Sanibel Passage Receives Zoning Approval |
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James Evans addressing Lee County Board of County Commissioners |
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The Lee County Board of Commissioners approved the Sanibel Passage zoning deviation request on Oct. 6 at its planning and zoning meeting. The zoning approval was for a deviation in the number of entrances/exits required on the development site. The general development zoning request had been approved in 2006. Since the development will impact the surrounding wetlands, SCCF, the City of Sanibel, and others spoke in opposition to the project and stressed the importance of coastal wetlands.
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"Beach Glass Kaleidoscope" by Ray Yarema |
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Call to Artists: “Native in the Gardens” Exhibit Returns
SCCF and the Sanibel-Captiva Art League are teaming up again for an outdoor art exhibit at SCCF’s Bailey Homestead Preserve. Artists are encouraged to create unique works of art that represent SCCF’s mission. The selected weather-resistant artwork will be displayed throughout the native demonstration gardens at Bailey Homestead from Nov. 1 through March 31. Initial entry drop-off is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 25, 9am-11am, at the Bailey Homestead (1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel). There is no entry fee.
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A green sea turtle hatchling |
Volunteer Kayla Wooldridge collected 250 gallons of trash on her own on the causeway! |
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Sea Turtle Hatchlings: 46,726 and Counting
As we near the end of sea turtle season, the number of nests incubating on the beach continue to dwindle, with only five nests yet to hatch. Although the season isn’t over quite yet, we are confident that it will continue to be a productive season, as 46,726 hatchlings have already emerged to date. Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests have experienced an especially high hatch rate of almost 74.5 percent, with 1,581 hatchlings of this less common species emerging so far this year and three nests still remaining.
While our sea turtle nests will continue to incubate into November, Sept. 30 marked the official last day of nesting season, signifying the end of the required monitoring for both the Captiva Island Beach Renourishment Project and the Causeway Island Stabilization Project. There have been 5,395 hatchlings from relocated nests to date. Seven volunteers conducted 125 surveys on the Causeway Islands to ensure there was no sea turtle nesting activity leading up to the project start date and collected an impressive 359 gallons of trash in the process!
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Get in the Game: 29th Annual Tennis Tournament
SCCF is partnering with Beachview Tennis and Grampy’s Charities for the annual fundraising tennis tournament that has become a “hit” with competitive island tennis players who also enjoy supporting SCCF. Categories: 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles. Winners and runners-up will receive wine glasses etched by artist and tournament foundation Luc Century. All players receive T-shirts and breakfast and lunch. The entry fee is $75 per day or $125 for both days of play. The registration deadline for player entry is Wednesday, Nov. 10. Download the registration form today and return to Beachview Tennis: SCCF Tennis Tournament Registration Form
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SCCF Marine Lab Research Assistant Sierra Greene dives down with the recorder and secures it to a RECON piling. |
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Mote-SCCF Collaboration on Underwater Acoustic Research
James Locascio, Ph.D., of Mote Marine Laboratory and the SCCF Marine Lab recently deployed two passive acoustic recorders at SCCF’s RECON (River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network) stations at McIntyre Creek and Shell Point. These systems record ambient sounds across a broad frequency range at programmed time intervals and can be useful tools in gauging environmental changes in the Caloosahatchee system and estuary.
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Sanibel Sea School Benefits from Landscape Redesign
This summer, the SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center gave a landscaping facelift to the entry area of the Sanibel Sea School’s main building with a diversity of drought-tolerant species. The rich array of new plants provides a wide range of benefits: They require less maintenance and are slower growing and more appropriately sized for the space were planted. READ MORE
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Cape Coral Strengthens Fertilizer Ordinance
On Oct. 6, the Cape Coral City Council voted unanimously to adopt changes to the city’s fertilizer ordinance designed to protect and improve water quality in Southwest Florida. With its 400 miles of canals and extensive waterfront development, the City of Cape Coral took an important step towards protecting local water quality by asking residents and businesses to further limit the use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers applied to the landscape. READ MORE
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The Fall Nuisance: Balsam Apple
In late summer and early fall, the balsam apple (Momordica charantia) puts on show in Southwest Florida as the exotic vine with bright orange fruit climbs to the tops of shrubs and small trees. The soft leaves, containing five (maple leaf-shaped) lobes, can cover an entire landscaped or natural area if left unchecked. Its orange, melon-like seed case contains a concoction of gooey liquid and bright, red seeds that quickly attracts your eyes. At first glance, the fruit may resemble a delicious ripe berry or cherry filling inside, but the vivid coloration also hints at danger.
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Save the Dates: 2021-22 Pine Island Sounds
Join SCCF and Captiva Cruises for a new on-the-water fundraising concert series that mixes music, dining, and sunset views while afloat on Pine Island Sound. Four Pine Island Sounds cruises are planned. Save the date for Sunday, Nov. 7.
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After School Seining Begins at Sanibel Sea School
Starting on Tuesday, Oct. 12, Sanibel Sea School will begin offering After School Seining courses each Tuesday for four consecutive weeks. Taking inspiration from the native Calusa, marine science educators teach students how to use seine nets in different environments around Sanibel. In addition to scientific exploration, seining is a lesson in teamwork and communication. READ MORE
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Meet the Intern: Emily Backman
Florida Gulf Coast University environmental science graduate student Emily Backman has been interning at the SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center since July. Her graduate thesis is focused on the application of native species in landscaping, specifically using native grass species around waterways. Backman, who lives in Estero, is interning through January. Through her experience, she says, “I especially appreciate the chance to develop practical experience both in horticulture and good business practices.”
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Wildlife Photos to Share
Thanks to Shane Antalick for sending in this photo of a sea turtle hatchling.
DO YOU HAVE WILDLIFE PHOTOS TO SHARE?
Please send your photos to info@sccf.org to be featured in an upcoming issue.
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