FROM THE EDITOR

Conscious about CONSERVATION

Ask anyone. Calling myself a Floridian has been a lifelong goal. After spending a year in Fargo, North Dakota, and 12 long winters in Michigan, who can blame me for coveting our lulling palm trees, subtropical flora and fauna, magnificent beaches, and of course, warm temps? In my estimation, these are the ecological differentiae that attract many folks to Southwest Florida. Apropos is the sobriquet “Paradise Coast.”

Even in paradise, however, there are environmental challenges, and—pardon my candor—it would be naïve to think otherwise. The good news is, there are devoted advocates, caring and generous philanthropists, countless volunteers, and others catalyzing solutions that preserve, protect, and restore the regional lands we love, including the precious Everglades. This edition of Naples Illustrated, which we’ve named “The Conservation Issue,” showcases a handful of these dedicated individuals and explores pressing environmental challenges—from surf to turf.

First is a look at water quality and quantity issues in South Florida and a few of the people and organizations working to remedy crucial hydrologic concerns. I can’t express how edifying writing this piece was for me. From restoring natural water flows to combating high nutrient loads that fuel both blue-green algae and red tide to stemming saltwater intrusion, here’s hoping the topics touched upon create more awareness about the contributors affecting our water quality while highlighting the good work of some important regional “water warriors.” Read more starting on page 74.

For the lay of the land on reforestation efforts in the Naples area, turn to page 82. Trees provide shade and beauty; they also create habitats for wildlife, deter erosion, and mitigate the effects of climate change—among other benefits. Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, the City of Naples alone lost nearly 2,000 trees. Local philanthropists Rob and Cathy Funderburg in partnership with the Collier Community Foundation have helped to grow Collier Trees, an initiative that’s invested $450,000 to plant 507 mostly native trees across local landscapes. Also featured is Grace Evenstad, another Neapolitan answering the conservation call. Her efforts and generosity—along with leadership from the Naples Botanical Garden—are behind the site-prep work for the 66,000-square-foot Evenstad Horticulture Campus, which will feature specialized greenhouses and nurseries for growing plants, laboratories, and a seed bank representing rare and threatened species.

Our issue would fall short if we didn’t provide some well-appointed fun. For this, we bring you the tale of 10 catamarans. As seacrafts go, these vessels are highly efficient and being constructed more and more sustainably by the year, with some being powered by solar energy. Read more about these cool cats, starting on page 98.

We indeed live in paradise. Together, let’s protect, preserve, restore, and enjoy it.

Cordially and consciously,

JESSI NORVELL OF MEGAN DIPIERO PHOTOGRAPHY

Jane E. Enos jenos@naplesillustrated.com