution clean-up costs are transferred

from the private sector at the source of pollution to the public since downstream water quality would be impacted. The Conservancy met with policy makers in Collier, Lee and Charlotte Counties and obtained water quality resolutions from Marco Island, Lee County, Sanibel Island and Punta Gorda. Our work with the Everglades Coalition and Clean Water network generated action from over 90 organizations statewide. As a result, FDEP has made significant improvements to the proposal. (For details, visit conservancy.org.) However, three primary outstanding concerns remain and we need your support. See “Take Action” on right.

Visit conservancy.org and click on “Take Action.” • Ask the Governor and FDEP for a standard 90-day comment period from when the rule revisions were released (on 1/7/09). • Emphasize that you want water quality regulations to incentivize pollution controls at the source and protect downstream waters. • Request that these policy changes go into effect after the numeric nutrient criteria for estuaries are adopted. Governor Charlie Crist Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com 850-488-7146 x 850-487-0801 Fax The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 Secretary Michael Sole Michael.Sole@dep.state.fl.us 850-245-2011 x 850-245-2021 Fax Florida Dept. of Env. Protection 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS-10 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000

Everglades Coalition (continued from page 8)

Protect Water Quality

Successful Rural Lands Planning

1. Reward low impact development design and other best management practices to reduce runoff and pollution. 2. Require additional retention and treatment of stormwater and agricultural runoff within the areas where it originates. 3. Enact more stringent regulations through local ordinances or regional rulemaking. 4. Ensure new water policies include sufficient pollution control and downstream water protection measures.

1. Direct development away from important environmental areas by mapping vital environmental resources: wetlands, habitat connectivity and listed species habitat. 2. Map important agricultural lands and direct intensive development away from these areas. 3. Use sustainable growth practices, natural resource protection and viable agriculture plans to determine which lands are appropriate for increased density and intensity. 4. Demonstrate that all new towns will

be sustainable and self-sufficient and plan necessary infrastructure: transportation corridors, water supply, public services and stormwater management. 5. Ensure any density or intensity increase is based upon sustainability, resource protection and agricultural viability. 6. Florida’s current growth plans’ density accommodates 92 million residents. Base incentives for clustered and sustainable development in rural lands on more than just increased density.

Environmental Science

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

eye on the issues

Conservancy working to sustain a billion dollar industry.

A “Healthy” Hendry County

tilizing state grant funding, Hendry County has spent the past 18 months strategizing on how to best protect agricultural and natural resources while allowing appropriate development within the County’s 670,000+ acres of agriculturally-zoned land. The challenge is to balance natural resources protection, eco-tourism, economic development and agriculture with development. Hendry County staff and decision-makers have been receptive to the Conservancy playing an active role in this planning process, referred to as the Rural and Agricultural Lands Study (RALS.) If the RALS is properly designed and implemented, the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) component of the program could provide significant benefits to all interests. The TDR program would remove development rights from more sensitive land and allow it to be clustered elsewhere. The Conservancy has shared the following concerns about some policies contained in the current draft plan: • Density bonuses which could generate almost 725,000 new residential units – 500% more than the 134,000 units currently allowed in the area. • Allowing new development without assurances for protection and management of environmentally sensitive lands. • Resource mapping excludes important data layers concerning habitat connectivity. • Allowing premature conversion of agricultural lands in a 10

Conservancy Hendry County Vision map

piecemeal manner prompts urban sprawl. The Conservancy has suggested improvements to Hendry County, including: • Focus on initial development within the current urbanized areas of LaBelle, Port LaBelle and Clewiston. • Identify and protect the most environmentally sensitive and agriculturally productive lands and direct development to more appropriate areas.

Gone Fishin’

• Identify the most appropriate locations for new development to occur. • Provide guidelines to promote sustainable, clustered new development. According to Nicole Ryan, Conservancy governmental relations manager, “Our goal is to help Hendry County design a program that provides them with a realistic vision to protect its natural resources and to provide the opportunity to grow sustainably.”

