Annual Report July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021
Dear Valued Members and Friends,
T SCCF's mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. OUR WORK FOCUSES ON: Environmental Education Land and Wildlife Policy and Advocacy Sea Turtles and Shorebirds Water Quality Research
his year was a remarkable turning point for SCCF. We adopted a bold and broader mission statement – to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. After more than five decades, we rebranded with a fresh logo that reflects our expanded focus on land, water, and wildlife. Our team worked wonders this year despite a global pandemic. We adapted, enhanced our resilience, and flourished thanks to the incredible generosity and support Ryan Orgera Don Rice of our members and community. As a trailblazing leader in conservation since our incorporation in 1967, SCCF officially declared this year that in order to protect Sanibel and Captiva we must be the voice for larger systems beyond our shores. After all, no island can be just an island when we are taking a stand for clean water, resilient coasts, healthy wetlands, and thriving wildlife. With unprecedented support from our donors, we retained our roots in land conservation as we strategically targeted and acquired more than 84 acres. From a capital campaign that wrapped up five months early for critical wetlands on Sanibel, to mangroves along the Caloosahatchee and near the causeway toll both, to salt flats in San Carlos Bay, we invested in lands with enduring value. (See page 10.) We established with evidence our credibility as a highly prominent authority on water quality research and other environmental policy matters throughout our region. James Evans began as our new Environmental Policy Director, taking the helm of a critically important movement to advocate for our environmental needs. In March of 2021, we entered into a partnership with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to hire a shared hydrologic modeler, Paul Julian, PhD. In that same month, Captiva Erosion Prevention District approved a grant to create a partnership on coastal resilience. In April, we signed an agreement with the Center for Coastal Solutions of the University of Florida to undertake joint water quality research, share data, and work toward finding policy solutions for our waters. By strengthening our wildlife protection initiatives, our team managed to care for nearly a thousand sea turtle nests, monitor our shorebirds, discover rare land turtles, restore oyster reefs, and so much more you will learn about in this report. We also sustained and enhanced our education programming in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Thanks to the incredible creativity and commitment to science of our dedicated educators at the Sanibel Sea School, we safely educated children and families, following Centers for Disease Control guidelines. We also brought you virtual Evenings at the Homestead, the astounding astronaut (and more) Kathy Sullivan through the Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture, insightful water quality and management presentations, and SCCF’s first-ever City Council Candidate Forum on the Environment. Our entire team, from scientists to administration staffers, pulled together to make this year a success. The truth is that this year’s challenges were met by the most extraordinary generosity and support—two things for which our islands are renowned. We have never experienced a place with folks so willing to care, so willing to help. We are so grateful for all that you have done for us this year, and in turn for what you have allowed us to do for our shared natural world. Stay well and stay connected to nature. Warmly,
Cover photo by Shane Antalick
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please become a member or renew your membership by using the enclosed envelope or donating at www.sccf.org.
Ryan Orgera Don Rice CEO President ANNUAL REPORT FY2020-2021 | 1
Water Quality Research
City of Sanibel and Captiva Water Quality Projects Continue
Jordon Marsh was constructed to decrease nitrogen and phosphorus in the Sanibel Slough.
The Jordan Marsh, East End canals, and neighborhood ponds were sampled in cooperation with the City of Sanibel’s Community for Clean Water program and city staff. The nutrient and water monitoring efforts at the Jordan Marsh and Slough provide guidance to improve management of stormwater and encourage citizens to employ best
management practices in their neighborhoods. The lab staff are also actively engaged with the Captiva Community Panel to provide data analyses and recommendations for the island’s planned conversion from septic tanks to a centralized sewer system and advice for decreasing nutrient concentrations in the water surrounding the island.
Drone aerial by Leah Reidenbach
Red Tide and Water Quality Research Expands Red tide research at the SCCF Marine Laboratory consists of expanded monitoring during red tide events, routine monitoring in the Gulf of Mexico and Caloosahatchee, and an investigation of sick shorebirds and their fish prey that were suspected to be related to red tide toxins. The expanded monitoring of the dinoflagellate that causes red tide, Karenia brevis, was greatly aided by dedicated volunteers who brought in water samples from all parts of the islands. After the samples are analyzed, the information is updated to a map showing locations and concentrations sampled from the past seven days to share with SCCF members and local media outlets. Generally, algal blooms are patchy, so highly
localized cell counts can provide guidance to beachgoers so they can avoid a bloom. Since 2018, red tide sampling has been expanded to a grid of sites in the Gulf of Mexico and around the islands through funding from the Vince family and Goldman Sachs Gives. This systematic sampling effort is conducted every three months and fills in data gaps missing from the state of Florida’s sampling at the swimming beaches. Sickened Shorebird Study In collaboration with the University of Florida (UF) and Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), the Marine Lab was able to obtain National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration funding to measure red tide toxins (brevetoxins) in sickened shorebirds and their potential planktivorous fish prey items. The fish were collected from
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local guides by Coastal Watch and the results may bolster scientists’ understanding of how red tide events can injure and kill shorebirds. Two Academic Partnerships With the River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network (RECON) as one of the best and most reliable coastal sensor networks in Florida, SCCF’s water quality research and reputation has attracted many new colleagues eager to work on marine biological research and hydrological research around Sanibel and Captiva. SCCF signed agreements with the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Water School and UF Center for Coastal Solutions to share data, coordinate research, and expand the impact of SCCF Marine Lab research beyond this region.
Four Acres of Oyster Reef Restored SCCF has been leading oyster reef restoration efforts in the Charlotte Harbor region since 2008. In partnership with the Lee County Division of Marine Resources and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the lab has restored four acres of reef. Our monitoring of restored reefs and reference reefs continues to support the need for successful oyster reef restoration in Florida. In collaboration with FGCU researchers, the transport of larvae and oyster settlement are being modeled and monitored in the lower estuary, San Carlos Bay, and Pine Island Sound to better inform future restoration efforts.
Ding Darling Partnership SCCF’s longstanding partnership with J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge led to the new Marine Laboratory facility being finished in 2018. SCCF continues to conduct monthly water quality monitoring and annual seagrass surveys in the refuge to evaluate the effects of flow and rainfall on the health of the marine ecosystem. In collaboration with the refuge biologist, manager, and deputy manager, SCCF relocated a continuous sensor that provides detailed information about impounded areas of the refuge that can be restored with additional culverts or bridging along Wildlife Drive.
Volunteer boat captains collect baitfish for a red tide toxin study on shorebirds.
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Sea Turtles Florida hosts the world’s largest population of nesting loggerheads (Caretta caretta), making SCCF’s work critical for the conservation of the species. Thirty years of nesting data on Sanibel suggest that nesting on our beaches is on the rise. This encouraging news is a testament to decades of concerted conservation efforts, but the population remains imperiled. Sea turtles face enormous challenges in Florida, including harmful algal blooms, fisheries, sea level rise, coastal development, and ocean pollution. In addition to protecting nests laid on Sanibel and Captiva, SCCF is devising creative ways to learn more about these problems to inform management and policy solutions.
Harmful Algal Bloom Study The immediate impacts of harmful algal blooms on sea turtles are clear: almost 1,300 sick or dead turtles were documented during the 2018 red tide crisis. However, the long-term effects of a catastrophic bloom are not well understood. Does exposure to the toxins negatively impact health after the bloom has dissipated? Could unhealthy turtles produce poorly provisioned eggs, reducing hatching success? Are the toxins transferred from the nesting female to her hatchlings? If so, how do the toxins affect the embryos? In 2019, SCCF’s sea turtle team set out to assess these potential threats. After three years of data collection, we have learned that livers sampled in 2019-2020 tested positive for brevetoxins, indicating maternal transfer does occur. The next step will be to explore the relationships among maternal health, hatch success, and pathological abnormalities in hatchlings. A comprehensive evaluation will be completed when analyses are finalized in 2022.
Beach erosion due to storms, hurricanes, and sea level rise is an increasing problem in Florida, where one of the anthropogenic responses is beach renourishment. While this can create nesting habitat, changes in the physical properties of nonnative sand may alter critical characteristics of the nest microclimate, such as sand temperature, moisture, gas exchange, and porosity. SCCF is characterizing how the color, grain size, bulk density, and compaction of sand affects on sea turtle incubation Sanibel and Captiva.
Installing monitoring station
Where Do Sea Turtles Establish Residency?
Shane Antalick photographed this hatchling close to the Sanibel coastline.
Between 2017 and 2019, SCCF satellitetagged 14 endangered green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) that nested on Sanibel and Keewaydin. The goal was to delineate sites that may serve as high-use areas for reproductively active females. Modeling shows waters surrounding Cape Sable, Florida Bay, and the Marquesas are important foraging areas that support individuals tagged on Southwest Florida beaches. Understanding where green sea turtles forage and remain resident is key to designing surveys to assess foraging resources and protection strategies to improve recovery trajectories.
It Takes a Team “Each season presents different challenges and victories, and we are so fortunate to have a team that can adapt to the shifting demands every year,” says Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan. “The tenacity of our amazing staff and volunteers allows us to contribute to the ongoing protection of sea turtles.” 4 | SCCF — SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
Shorebird Nesting, Unexplained Illness Closely Monitored The end of the 2021 shorebird nesting season marked an important milestone for the SCCF Shorebird Program: Staff and volunteers completed the 20th season of monitoring snowy plovers (Charadrius nivosus) on Sanibel and Captiva. A summary of two decades of research will be produced prior to the 2022 season.
20 Years
monitoring these precious plovers
In 2021, least terns (Sternula antillarum) were observed foraging along Sanibel’s shoreline, but ultimately did not nest on the island. A single pair of Wilson’s plovers (Charadrius wilsonia) successfully fledged three chicks and four pairs of snowy plovers fledged three chicks. All chicks were banded to allow researchers to track their movements.
Shane Antalick
SCCF Monitors Sea Turtle Nesting, Hatching on Several Fronts
Shorebirds
Understanding How Sand Properties Impact Hatching Success
SCCF continues to conduct yearround, monthly surveys of Sanibel and Captiva to count all shorebirds, document the presence of threatened and endangered species, and resight banded birds. In the early spring, dozens of sick and dead seabirds were observed on the causeway and Sanibel’s beaches. The majority were young royal terns (Thalasseus maximus). SCCF partnered with local agencies to determine the cause of the mortality event, and research into whether it’s linked to red tide toxins (brevetoxins) is ongoing. Dozens of shorebirds were admitted to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), including snowy plovers and migratory species, such as sanderlings (Calidris alba), ruddy turnstones (Arenaria interpres), and least sandpipers (Calidris minutilla). Some were rehabilitated and released but others did not survive. Specimens were collected for testing and results are pending. These illnesses and deaths in the spring are especially concerning because it means a loss of potential nesting adults for the breeding season.
SANIBEL NESTING STATS SNOWY PLOVERS • 4 nesting pairs • 9 nest attempts • 4 nests hatched 12 chicks • 3 chicks fledged • 5 nests failed
WILSON’S PLOVERS • 1 nesting pair • 1 nest attempt • 3 chicks fledged
Totals don’t include North Captiva or Bunche Beach
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Policy & Advocacy Year in Review
Action Alert Victories and Advocacy During Legislative Session Action alerts are a critical tool for connecting advocates with environmental issues. During the past year, more than 5,000 advocates responded to SCCF’s calls to action and sent almost 30,000 emails to legislators and/or agency representatives. Because of your advocacy, successes in the 2021 legislative session included: • $522 million for Everglades Restoration projects • $400 million for the Florida Forever Land Acquisition Program • $500 million for Resiliency Grant Trust Fund Program to address flooding and sea level rise • $500 million for septic-to-sewer and wastewater infrastructure projects • $750,000 for Sanibel Sewer Phase IV Expansion Project • Passed SB 776/HB 783 Racketeering of Aquatic and Wild Animal Life, which gives more options to Florida wildlife agencies for prosecuting wildlife trafficking crimes Southwest Florida Adopts Resiliency Compact
Estuary Tours Raise Awareness About Water Quality and Restoration Needs During the past fiscal year, SCCF took local, state, and federal leaders on informational tours of the Caloosahatchee estuary and Pine Island Sound to discuss water quality issues, policies, and restoration needs. Tours included South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Chairman Chauncey Goss, Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith, Miami Commissioner Ken Russell, Congressman Byron Donalds (District 19), and Congressman Charlie Crist (District 13). James Evans Becomes New Environmental Policy Director
SCCF and Conservancy Team Up to Hire Hydrologic Modeler
In September 2020, James Evans joined SCCF as the Environmental Policy Director following the retirement of longtime director Rae Ann Wessel in May 2020. Prior to joining SCCF, he was the Director of Natural Resources for the City of Sanibel, where he spent more than 20 years as a biologist and resource manager. His expertise made for a seamless transition.
In March, SCCF partnered with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to hire Paul Julian, Ph.D., as a new hydrologic modeler. This partnership expands the organizations’ scientific capabilities and fills an important need for modeling expertise in the region. Julian worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the past 10 years as the Everglades Technical Lead.
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Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is developing a new operating plan for Lake Okeechobee that will go into effect in 2022. The Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) will guide how the lake is managed and determine when and where water is released. SCCF policy staff have been evaluating modeling data and working with local stakeholders and elected officials to support a plan that will balance the needs of the Caloosahatchee and west coast communities with other parts of the system. Public outreach on preferred alternatives will be critical to ensure that a balanced plan is adopted.
Southwest Florida communities took their first step towards making the region more resilient to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise. By April 2021, had officially joined all local governments in Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties officially joined the Southwest Florida Regional Resiliency Compact. The Compact will enable participating
local governments to unite collectively against the impacts of sea level rise, harmful algal blooms, increasing storm intensity, and other climate change-driven issues. Policy staff worked closely with Florida Gulf Coast University, the City of Sanibel, and nongovernmental organizations to usher in its adoption.
Coastal Watch Invites Community to Grow Mangroves Coastal Watch had a banner year with the successful launch of “Back to Our Roots,” a community advocacy initiative to learn about, grow, and restore mangroves on Sanibel and Captiva. More than 150 mangrove propagules were shared with individuals who cared for them at home. The budding mangroves will be planted at a local restoration site to stabilize shorelines and prevent future erosion. Back to Our Roots will continue annually to help restore multiple sites throughout Sanibel and Captiva.
New Drone Expands Water Quality Monitoring Capabilities
Drone aerial at Franklin Lock
A picture is worth a thousand words. By documenting water quality and ecological conditions, SCCF scientists can now track water quality visually over time. A Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP) grant allowed the purchase of a professional-grade drone and staff training. The images are incorporated into the weekly Caloosahatchee & Estuary Conditions Report and posted on SCCF’s new Aerial Water Quality Website to help make a compelling argument for coastal ecosystems protection and restoration. ANNUAL REPORT FY2020-2021 | 7
Campers Return to the Waters Scholarships Provide Ocean Education for All
Shane Antalick
At Sanibel Sea School, cost is never a barrier to learning about, and loving, Sanibel’s ecosystems. In the 2020-21 fiscal year, 202 scholarships were granted—which equated to approving 100 percent of scholarship requests.
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Ocean Tribe Paddling Club Embarks on Enchanting Excursions
ummer camp is the heart and soul of Sanibel Sea School, so after a temporary COVID hiatus, staff were thrilled to welcome campers and counselors back to campus. In June, Sanibel Sea School kicked off 20-plus unique weeks of camp for kids ages 4 to 17 that ran through August. From “Sea Squirts Camp” for the littlest ocean explorers to teen adventure-based paddle camps, there was an ocean-themed camp for everyone.
Through monthly meetups on local waters, Ocean Tribe Paddling Club members gather on paddleboards and kayaks to enjoy the ocean together. The mission of the club is to assist Southwest Florida’s paddling community with exploring and learning more about the marine ecosystem to inspire stewardship. The Ocean Tribe Paddling Club has grown to 50-plus members from all walks of life.
This year was extra special because Sanibel Sea School opened a brandnew summer camp location at SCCF’s Bailey Homestead Preserve. The vast grassy spaces and lush nature trails created spaces for campers to explore and play games while being immersed in Sanibel’s natural environment. Campers used the pavilion as a home base for lunch, activities, and circle time, and traveled to the beaches each day in vans.
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Shane Antalick
Many magical ocean moments happened at both the Flagship and Homestead locations: hundreds of cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) gliding through the shallows, epic surf paddle races, rainy afternoon card games in the Kennedy Building, and snorkeling in the bay at sunset. The best part was seeing campers reunite together on Sanibel, creating new ocean memories that will last a lifetime.
Paddling around San Carlos Bay, Bowman’s Beach, and Sanibel’s winding canals, the group enjoys encounters with the local wildlife. Members have explored sand flats teeming with tidal sea creatures and wading birds and were enchanted by glowing bioluminescence on an evening paddle with club coordinator Kealy McNeal. Interested in becoming a member of the Ocean Tribe Paddling Club? Visit oceantribeoutfitters.org. See you on the water!
Bringing the Gulf to Landlocked Communities Fewer school-based field trips happened in 2020, so Sanibel Sea School educators made sure to bring the ocean to kids in Fort Myers. Partnering with Childcare of Southwest Florida, The Heights Foundation, and Pine Manor Community Improvement Association, educators offered interactive classroom visits to teach kids about Southwest Florida’s marine ecosystems. The classroom visits included special guests such as sea urchins, anemones, and slimy mollusks that students were able to hold and observe. These handson experiences allow students to connect to the ocean and see the real-life wonders that live just beyond the Sanibel Causeway. Sanibel Sea School’s landlocked programs are offered to these community organizations free of charge and are funded by our generous, donor-supported scholarship fund.
DONOR-SUPPORTED SCHOLARSHIP FUND MADE POSSIBLE:
44 scholarships for children to attend day programs
129 scholarships for children to attend weekly summer or winter camps
Field trips for 247 public school students Long-term partnerships with three organizations: The Heights Foundation, Childcare of Southwest Florida, and Pine Manor Community Improvement Association Meaningful experiences for 1,344 landlocked children in the region
$34,042 in financial support for summer camp tuition assistance
No Child Left on Shore No Child Left on Shore is a hands-on learning program that fills a vital need to provide the children of Southwest Florida with an informative and fun way to gain experiential knowledge of the ecology of the local marine environment. This enriching initiative enables local youth to form a deeper connection to their coastal surroundings and sparks their curiosity. This environmental education outreach project is a partnership between SCCF and Captiva Cruises that provides on-the-water field trips for local youth groups who don’t have the financial or logistical means for this type of opportunity. ANNUAL REPORT FY2020-2021 | 9
Volunteer Thanks
Thank You
Year of Land Acquisition A Hallmark Year for Land Preservation
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efore its 2020-21 fiscal year, SCCF had not had a significant increase in its preserved land portfolio since the acquisition of the Bailey Homestead Preserve a decade ago. This past year demonstrated that SCCF’s proud history as a land trust continues as approximately 84 acres were donated or acquired in four significant locations.
We Couldn't Do it Without You! We’re so grateful to all of our dedicated volunteers, who continued to engage with SCCF and offer their time and energy during this very difficult year. We could not have continued our good work without you!
Gretchen C. Valade Preserve With a gift from her family to recognize their mother’s stature as a longstanding SCCF major donor, the Gretchen C. Valade Preserve has saved 2.2 acres along Sanibel’s Pine Avenue and San-Cap Road. The removal of exotic trees and bushes will bring in sunlight and restore this preserve as prime tortoise habitat. It will also provide deeded bay access for water quality monitoring.
Cape Coral Parcel The family of Dr. Franklin Miles donated 44.27 acres of land in Cape Coral to SCCF. Surrounded by already protected land owned by the State of Florida, this estuarine habitat will benefit smalltooth sawfish, diamondback terrapins, marine mammals, and many wading bird species.
Puschel Preserve Saving 12.25 acres on Sanibel through the Periwinkle Wetlands campaign was the pinnacle of a great conservation year. SCCF is extremely grateful to lead donors Roberta and Philip Puschel and the 175 additional donors who made this acquisition possible. Restoration is already underway, as well as plans for creating unique community space along the preserve’s Periwinkle Way frontage.
McGregor Acreage Using the new Land Acquisition and Improvement Fund made possible by a very generous anonymous donor, SCCF acquired three parcels near the Sanibel Causeway tollbooth on McGregor Boulevard. Totaling 25.25 acres, these parcels were important acquisition targets because many of the adjacent lots are privately owned and some development has already occurred. Mangrove habitats reduce hurricane impacts and are invaluable for many species of marine and terrestrial wildlife.
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Socially distanced sea turtle volunteers painted thousands of nest-marking stakes.
Hammerheads The Hammerheads were essential in keeping operations running smoothly despite not being able to gather for coffee and donuts on the porch this year. ANNUAL REPORT FY2020-2021 | 11
Wildlife & Habitat Management
Tracking Elusive Wetland Species
Invasives Removal Ongoing for Restoration
SCCF research efforts on Florida chicken turtles (D. r. chrysea) and Florida mud turtles (K. steindachneri) have accelerated since SCCF was able to attach transmitters to these ephemeral (temporary wetland) species, which are underground a good portion of the year and only emerge when there is plenty of standing water. SCCF staff was able to document nesting and clutch size on chicken turtles, and correlate emergence and dormancy times with environmental cues that trigger these cycles for both species.
Invasive plant removal has been consistent throughout the year with Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) the main targeted species on SCCF properties. This highly invasive tree spreads quickly from seeds dispersed through bird droppings. Invasive cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) has become more of a threat as habitat management staff continues to target new spots. This grass has rhizome roots that spread far underground and establish new patches.
Diamondback Terrapin Protection
With the increasing pressures placed on this group of turtles, assistance was needed to help with conservation and research efforts on Sanibel. This has been a highly successful effort that has increased awareness around the island of the issues turtles are facing and also brought in large amounts of data from surveys and incidental occurrences.
SCCF’s comprehensive diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) research in Lee County has led to the entire Charlotte Harbor/ Pine Island Sound area to be included in one of five zones statewide chosen for bycatch reduction device (BRD) legislation to prevent accidental drowning in crab pots. If this law passes, it will require BRDs to be installed on all blue crab traps, which unintentionally drown terrapins. BRDs have been shown to prevent 73.2 percent of terrapins from entering a submerged trap where they are likely to drown.
SCCF Joins International Effort to Combat Turtle Trafficking
Eastern Indigo Snake Sightings Decrease
In February 2021, SCCF Wildlife & Habitat Management Program Director Chris Lechowicz was appointed to the Collaborative to Combat the Illegal Trade in Turtles—a partnership of state, federal, academic, law enforcement, and nonprofit conservation professionals working to battle the trafficking of North America’s native turtles.
The Pine Island Sound Eastern Indigo Snake Project has had a slow year as sightings have decreased. There is high concern on North Captiva that the increased development of vacant lots and visitor traffic is likely causing more encounters with humans. This may be a cause of the fewer sightings.
Turtles, Indigo Snakes, Amphibians in the Spotlight SCCF Florida Box Turtle Project Takes Off
Terrestrial and Freshwater Turtle Volunteer Group
The SCCF Florida Box Turtle Project has made big strides this year with more residents and businesses reporting turtles that they encounter. Robust publicity distributed through SCCF, media outlets, and word of mouth has brought awareness to the project, resulting in a sharp increase of reports. Radio and GPS telemetry are providing a glimpse of their annual cycle and activity. Monitored box turtles that were released after a 2019 confiscation of poached turtles have shown a variety of behaviors, from setting up similar home ranges as native wild populations to wandering great distances. SCCF’s project is quickly becoming the largest box turtle conservation effort and second largest dataset in the state.
The SCCF Terrestrial and Freshwater Turtle Volunteer Group was launched in July 2020 with about 20 helpers.
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Wildlife Cams FrogWatch Frog call surveys in 2020, as part of the national FrogWatch citizen-science collective, showed a similar trend as in past years. Even though the invasive Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) are the dominant frog in most habitats, green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) are still holding their own in most native habitats. Unfortunately, the smaller, native squirrel treefrog (Hyla septentrionalis), whose numbers have dwindled over the years, has not been heard in several years and may have succumbed to the Cuban treefrog.
The installation of new wildlife cameras has been very helpful in monitoring visitor traffic— including the nighttime roaming of coyotes and bobcats—on SCCF’s preserves.
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Native Landscapes & Garden Center and Educational Programs Despite pandemic limitations, the SCCF Native Landscapes and Garden Center and new educational programs thrived.
Wildflower Grant Benefits Wetlands Demonstration Garden
Weeds ‘n’ Seeds Virtual Walks Enjoyed Nationwide
The Native Landscapes and Garden Center received a Viva Florida grant from the Florida Wildflower Foundation to revamp the wetland portion of the pollinator demonstration gardens at the Bailey Homestead. With over 30 species in the garden that provide year-round blooms, it is continually abuzz with bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.
Weeds ‘n’ Seeds, a group of amateur botanists, found a creative way to continue exploring the flora around the island this year. Led by a tenacious group of volunteers, leaders would “guide” participants on a virtual walk while another leader supplemented the information with close-up plant pictures and descriptions from a home studio. This method allowed participants to join in from around the country, and it was so popular, organizers are exploring ways to continue a hybrid virtual/in-person format next year.
Virtual Evenings at the Homestead Feature International Speakers Evenings at the Homestead shifted to an entirely virtual format this year and was able to present speakers from around the world to the SCCF audience. From sea turtles and sawfish to sand dunes, experts presented a variety of lectures on topics near and dear to SCCF’s mission. The Green Readers Connect Through Nature-Themed Books
Native Landscaping Grows in Popularity
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ative plant gardening remains a popular activity, evident by the fact that more than 12,000 plants were sold at the Native Landscapes and Garden Center. New and longtime residents continue to transition their yards and landscapes to support local wildlife. SCCF staff consulted on 68 different properties and designed landscapes and installed plants at 30 residences. During pandemic restrictions, the Native Landscapes and Garden Center shifted to online orders with delivery and curbside pickup. Even though the Garden Center is back to being open for in-person visits, customers are still able to shop online and request curbside pickup and delivery. These services were popular enough to make them a permanent option.
“Natives in the Garden” Combines Art and Nature Artists are creative and adaptive, which was showcased by this year’s collaboration with the Sanibel-Captiva Art League. Rather than an indoor art exhibit, the Garden Center showcased “Natives in the Garden,” a series of outdoor art pieces inspired by nature that were complemented by their botanical surroundings.
A nature-inspired book club seemed like a natural fit when many people were spending a lot of time at home this year. The Green Readers book club was born out of the desire to connect with SCCF members in a different way—through the shared experience of reading. Each month, topics revolved around each of SCCF’s program areas, a Facebook group communicated information throughout the month, and Zoom meetings allowed for informal conversation about the book’s topics.
SCCF is committed to providing a helping hand in environmental education at The Sanibel School. A major component in fulfilling this mission is SCCF’s Pick Preserve, which is located directly across the street from the school. For the past 20 years, Pick Preserve has been utilized as an outdoor classroom. The nature trail, boardwalk, gazebo, and contiguous 400 acres of mid-island ridge and interior freshwater habitats make the preserve an ideal setting to incorporate environmental science into curriculum goals. SCCF educators assist the kindergarten through eighth-grade teachers at The Sanibel School with designing and conducting grade-appropriate experiences to complement classroom studies.
Pick Preserve
LANDSCAPING WORKSHOP
Promotes Zero-Emission Practices
Bahama cassia and sulphurs
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Pick Preserve Perfect Outdoor Classroom for The Sanibel School
A variety of policy and advocacy-based educational programs were presented virtually this year. Topics focused on Sanibel’s water management policy, renewable energy, the Everglades Agricultural Area, and Everglades restoration to give participants background and up-to-date information about these subjects. In addition, as COVID restrictions eased, SCCF presented an in-person sustainable land care workshop designed for landscapers that focused on how lawncare providers can transition to zero-emissions equipment. Presenters included representatives from equipment manufacturers as well as the American Green Zone Alliance, which certifies areas where routine grounds maintenance is performed with low-impact equipment and people-powered tools.
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Fiscal Responsibility and Membership Support
Events Wines in the Wild: HomeINstead
World
Guests enjoyed Wines in the Wild from “HomeINstead” this year, as Tom and Linda Uhler, volunteer event organizers, pivoted to pull off an enjoyable experience for all. SCCF hosts Wines in the Wild every November when guests normally stroll under the stars among stations offering fine wine and gourmet small plate pairings on the grounds of the historic Bailey Homestead Preserve.
Linda and Nick Linsmayer offered a generous challenge grant to fund the ongoing research work of SCCF’s sea turtle program. Attendees enjoyed an engaging program by Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan and cool treats donated by The Shack of Sanibel, which is generously donating 25 percent of the proceeds from its “sea turtle inspired” custard.
Sea Turtle Day Event
McCarthy
Lecture: Kathryn Sullivan During the 3rd Annual Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture, insights from “the most vertical person on Earth,” former astronaut and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Under Secretary and Administrator Kathryn D. Sullivan, Ph.D., sparked intrigue into the exploration of our planet.
Nov. 12: Wines in the Wild Nov. 13-14: SCCF Tennis Tournament Dec. 7: SCCF Annual Meeting March 19: The event formerly known as Octifest on the Beach March 25: SCCF Volunteer Party April 16: Beer in the Bushes, SCCF signature fundraising event
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Operating Income 6/30/2021 Operating Contributions Annual Fund Drive (AFD) $1,141,695 Major Gifts $520,101 Grant Income $246,209 Education Income Programs $5,191 Tuition $249,704 Retail Income $164,904 Contract Services $93,886 Special Events Income $164,377 Miscellaneous Unbudgeted Income $48,849 Memorials/Bequests $309,284 Endowment Fund Support* $284,605 Program Income** $560,922 Total $3,789,728 NOTE * 4.5% of the average value for the last 12 quarters. ** Designated Program Area contributions. *** Designated Funds and Grant Income are carried forward to the next fiscal year as project expense continues.
Volunteers FY 20-21
SAVE the DATE
Feb. 4: Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture
Operating Financial Statement July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021
Virtual Annual Meeting The SCCF Annual Meeting went virtual this year, as the Board of Trustees inducted three new members and said thank you to outgoing Trustees.
Individuals Administrative 4 Board & Committees 29 Coastal Watch 35 Hammerheads (Carpenters) 8 Marine Lab 7 Native Landscape & Garden Center 10 Sea Turtle Conservation 77 Shorebird Monitoring 9 Special Events 15 Terrestrial Turtle Conservation 18 Trail Blazers 6 Weeds & Seeds 3 Wildlife & Habitat Management 4 FY 20-21 TOTAL
Hours 589 1128 558 2538 410 554.5 4195 317 360 261 144 806 46
225 11,906.5
Operating Expense Salary & Benefits General Operations Physical Plant/Land Propety/Liability Insurance Grant Expense Public Relations/Fundraising Education Expense Retail Expense
6/30/2021 $2,330,032 $508,575 $175,961 $242,545 $91,313 $222,562 $52,596 $70,919
Special Events Expense Miscellaneous Expense Memorials/Bequests Expense
$9,199 $11,867 $-
Carry forward to FY2021-2022*** $74,158 Total $3,789,728
Legacy Society We are grateful to all the Legacy Society members who have made planned gifts and bequests to support the SCCF endowment funds. If you have remembered SCCF in your estate planning, please let us know so we may thank you now for the gift you have planned to make in the future. Because the December 2020 Annual Membership Meeting was held virtually, we felt we should wait to properly recognize new Legacy Society members Dean and Mayri Caple until we could all be together again. The Caples will be recognized for induction at our upcoming Annual Membership Meeting on December 7, 2021. To pursue your own induction that evening, please contact Development Director Cheryl Giattini at 239-822-6121 or cgiattini@sccf.org to learn more.
Members & Supporters
SCCF gratefully recognizes the 6,563 individuals who agreed to stand and be counted as members and supporters during FY2020-2021. We hope reading this annual report will motivate all our valued members to renew their places in the SCCF family for the coming year! ANNUAL REPORT FY2020-2021 | 17
Donor Recognition
I
n the interest of devoting more annual report space to coverage of the work our members support, we are changing the way we recognize our valued donors who made gifts during FY2020-2021. The donors who made more significant gifts—whether to our Annual Fund Drive, Periwinkle Wetlands land campaign, or other funding appeals across all our program areas—are recognized here.
The entire list of much-appreciated supporters can be found by following this QR code or visiting sccf.org. All your generous gifts made it possible for SCCF to maintain cash flow, balance our operating budget, demonstrate matching funds for public-sector grant proposals, and move forward on truly exciting and important initiatives.
Thanks to all the individuals, families, and businesses in the SCCF family who have helped to support our mission with your gifts of time, talent, and treasure!
Mark and Molly Valade
Barbara and Tom Dunham
Allison Havill Todd
Philip and Roberta Puschel
Dehmlow Family Fund
Anonymous
Nancy Dehmlow
Fred and Alice Stanback
Gretchen Banks
Jackie and Roy Sweeney Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Jim and Gaye Pigott
Anne Nobles and David Johnson
Estate of Iona Lakus Jim and Elizabeth Birmingham Anonymous
The Vince Family Robin and Liselotte Vince The Hendry Family Foundation Amy and Rob Parish Joan and Bill Grabe James and Vedna Welch Foundation Deborah La Gorce Blake and Jan Devitt Strada Education Network
Jill and Dan McCormack Wescustogo Foundation
Jackie Sweeney Boler Family Foundation Mary Jo Boler The Haas Family
Robert and Elizabeth Nanovic
Bill and Jeanie Haas
Harry and Betty Taif Common Trust Pfeifer Realty Group Mary Ellen and Eric Pfeifer Leah and Doug Beck Al and Sally Hanser Bill and Ruth Brooks L.A.T. Foundation Lee Anne Tauck Bruning Foundation
Shipley Foundation, Inc. Richard and Feyza Shipley Estate of Tom Pick Sue Pick Todd and Barbara Bluedorn Susan and Cliff Beittel Middendorf Family Foundation Frank and Pat Middendorf AWC Family Foundation David and Mika Filkins
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Barbara and William Millar Cathy Linnemann Joan and Donald Sherman The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Inc. Mike and Cannella Mullins Dave and Ellen Raisbeck Rice Family Fund Don and Joyce Rice Wayne and Linda Boyd Anonymous Patricia Smith Wilmeth of the Fund Greater Milwaukee Foundation Steph and Kim Wilmeth Miller Sally Wilmeth and Terry Geurkink Madison Community Foundation Samuel Powers and Kelly Smith-Powers Evelyn Rose and Jonathan Silverman Todd and Leanne Marcum Southwest Florida Community Foundation Dustyn Corace Bank Of The Islands
Charles and Linda Adams Howell-Adams Family Foundation Jane and Don Adams John and Nancy Ake Anonymous Shane Antalick Photography and Marketing Paul G. Arpin Charitable Trust Michael and Christine Attardo Gregory Balestrero and Frances Higgins Jeffrey P. Beale Edgar and Kathryn Beyn Helen Bickell Gene and Lynne Blanc Lynn and Jacqueline Boynton Keith N. Browning Family Foundation Keith and Pamela Browning Anthony Brunsing Bill and Tory Burch Steven and Gail Burke Vibeke and Gustav Christensen Rick and Lisa Chubb Scott and Dana Crater Robert Debolt Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Jim and Dulce Doss Hans and Leslie Fleischner Janet Frane Ted Gasteyer Alice and Richard Godfrey Mason and Janie Goss Porter and Mariel Goss Shelley and Bill Greggs Sandy Gross and John Hutton
Rod and Gerry Verblaauw Nik and Elissa Khakee Sehgal Family Foundation Suri and Edda Sehgal Paul and Lucy Roth John and Linda Wulff Wimmer Brothers Realty, Inc. Mark and Debbie Wimmer National Christian Foundation Scott and Amanda Dinger Linda and Tom Uhler Jay and Cindy Brown Chip and Nancy Roach David and Brenda Bass Linda and Nick Linsmayer Stan and Connie Grayson The Wilshire Charitable Foundation Andria and Paul Heafy Butler Family Foundation Alfonso Barroso Capitol Group Foundation Doug and Sherry Gentry
Bill and Jo Guenzel Pat Harig James D. Harvey Katherine Hauser Edward and Ellinor Hayward Jeff Hayward and Madeline Etkin The Hedden Family Foundation Jeff Hedden Mark and Richie Heiman Susan and George Heisler Scott and Yuka Hendershot Gwenda Hiett-Clements Robert Petty and Carol Hitselberger Jocarno Fund Jensen's On The Gulf Jensen's Twin Palm Resort and Marina Bailey's General Store The Johnson Family HRK Foundation Arthur Kaemmer Tiffani Kaliko and John Silvia Michael and Donna Kaplowitz Sonya Keene and John Moy Mike Kelly John and Wendy Kindig SEBA Foundation Steve King and Sam Boren King Robin Kirk Stephanie Koven Aimee La Gorce-Jeans Peter and Ann Lambertus Lawson Family Charitable Foundation John and Sue Lawson
Tom and Merni Libonate John MacLennan The Mariel Foundation Anne H. Magoun Mancheski Foundation, Inc. Fred and Judith Mancheski Mark and Julie Marinello McCallion & McCallion Real Estate Jim and Susan McCallion Antonette and Bruce McDonald Douglas McLemore Harold and Shirley Miller Tom and Pam Miller John and Kay Morse Ronald Mycock and Lynn Bernard Robert Owens David and Ellen Petrick Thomas Piraino and Barbara McWilliams Dan and Pam Prevo John and Joleen Raho Kay Redmond Lamson and Sally Rheinfrank Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Hiram Rogers and Jean Gauger Don and Nancy Rolley Peter and Peggy Rosenblum Doug and Kris Ryckman Donna Salsburey Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Sanibel Captiva Trust Company Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society Karen and Bill Sartoris
J.S. Plank and D.M. DiCarlo Family Foundation, Inc. Dana DiCarlo Gwendolyn McCullen Trust Mark and Larkin Hammond Howard and Brenda Sheridan Ann Dempsey Mike and Debbie Szymanczyk Charles and Sue Turner Robin Krivanek Bette Harig Fran Cameron Nathalie and Richard Pyle Bill Riley and Susan Forster Dennis Rupert and Karen Johnson Brad and Shelli Stanback Solstice Charitable Foundation Christie Allen Jack McCarthy; Micheal and Maryellen McCarthy; Jack and Maureen Ghublikian; Cathy McCarthy Jeanette Mihaly Lorraine Winpenny
Shirley Schlossman Peter and Chris Schluter Laurence Schmukler and Mariana Pardo Jodi Schwartzel Laura and Shawn Shaffer Barbara Shane Jane and Buzz Shepard Skinner Family Fund of the Door County Community Foundation, Inc. Twin Lakes Charitable Fund Superior Title Services Kyle and Christine Szymanczyk Breese Tomick Susan Turner Uhler and Vertich Financial Planners Bob and Betty Van Tassel William and Ann Vanderbilt Bill and Judy Walter Ed Wheeler and Anne Haslem Thomas and Carla White Tommy and Trudy Williams Jim and Linda Winn Susan Miles Yeckel A Component Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Bill and Patty Zimmerman Ari Zweiman and Ashley Timmer
Bill and Margie Abraham Stephen and Ellen Baugh Laura DeBruce and Jeffrey Blackman Robert and Dixie Bowden John and Debra Bullock Doug and Robin Cook Ralph and Billye Curtis The Daley Family Patrick and Kathryn Daley Mary Duchi Walter and Mary Emily Gross Peter Haffenreffer and Mallory Marshall Wade and Tracy Harrison III Dorothy Lichtenstein Gene and Linda Massey Virginia McKay and Richard Henry Carol McNaughton Beebe Bruce and Evelyn Neill Network for Good Bob and Mary Ellen Paulson James Pick and Rosalyn Laudati Geoff and Robbie Roepstorff John and Karen Ryan Sargent Family Foundation Cynthia Sargent Linda Scherer James Schubert Timothy and Judith Sear Staritch Foundation, Inc. John and Bonnie Strand Nanelle Wehmann Sharon and Donald Welch Wendy West Phil and Tina Weyman
HOW YOU CAN HELP Please become a member or renew your membership by using ANNUAL REPORT the enclosed envelope orFY2020-2021 donating at www.sccf.org.
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Memorial Donations
Len Clements Lisa and Doug Walston
Dr. George Irwin, Jr. Kathy and Carter Barger Sara and Stan Hoover Jan and Michael Johnson Patricia and Hoy McConnell Robert and Mary Williams Thomas Wilson
Gary Cole Edward and Lynn Neal Karen Walker
Dave Jensen Marc and Cheryl Giattini Rae Ann Wessel
Dawn Coleman Phyllis Kilby
Louise Johnson Steve and Karena Johnson
Ann Bair Lanny Reddick Dr. Christina Barklley Julianne Kirkpatrick Jane and Frank Bopp Mary and John Hartman
Patricia Rae Crane Joyce Ferfecki Janet Rupert Dick Curtin Nancy Curtin Carl and Emy Dietz Anne Kniskern Ruth Lewis Derrick Sally Ditton Robert Ditton Nancy Dixon Charlie Dixon Dan and Janet Dixon The Donahower Family Linsay Meisner-Jensen Wanda Dubbe Fran Cameron John and Lynne Comings Betty Eertmoed Gary Eertmoed Arnold Frazier Susan Davenport and Gary Internicola Dick Gause Carol and Bill Rosenberg Shawn Giles Darlene Prendergast George Haines David and Ann Packman Frank Hambrick Debbie and Eugene Baker Andrew M. Havill Allison Havill Todd Don Herman and Hartley Kleinberg Suzanne Zoss Ulrich Herter Missy Apmann Jon and Nancy Apmann Konstandina DeMerell John H. and Carolyn T. Hoagland The Mariel Foundation Anne H. Magoun Sidney and Colleen Hughes Gram and Hughes Good Vibes Account Julie Gram and Honore Hughes
Ted Koven Koven Foundation Stephanie Koven Larry and Charlotte Kowitch Louise Kowitch Arthur Mason Stephen and Marion Hall Paul McCarthy Jack McCarthy; Micheal and Maryellen McCarthy; Jack and Maureen Ghublikian; Cathy McCarthy Steve Mihaly John and Nancy Ake Don and Dee Hunter Jeanette Mihaly Ron Moffat Russel and Helen Kirk Rita and Jeff Moffat Donald H. Monroe Steve Adams Margaret Bardin Fred and Gail Brown Dave Gibson Robert and Cherry Monroe Bruce and Evelyn Neill Bruce and Evelyn Neill Janet Tarbox Mary Sue Webb Bill Webb Sheilah Morley Donna Aldrich Ben Bishop Bernice and Tom Bishop Wayne and Linda Boyd Kenneth and Patricia Burow Fran Cameron Gwenda Hiett-Clements Jenny Kraus Jim and Lois Purviance Joan Sperry Tom and Judy Ware Tony Mulinare Anonymous Gayle Nemeth Holli Laone Maria Heeke Olsen Marc and Cheryl Giattini Wendy and Dean Cerdan Arlene Dillon and Dan Wexler
Shelley and Bill Greggs Gwenda Hiett-Clements John and Kay Morse Diane and Leroy Neitzel Anne Nobles and David Johnson Ryan Orgera and Alicia Tighe Geoff and Robbie Roepstorff Linda and Tom Uhler George Peters Mike and Lynn Asensio Baker Hostetler (Reynoldsburg office) Baker Hostetler (Columbus office) Patricia Conard Birk Deborah Boiarsky Chesapeake Utilities Family Suzie and Bryan Gunn Deborah KennedyCaranna and Charles Caranna Teresa Krebs Barney and Carol Lentz Ray Malone Patrick Muldowney Lynda and Stephen Nacht Terri Donlin Huesman Scott Pearson Plantation Village Edward Ptaszek George, Joe and Mary Schein Paul Schmidt Mark Senff Linda and Kevine Shaughnessy Jeff and Lisa Troike Michelle Acciavatti, Dean Nicholas, and Tom Van Hollebeke and Tom Van Hollebeke Gary Wadman Laura and Todd Wedekind Alec and Kathy Wightman Leigh Ann Wilson Tom Pick Judith Adler Patti and Jay Bach Janice Block Chaddock and Ron Chaddock Lynn and Richard Braman Barbara and Ivan Burgess Nancy Clark Salvatore and Michelle Cottone Peter and Sue Danford Judy and Bruce Eissner Jill Miller Lisa Marks Fisher and Holland Brad Fisher Peter and Ginny Foreman Doug and Linda Garde Marc and Cheryl Giattini Stan and Connie Grayson Eugene Halladay E. Franklin Hirsch Caryl Lasko
20 | SCCF — SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
Peppy Linden Joan Lipsig Richard and Barbara Miller Joseph Moore Linda Mui Les Novitsky Martin and Enid Packard Dr. James B. Pick and Dr. Rosalyn M. Laudati Richard and Pamela Schlosberg Peggy and Jim Swartchild Sandra Teger Debra Walters William Warshaur Roberta Washlow Jeffry Wineman Ms. Liz Wolf Dianne Yonkers Helen Plunkett Margaret and Brooks Robbins Denny Rees Beth and Mark Rees Carol Rothman Armand and Beverly Ball Dana and Bill Bennett Raymond Dandeneau Hope and Strati Demertzis Lee Demertzis Brenda Fodor John and Debbie Friedlund Birgit Miller Rebecca Moss Amelia Samples Cheryl and Jim Samples Dee Serage-Century Amanda Accamando Tom and Mimi Adams Donna Aldrich Red and Kristie Anders Mark Andrews Sara and Marc Aune Susan and Cliff Beittel Karen Bell Landmark Design of Sanibel Mike Billheimer and Mary Ann Williams Blue Coyote Business and Social Club LLC Todd and Barbara Bluedorn Jaye and Bill Boswell Kathy Boyd Wayne and Linda Boyd Bill and Ruth Brooks Dick Brown Drs. Kelton and Betsy Burbank Bill and Tory Burch Kate and Elan Bush Fran Cameron Denise and Andrew Carnell Wendy and Dean Cerdan Karen Clarke and Barbara Bolt Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Barbara and Tom Cooley George and Jackie Cooper
Nancy Curtin Ralph and Billye Curtis Holly Davies Carolyn DeCoster Arlene and Michael Doran Lynda Dunham Linda Estep Anita Force Marshall and Bob Marshall Bill and Kathy Fox Chris and Kristin French Walter and Methel Gale Doug and Sherry Gentry Carol Gestwicki June Getford Marc and Cheryl Giattini Ron and Phyllis Gibson Phyllis Gresham Alyce and Kim Hager Mark and Larkin Hammond Bette Harig Pat Harig Charles and Marilyn Hart Barbara Lensing and Peter Herlich Kim Herres Gwenda Hiett-Clements Doug Hinshaw and Sue Roediger Jeff Holck Janie Howland Gina, John and Johnny Jensen Gini Jones Wally Kain Barbara Kallman Mike Kelly Dan and Liz Kennedy Robin Kirk James and Vedna Welch Foundation Deborah La Gorce Pam Leskowyak Darla Letourneau Erick and Ellen Lindblad Barbara Linstrom John MacLennan Janice Manley Richard Mark and Ellis Robinson Howard and Judith Mayer Caryn Hodes and Ed McClure Dana Mehlig Elizabeth Modys Melanie Moraga John and Kay Morse Becky Mulka Diane and Leroy Neitzel Jerry and Sharon Nelson Amy Nowacki Robert and Nancy Orr Marjorie and Joe Pacheco Martin and Enid Packard Patricia Smith Wilmeth of the Fund Greater Milwaukee Foundation Helmut and Ilona Peters David and Ellen Petrick Cindy and Kevin Pierce Douglas and Susan Potts Nathalie and Richard Pyle Nancy Riley and Michael Galloway Kathryn Ringland
Chip and Nancy Roach Geoff and Robbie Roepstorff Joan and Bruce Rogers Carol and Bill Rosenberg Paul and Lucy Roth Sanibel Captiva Trust Company Inge Santos Peter and Chris Schluter John and Donna Schubert Shirley Schulz Candy Scothorn Renny Severance Rick and Amelia Siders Nancy and Steve Siegel Patricia Slater Lynne and Jerry Stern Diane and Bob Stocks Ellen Strobel Ty and Jan Symroski Maureen and Mark Tesoro Jack Thomas Paul and Rachel Tritaik Mark Twombly and Susie Holly Linda and Tom Uhler Rae Ann Wessel Michele and Valerie Whalen and Summer Michele and Valerie Whalen and Summer Susan and Brian White Thomas and Lena Williams Debbie Williamson Patricia Smith Wilmeth Fund Greater Milwaukee Foundation Sally Wilmeth and Terry Geurkink Patricia Wilson Patricia Zapf Martha Siders Rick and Amelia Siders Stanley Smith Barbara Heady Stephanie Smith Craig and Karen McCowen Shelby Steen Lance and Mina Steen Tom Stoel Carol Stoel Kent Tarrier Jane Mason Dan Valentine Ada Shissler Kari N. Wagner Gary and Nancy Wagner Terry Webb Bobbie Banach
Board of Trustees & Staff
— FY2020-2021
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Don Rice, President Deborah La Gorce, Vice President Susan Beittel, Treasurer Ran Niehoff, Secretary
Sandy Gross Nik Khakee Tom Libonate Jill McCormack Anne Nobles Dick Pyle
John Raho Chip Roach Laura Shaffer Ty Symroski Christine Szymanczyk
STAFF ADMINISTRATIVE Ryan Orgera, Ph.D., CEO Wendy Cerdan, CFO & Director of Operations Cheryl Giattini, Development Director Barbara Linstrom, Communications Director Jeff Siwicke, Facilities & Events Manager Ashley Graham, Grants & Operations Manager Karen Nelson, Communications Consultant Doug Cook, Designer Cathy Chestnut, Editor Justin Proctor, Special Projects Manager COASTAL WILDLIFE Kelly Sloan, Director Audrey Albrecht, Coastal Wildlife Manager/ Shorebird Biologist Jack Brzoza, Sea Turtle Biologist Andrew Glinsky, Research Associate Courtney King, Sea Turtle Technician Megan Reed, Sea Turtle Technician Interns: Malina Barker, Hollis Hatfield, Taylor Lawrence, Emily Skinner, Sabrina Sorace, and Aaron White ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY James Evans, Director Leah Reidenbach, Research & Policy Associate Holly Schwartz, Policy Associate Paul Julian, Ph.D., Hydrologic Modeler Intern: Luke Miller MARINE LABORATORY Eric Milbrandt, Ph.D., Director Richard Bartleson, Ph.D., Research Scientist A.J. Martignette, Lab Manager Sierra Greene, Research Assistant Leah Reidenbach, Research Associate Mark Thompson, Research Associate Interns: Jivan Khakee and Joseph Young
NATIVE LANDSCAPES & GARDEN CENTER Jenny Evans, Native Landscapes & Adult Education Director Becca Grotrian, Garden Center Manager Emily Harrington, Horticulturist Em Hayes, Grower Sue Ramos, Customer Relations Interns: Sriram Narasimhan, Adam Tardif, Glorimar Rivera Zamorano SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL Nicole Finnicum, Director Shannon Stainken, Education Programs Manager Christina Gould, Office Manger Kealy McNeal, Conservation Initiative Coordinator & Marine Science Educator Dana Donkle, Marine Science Educator Joey Garofano, Marine Science Educator Brianna Machuga, Marine Science Educator Intern: Kim Bouwkamp WILDLIFE & HABITAT MANAGEMENT Chris Lechowicz, Director/Herpetologist Victor Young, Conservation Land Steward Dustin Lucas, Field Technician Mike Mills, Wildlife Technician Interns: Juliana Koller and Kaity Seitz
Publication of this annual report was generously underwritten by:
“As the oldest locally owned and managed community bank in Lee County and on the islands, Bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank cares deeply about the natural beauty we all value in Southwest Florida. Now more than ever, it is a great comfort to know SCCF stands strong in its environmental stewardship for the place we call home. For more than five decades, SCCF has been a leader in fighting to keep Sanibel, Captiva, and this entire region so special. We are honored to be one of their partners in making that happen.” Geoffrey Roepstorff CEO, Bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION P.O. Box 839, Sanibel, FL 33957 | (239) 472-2329 | www.sccf.org | info@sccf.org