Florida’s fisheries for snook, redfish, tarpon, and other marine game fish are estimated to be worth several billion dollars annually. The economic benefits to the state from these recreational fisheries are the highest in the nation. While the mangrove-fringed estuaries are the principal habitat for juvenile game fish in southern Florida, large portions of this vital habitat have been destroyed by coastal urbanization or changing hydrology from watershed alterations in upland areas. Information on juvenile game fish and their developmental habitat is needed. This information can be applied to restoration efforts in impacted areas. Conservancy Research Manager Jeff Schmid, Ph.D. is assessing mangrove tidal creeks as developmental habitat for game fish species. A landmark report in 1973 identified tidal creeks in the Ten Thousand Islands region as habitat for juvenile snook. “My reconnaissance of the area suggests that urban development subsequent to the sampling in 1971-72 has modified or eliminated the most productive sites for juvenile snook,” said Schmid.

Nonetheless, juvenile game fish have been collected in the highly urbanized tributaries to Naples Bay. Monthly sampling of the new Conservancy filter marsh has resulted in the capture of two juvenile tarpon and over 100 juvenile snook! Lesser number of juvenile snook have been collected in Haldeman Creek (at the bridge on U.S. 41, downstream from the water control structure at Wal-Mart) and Rock Creek (at the RV campground, downstream from Airport-Pulling Road.) These efforts will document habitat used by juvenile game fish in an urban landscape. The study is funded by the RedSnook Catch & Release Tournament.

Dr. Jeff Schmid preparing to measure an adult snook found in the Conservancy filter marsh.

Wading birds are commonly seen at the new filter marsh.

Full of Life!

Transforming a “dead ditch” into a wildlife oasis. When Kathy Worley, Chad Washburn and others at the Conservancy conceived the Filter Marsh at the Conservancy Nature Center, they knew that there was a good chance that the marsh could be utilized by various wildlife in addition to its merits to clean up the stormwater. What they didn’t know was how fast this dream could come to fruition. The construction began in the early spring of 2009. By June of 2009, the ditch had been widened, a wet detention pond created, the marsh area constructed and vegetation planted. As of September of 2009, the vegetation has really filled in and wildlife has begun to seek out this little oasis. Wood storks, little blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets and tri-colored (Louisiana) herons have been documented. Then a big surprise – within 3 months, the filter marsh became home to a snook nursery! Stay tuned for more news on this project as it matures.

A Hole in One

Conservancy scores grant to research golf course wildlife. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s “Wildlife Links Program” recently awarded the Conservancy Environmental Science Department a two-year matching grant for $44,800. The money will fund a study of the distribution and abundance of waterdependent wildlife found in golf course ponds. Conservancy Co-Director Dave Addison will study

amphibians, fish, and aquatic invertebrates from ten ponds, two each on five different golf courses. This study will compare the characteristics of the ponds to see how they may or may not influence the abundance and distribution of waterdependent wildlife. Ultimately, this study may lead to improvements to golf course ponds as wildlife habitat. 11

Environmental educ ation

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Meet Photographer Earth Clyde Butcher Day 2010

10 0 2

Swamp walk and private studio tour.

2new camps for K-8 graduates

•

By request, Sea Horses Camps are now FULL day sessions. Special introductory member rate of $245. Other camps are $275 (member rate) per weekly session.

•

Summer Camp operations are moving to the FGCU Renaissance Academy Naples Center (1010 5th Ave. • South.) This location offers a convenient and safe learning environment for fun and exciting

WOW! Wonders of Wildlife Meet the birds and the beasts unique to southwest Florida. What impact do they have on our everyday life? Who are they? What do they eat? Who are their enemies? Where do they live? What “evidence” do they leave behind? Animal discovery field trips, animal encounters and animalfocused crafts and games will make you a wildlife “expert.”

Summer Camp activities while our Nature Center is undergoing sustain• able renovations. Registration forms are available online at conservancy.org/camps. • Pre-registration letter to last year’s summer

campers will be mailed March 1st. Early registration for members will be April 1st in the Conservancy auditorium, 8 am - 1 pm. Registration opens to the public on April 2nd.

2010 schedule Step Outside June 14-18

WOW!

Step Outside June 28 June 21-25 July 2

WOW!

Step Outside

WOW!

July 5-9

July 12-16

July 19-23

Sea Horses Kindergarten Graduates

Questions? 12

Cheryl Latif, 239.262.0304, x 266.

Presented by

Supporting Sponsor

See conservancy.org for parking details

Free Family Fun!

Great way to entertain your guests!

When your stuck for ideas on how to entertain visiting family or friends, this “Friends and Family Tour” at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center is the answer. This fun excursion, good for all ages, includes a dedicated tour guide, a two-hour interpretive tour, including an enhanced Discovery Center experience with additional encounters with resident wildlife and the Touch Tank. Tour also includes a reserved narrated electric boat cruise up the Gordon River. Bring your own lunch and enjoy a picnic lunch in a shaded area. Please schedule in advance. 239.262.0304, ext. 266

Members: $89 (up to 10 people) Non-members: $129 (up to 10 people)

Barracudas 1st-2nd Graduates Sharks 3rd-4th Graduates Extreme 5th-8th Graduates

April 17, 2010 Conservancy Nature Center 9 AM - 3 PM

Friends and Family Tour

GOOD FORTUNE Receive $5.00 off your

OFF

Step Outside! Southwest Florida is home to several unique and interconnected ecosystems, some found nowhere else in the world. Where are they? How do they function? Why do we need them? What untold stories lie within them? Immersive eco-field trips, environmental research, crafts and other adventures will make you a southwest Florida “biologist.”

Mullet, Snook and Cedar invite you to register for the two new summer camp themes for 2010:

Take a trip to Clyde’s Big Cypress Art Gallery and Studio in the heart of the Everglades. Enjoy a swamp walk with one of Clyde’s staff, followed by a boxed lunch. Then join Clyde himself on a tour through his gallery. March 15, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Space is limited. Reservations: 262.0303, ext. 266

Festival

next Good Fortune Cruise Book your tour two weeks in advance with Conservancy reservations assistant at 239-262-0304 X236. Limit one per person.

New at the Nature Center Pardon our dust as the work continues daily on renovations and improvements. Next time you drop by, you will enjoy… 1. The new FILTER MARSH, teeming with fish and visiting wading birds. 2. More spaces in the new PARKING LOT. 3. The new COMMONS DECK area that connects all the buildings on the hub. 4. New sidewalk to the entrance gazebo. 13

Wildlife rehabilitation C LINI C

Inside the April 21, 2010 Conservancy Wildlife Clinic 2009

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

rehabilitationrecoveryreleaserehabilitationrecoveryrelease

celebrating

years

Change is in the Air!

Choose from dozens of participating restaurants who offer a fixed price three course meal. The restaurants donate a percentage of the proceeds to help us care for sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife.

For information, call 239.325.2670

reserve your spot Watch your mail for your invitation

The total number of injured, orphaned and sick native wild animals admitted to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic in 2009 was 2,217. That number is only 39 less “patients” from 2008. Interestingly, an orphaned bobcat was our first admission for 2009 and one of the last admissions for 2009 was an adult bobcat hit by a car. 39 less patients

Message from JoAnn Johansen, Intern & Volunteer Manager

2010

List of participating restaurants will be added soon to conservancy.org

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

dining for wildlife 2008

2009

2010 “Patient” Highlights

Ready to Go

Before: Just a Baby

After: All Grown Up

Yum!?

An eastern screech owl adjusts to being moved to a larger flight enclosure. Fortunately, the owl was not severely injured after being hit by a car and was released five days after admission.

A black-bellied whistling duckling was admitted after it was found orphaned in a gas station parking lot in Ft. Myers.

Here’s the same blackbellied whistling duck taking flight during release.

After one week of care, an adult bobcat that suffered a fractured upper and lower jaw is able to eat a diet of finely chopped mice, rats, and bone marrow.

Message from Judith Tryka, Connection President

As we begin a new year, the excitement continues at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida! We’re entering into the countdown for our Capital Campaign and you can visibly see all the changes happening in the Nature Center. New parking areas will soon be a reality and once the new “Green Team” (maintenance) building gets underway, work will begin on our new entrance from Goodlette-Frank Road, followed by the new Wildlife Clinic.

news Volunteers were invited to a “Savings Southwest Florida” Campaign Countdown meeting in January. Speakers included Joanna Fitzgerald, Troy Frensley, volunteer Ed Selby, Tuck Tyler and Colleen Kvetko. Call Rob Moher to get involved: 239.403.4205.

Volunteers are Vital Volunteers are invaluable in maintaining our presence and programs during the construction phase and beyond. Some areas, particularly the Discovery Center, are currently in need of dedicated volunteers. Our Elections Corps needs more team members who are registered Collier County voters to work the polls this year and in the future. If you are a current volunteer in good standing and wish to participate on the Elections Corps please contact Aaron Knott at tyng98@ yahoo.com for more information. Volunteer applications are available at our Nature Store, at our Upscale Resale Shop in Naples (US 41 & 7th Avenue North), and on our website www.conservancy.org.

Top: Lois & Dean Lang; Bottom: Susan Kubat, Judy Tryka & Ken Kubat

Connect to the Connection

Mark your Calendar

For the past three years I have had the honor to serve as your Connection President. As such, I have also been privileged to sit on the Board of Directors for the Conservancy. I hope I have been somewhat successful in representing your opinions and positions. On March 19, 2010 you will elect a new president to represent you and I ask you to give this person your full support. The Conservancy Connection is your organization: your connection to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida staff and its Board of Directors. This unique partnership is crucial for the success of the organization. I urge you to become engaged with the workings of the Connection; learn about the procedures set in place to answer all your questions and concerns. The Connection is here for you, the staff and the Board of Directors.

Forum: Wednesdays 9:00 AM February 24th, March 31st April 28th (final Forum) VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION Thursday, April 15th Caloosahatchee Oxbow Cruise Sunday, April 25: 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Space is still available & guests are welcome. Reservations $45 per person. Deadline is 3/15/10. 15

Imagine a place where you could go, 365 days a year, to receive expert care from dedicated and professional medical staff for FREE!

Donate online today! www.conservancy.org

Protecting Southwest Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique natural environment and quality of life ... now and forever.

1450 Merrihue Drive Naples, Florida 34102 www.conservancy.org

Conservancy Wildlife Clinic

Volunteers of the Month

November 2009

December 2009

Elaine Hinkle

Murray Barnhart

Carole Talkowski

Elaine joined the Conservancy and became a volunteer during a membership drive event in 1994. She is a member of the Guest Services team, participates in special events and has served on the mailing and concierge teams. Elaine has donated 2,459 hours to the Conservancy.

Murray began volunteering with the Conservancy in 2006 working in the Discovery Center where he served as Co-Coordinator. He is also a guide at Tigertail Beach and assists us with many special events. Murray has donated 1,250 hours to the Conservancy.

Carole became a member and a volunteer in 2007. She is the Volunteer Coordinator in the Discovery Center, a guide at Tigertail Beach, Briggs Boardwalk and aboard the Good Fortune, serves on the field trip team and at our special events. Carole has donated 1,148 hours to the Conservancy.

NEW Conservation INTERNS: Wildlife Rehabilitation

Tiffany Batchelder, University of New England, Biddeford, ME Christopher Bolt, Pomona College, Claremont, CA Ana Sosa, Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), Melbourne, FL Theresa Parrish, Albright College, Reading, PA

Environmental Policy

John Aquilino, Clemson University, Clemson, SC Katie Crosley, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 16

January 2010

February 2010 Ian Wright Ian Wright began volunteering in 2007. He worked in the Nature Store, is currently the Upscale Resale Shop Volunteer Coordinator, Capital Campaign Volunteer Liaison and works on special events. As Volunteer Connection Vice President, Ian will be inducted as President in March. He has donated 1,550 hours to the Conservancy.

Environmental Education

Kathryn Cerny-Chipman, Pomona College, Claremont, CA Cassandra Conger, Wartburg College, Waverly, IA Sarah Hough, University of Maine, Orano, ME Sarah Langley, Cal. Polytechnic St. Univ., St. Luis Obispo, CA Bethany Pierce, SUNY Maritime College, Bronx, NY

Environmental Science Eliza Davis, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO