Clean Up the Caloosahatchee - Conservancy of Southwest Florida

INSIDE
Wants
8 Florida
Clean Water.
Summer 2012
t o
a l l
Storm Debby
13 Tropical
Devastates Area Turtle
Update
t h o s e
Still Hope
for Sea
Turtles.
Act today!
Hopes for one of the best nesting seasons in more than 20 years
were quickly washed away by
Tropical Storm Debby. Sixty percent of local sea turtle nests were
lost and along with it, the loss and
destruction of some Conservancy
equipment vital to research and
protection of sea turtles. (See
story on page 13.)
With your support, we can
meet our goal to raise $35,000
by September 30, 2012. We are
two-thirds of the way there, but
need your help to ensure our 30
years of sea turtle research continues to help the survival of the
species. Visit www.conservancy.
org/helpturtles to donate today.
A donation of $50 or more will
provide you with a complimentary
invitation to celebrate the arrival of
our new juvenile loggerhead sea
turtle when
she enters
her new
5,000 gallon
tank in the
new Dalton
Discovery
Center
scheduled
to open later
this year.
T.S. Debby
eroded this
nest away and
exposed the
eggs.
w h o
c a r e
a b o u t
Investment.
p r o t e c t i n g
o u r
Nests
q u a l i t y
o f
l i f e .
Clean Up the
Caloosahatchee
Lawsuit filed to prevent nauseating algae outbreaks
which are ruining the river, drinking water plant,
human health and quality of life.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
D e d i c at e d
We Grow:
10 Here
Nature Center
Slimed Caloosahatchee River from Alva bridge.
The Caloosahatchee River –
officially designated as a public
drinking water source – has been
covered with slimy green algae
outbreaks eight of the past eleven
years, including an outbreak in midJuly.
On July 23, 2012, Earthjustice
filed suit in federal court against
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
on behalf of the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida and two other
environmental partners. The suit
was filed against the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers for repeatedly
violating water protection laws
and cutting off the river’s water
supply causing the Caloosahatchee’s
problems. The Corps operates
three water control structures
which regulate the flow of water
from Lake Okeechobee to the
Caloosahatchee estuary at the Gulf
of Mexico. Instead of providing
the Caloosahatchee with the flow
it needs to stay healthy, the Corps
diverts water to irrigate 500,000
acres of sugar cane fields south of
Lake Okeechobee. The river is too
often left stagnant and polluted.
The algae releases a nauseating
smell, causes respiratory problems
and massive fish kills, and harms
many wild species. The Glades,
Hendry, and Lee County public
health departments have had
to issue multiple public health
SEE CLEAN, page 15.
Message from
the President
directors
Chairman
Robert L. Heidrick
Vice Chairman
Andrew D.W. Hill
President & CEO
Andrew McElwaine
Treasurer
George Gibson
Secretary
Sue Dalton
BOARD of directors
Dawn Allyn
Dennis C. Brown
Joseph R. Catti
Ted Corbin
Paul Corddry
John D. Fumagalli
Thomas R. Gibson
John Hall
Lois Kelley
Kenneth Krier
Lisa Merritt
Jane Pearsall
Patsy Schroeder
Lynne Shotwell
Lynn Slabaugh
Jeannie M. Smith
Anne Drackett Thomas
Jay Tompkins
Tucker Tyler
Nancy G. White
Gene Windfeldt
Ian Wright
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
Dick Brewer
We welcome comments and suggestions
from readers and ideas for future issues.
Please send feedback to
info@conservancy.org or mail your input:
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
1450 Merrihue Drive, Naples, FL 34102
INFORMATION
Conservancy Information
239.262.0304
info@conservancy.org
Wildlife Clinic
239.262.CARE (2273)
Membership Information
239.403.4207
Volunteer Information
239.403.4212
www.conservancy.org
2
I am often asked, “When will you open the new
Conservancy Nature Center?” As one of our closest friends and supporters, I know you are even
Andrew McElwaine
more curious. For those of you who did not have a
chance to read my recent email, please let me share
with you where we are in the process of this $20 million undertaking.
Instead of using traditional and costly energy methods, we are utilizing
breakthrough technologies such as geothermal, solar, and energy management systems. If we had not tried to be a model of stewardship and
sustainability, we most likely would have completed many buildings by
now. The recent good news is that the geothermal energy units are now
installed and working. We are the first facility in all of southwest Florida
to power its heating and air conditioning entirely from groundwater. The
cost savings are immense, but more importantly, it’s a demonstration
project that I hope will inspire more organizations to make the switch.
Reaching this milestone lays the groundwork for moving on with finishing touches and scheduling inspections in the von Arx Wildlife Hospital,
Dalton Discovery Center and the Allyn Family Lagoon and Boat Docks.
With inspection dates at the mercy of multiple government agencies, I
cannot share specific opening dates with you. However, you will be notified immediately via email - and website updates at www.conservancy.org
- as soon as we are ready to open the first phase of our Nature Center
transformation.
Because we are adding new animals to the Dalton Discovery Center –
125 in all, including a juvenile loggerhead sea turtle – the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Commission will have to approve the facility on top of the
standard fire and County inspections. The von Arx Wildlife Hospital will
need to undergo State Board of Veterinary Medicine inspections. (The
old Wildlife Clinic did not require this inspection as we did not perform
surgery or have a full time veterinarian.) To ensure the well-being of our
wildlife patients, the move into the new Hospital will require juggling
multiple equipment deliveries.
We could have avoided additional regulation by slashing the number
of animals on display in the Dalton Discovery Center, or by continuing to
haul injured wildlife off-site for surgery instead of planning for it in the
von Arx Wildlife Hospital. In the end, we decided the extra effort was
worth the wait and the expense. When you see what we’ve accomplished,
I hope you’ll agree.
Best,
P.S. Reminder – please review photos
of the progress of Nature Center
renovations at www.conservancy.org.
Also, see page 10 in this newsletter.
Development
Celebrating
Sudie
MemberShip
Rewards!
A story of generosity
and generational giving
from the Geiers.
Growing up in families that supported charitable organizations, Sudie
Geier and her late husband Phil continued a tradition of inter-generational giving, starting in their hometown
of Cincinnati where they raised their
four children.
“Giving back and supporting the
community is just what we’ve always
done as a family,” says Sudie. Her
husband Phil encouraged her to
become one of the first Conservancy
of Southwest Florida volunteers.
Sudie continued to donate her time
and talent as a Conservancy board
member and as a cabinet member of
the Conservancy “Saving Southwest
Florida” Capital Campaign. As a cabinet member, Sudie was instrumental
in helping to meet the $38.8 million
goal through her guidance and engaging others to get involved.
“We could not think of a better gift
than to support the causes that
matter to her most .”
- Edward Geier
“When we became seasonal residents of Naples and involved ourselves with the Conservancy, our
children would come to visit and ask,
‘Mom, can’t we do something too?’”
For her 80th birthday, Sudie’s children presented a statue of an eagle
to the Conservancy first to honor
their mother’s passion and commitment to supporting the mission
and then especially to honor the
volunteers she so strongly admired
and supported. A few years later,
her children honored their mother’s
birthday by providing funding to sup-
Conservancy members will be
the first to experience the newly
renovated Nature Center, plus:
Kelly Sowers, Sudie Geier and Rob
Moher.
port sea turtle care. Then, in celebration of Sudie’s 89th birthday this year,
they made a gift to help support the
“Sandy Beach” gallery within the new
Dalton Discovery Center.
“We could think of no better gift
than to support the causes that matter to her most,” said her son, Edward
Geier. “She’s always encouraging others to get involved. We hope her story
and our gifts will inspire others to support the Conservancy as well.”
Although her four children live in
other states, they recognize their
mother’s passion for the Conservancy
and its mission.
“I can remember when the original
‘museum building’ at the Conservancy
was built. To witness the Conservancy
grow its physical presence from the
ground up twice is thrilling,” says
Sudie. “Even more rewarding, I’ve
seen firsthand how the Conservancy
works to improve the five-county
region by caring for injured wildlife,
influencing policy to protect our environment and educating visitors and
the community. And it has been especially rewarding to have my children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren
grow their involvement as well.”
Andrew McElwaine, Conservancy
president, applauded the Geiers for
their great contributions of time, talent and treasure. “Multi-generations
of the Geier family have been faithful
supporters, generous donors, and dedicated volunteers. We are so grateful.”
• Free admission to the Nature
Center for one year.
• Save hundreds of dollars on
Conservancy programs and
events.
• Ten percent savings in the
Nature Store.
• Free admission or discounts at
147 nature centers throughout
the U.S. and Canada, including
Mote Marine Aquarium.
Membership upgrades add even
more benefits – such as tours,
special events and advanced
electric boat ride reservations.
Join, renew or upgrade today. Call
239.403.4207 or visit
www.conservancy.org.
Conservancy Naturalist Rachel Minor
holds an Eastern Indigo snake at
Earthday 2012.
Share the NEWS
The Conservancy website now
features social media “share” features
for Twitter, Facebook and email.
When you see something on the
website you like, be sure to “share” it
with your social media friends.
www.conservancy.org
3
Conservancy happenings
Conservancy events
Business Partnership
Clean Water! More Fish!
Arthrex, located right here in
Naples, is a world leader in new
product development and medical education in orthopaedics. The
company has also been recognized
for innovation in philanthropy and
has demonstrated that commitment to the Conservancy in multiple
ways.
Registration is now underway
for the 2012 RedSnook Catch and
Release Charity Tournament!
The RedSnook “kick-off” event
was held at the Shotwell Wavering
Filter Marsh at the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida where invited
guests were treated to some “fish
tales.” Conservancy Research
Manager Dr. Jeff Schmid updated
the group on the juvenile game fish
research which is funded in part by
the RedSnook Tournament.
Conservancy President Andrew
McElwaine explained some of the
water quality challenges being
Arthrex provides multi-faceted support
to Conservancy.
• Arthrex provided a generous
gift to the “Saving Southwest
Florida” Capital Campaign.
• Arthrex hosted a “welcome
back” event for more than
180 Conservancy volunteers.
• A $50,000 environmental
education gift has enabled the
Conservancy to expand their
reach into schools to create
the next generation of environmental leaders.
• The Vet Systems division at
making in so many facets of our
Arthrex is providing muchorganization,” said Conservancy
needed surgical products and
Vice President of Development and
equipment for the new von
Marketing Rob Moher.
Arx Wildlife Hospital.
“arthrex understands our mis“We are proud to support and
sion to protect the quality of
partner with the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida. The organilife in the region and has greatly
zation’s mission aligns well with
enhanced the work that we do on a
Arthrex’s overall commitment to
- Rob Moher
daily basis.”
the health and
well-being of our
community,” said
Kathy Sparrow, vice
president of Human
Resources and a
member of the
Arthrex Charitable
Gifts Committee.
“We are extremely grateful to
Arthrex for their
Arthrex is assisting with critically needed medical equipment
support and the
for the von Arx Wildlife hospital.
impact they are
2012 RedSnook Catch and Release
Tournament slated for November 2 - 4
Tidbits
Celebrating people, places, events of note.
Thank You!
The results are out
and the Conservancy
of Southwest Florida
has been named
the number one
organization again
for environmental
education by the
Naples Daily News “People’s
Choice” awards. The Conservancy
has been a recipient of the Choice
awards for seven years running. Many
thanks to all who voted and helped
support environmental education in the
community.
4
Annual Report
Available on Web
The annual report for fiscal year 2011
is now available on the Conservancy
of Southwest Florida website: www.
conservancy.org/report2011. Read
about the accomplishments of the
Conservancy of Southwest Florida and
those who helped
support the mission.
To preserve our environment and steward
donations wisely, only
a few hard copies
were printed. If you
would like a copy,
please email
info@conservancy.org
Taking Action
In July, over 300 more people signed up to
receive Policy Action Alerts to influence our
decision makers to make the right choices
for our environment and quality of life.
Many thanks to those who signed up and
took action on recent water quality issues!
Get involved!
www.conservancy.org/action
Nelly and Henley Shotwell, Lynne and Chip
Shotwell.
addressed by the Conservancy.
“Numeric nutrients – nitrogen and
phosphate – are choking our waterways, impacting our marine life and
fueling nauseating algae outbreaks
that threaten human health.”
McElwaine continued, “Public
opinion has been largely ignored
as lobbyists and polluters have
blocked clean-up at every turn.
Florida needs quantitative pollution
measures in place and comply with
The Clean Water Act. Your participation in RedSnook helps us to
work to keep our waters clean.”
Dr. Aaron Adams, Director of
Operations for the non-profit
Bonefish and Tarpon Trust and
Senior Scientist at Mote Marine
Laboratory and Aquarium, is the
Honorary Chair for the three-day
event. His pursuit of effective
fisheries and habitat conservation
are rooted in his years growing
up near Chesapeake Bay, when
he witnessed the collapse of the
Bay’s habitats and fisheries. Adams
spends considerable effort translating science and conservation into
fishermen’s terms, has given countless presentations to fishing clubs,
and he is an avid fly angler.
Adams reinforced the importance
of water quality to Florida. “In my
years growing up near Chesapeake
Bay, I witnessed the collapse of
the Bay’s habitats and fisheries.
It’s up to everyone to ensure we
leave clean waters and productive
fisheries to the next generations.
RedSnook helps to provide those
funds for the work that is necessary
to accomplish that.”
Last year the tournament netted more than $110,000 for the
Conservancy and this year the
Tournament Co-Chairs, Lloyd
Liggett and Rhett Robicheaux
expect to exceed that.
Liggett explained, “RedSnook can
be even more successful than last
year if we do three things. First,
make sure you register for the
Tournament. Secondly, introduce a
friend to the Conservancy and the
RedSnook tournament and the kickoff auction. Lastly, help us secure
some terrific auction items!”
“The Tournament slogan, ‘Clean
Water/More Fish,” speaks to the
importance of the Conservancy
work to the angling community,”
explained Robicheaux.
Roland Martin, legendary angler
and television host of the “Fishing
with Roland Martin Show,” will act
as the Honorary Founding Chair of
the three-day tournament.
Teams can register for the tournament at www.conservancy.org/redsnook. For more information, call
239.403.4219.
The event is presented by
The Johnson Meland Group at
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth
Management. Allen Systems Group
is the “Stars and Stripes” sponsor which will allow two teams of
selected veterans to participate in
the Tournament.
The Johnson Meland Group at
Private Wealth Management
A division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
“Stars & Stripes” Sponsor
BETTY MACLEAN TRAVEL, Inc.
“The Adventure Travel Company”
RGM Capital, llc
5
Dennis Goodman
E n v i r o n m e n ta l p o l i c y
EYE
on the ISSUES
Mirasol:
Perseverance
and Tenacity
Decade-Old
Dispute
Resolved
Landmark deal with landowner creates
1,125 acre conservation area.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, along with our partners,
successfully negotiated settlement of a decade-old dispute. The
proposed Mirasol development, located in the southernmost portion of
the Cocohatchee Slough off Immokalee Road (downstream from the
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary) will be redesigned to significantly reduce its
environmental impacts.
• 185 additional acres of environmentally sensitive lands saved.
• Water quality improved by significantly reducing on-site
golf course.
• The smaller development will reduce wetland impacts by
approximately 83 acres.
• A 1,125-acre conservation area will allow natural sheet flow to remain
along the entire length of the slough running through the Mirasol site.
• Approximately 1,000 acres of off-site wetland restoration in the
vicinity of Corkscrew Swamp provided.
Director of Natural Resources Policy Jennifer Hecker commented,
“Because of the resources provided by our donors, the Conservancy has
the wherewithal to maintain its ability to work with landowners over the
long run and preserve our quality of life and environment for generations to
come.”
“This settlement illustrates how the Conservancy provides a return
on the philanthropic investments made by our supporters, particularly
to the ‘Saving Southwest Florida’ campaign,” states Andrew McElwaine,
Conservancy of Southwest Florida president.
6
Your philanthropy at work.
The Mirasol project is a proposed golf
course development in northern Collier
County, adjacent to Corkscrew Swamp
Sanctuary. The wetland area is ecologically important for its endangered woodstork foraging habitat and its importance
to protect our water supplies and provide
flood protection.
The current Mirasol settlement was
made between five conservation groups
and the landowner IM Collier Joint Venture
and developer Taylor Morrison, Inc. In
2010, settlements were made with two
different developers of two adjacent projects, Saturnia Falls and Parklands. All
three developments were originally proposed in 1999.
To ensure all these projects balanced
sustainable growth and economic benefits, the Conservancy and Collier County
Audubon Society, National Wildlife
Federation, Audubon Florida, and Florida
Wildlife Federation have been involved for
almost a decade.
2002 Mirasol granted State permit.
2005 Army Corps of Engineers denies
federal permit based on involvement
from Conservancy and partners.
2007 Army Corps of Engineers grants
revised permit.
2008 Conservancy litigates both permits.
2009 State permit confirmed but federal
permit revoked.
2010 Agreements reached with Saturnia
Falls and Parklands developers.
2011 Slightly revised development
plan granted federal approval.
Conservancy and others prepare for
another round of litigation, but revive
settlement discussions.
2012 Collaborative settlement reached to
protect wetlands and ecological functions.
E n v i r o n m e n ta l p o l i c y
EYE
on the ISSUES
One Document still has
Impact 30 Years Later
Conservancy saves natural lands on Key Marco.
In 1982, the landmark Deltona
Settlement ended years of litigation
between the Deltona Corporation
(Deltona), the developer of Marco
Island, and a number of governmental agencies and environmental organizations, including the
Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
The Settlement required Deltona
to convey a significant area of
mangrove forest to the State for
inclusion within Rookery Bay and
development was transferred to less
environmentally sensitive lands.
In addition, all signatories were
granted oversight on certain aspects
of development within the remaining privately-owned lands. Of the
five environmental signatories, the
Conservancy has been tasked as the
primary watchdog for the past 30
years to ensure that activities within
these lands are consistent with the
terms of the Settlement.
“The key marco agreement is just
one example of how our supporters
have provided us the resources to
protect southwest florida since
1964.” - Conservancy President & CEO
Andrew McElwaine
The residential development of
Key Marco, located on Horr’s Island,
was one of the areas retained by
Deltona for development. However,
the project needed to be compatible with resource protection since
the island contained
a unique assemblage
of native habitat including a mangrove
fringe transitioning
to a mixture of tropical hardwood and
coastal hammocks.
According to
Nicole Johnson,
Conservancy director of governmental
relations, “This ecosystem of mangrove
fringe and tropical
upland habitats has
never been common
in Collier County. It
is a habitat seen more often in the
Florida Keys. This unique upland
habitat was a focal point of protective measures and restrictions
put into place when Key Marco
was developed.” At that time, the
Conservancy was granted a conservation easement for 15 on-site
preserves and oversight authority
over clearing activities on privately
owned lots.
In 2010, the Key Marco
Community Association
(Association) questioned the
validity of our conservation easement and denied the Conservancy
access to the preserves. In turn, the
Conservancy initiated litigation asking a court to uphold our easement.
After months of negotiation,
a settlement has been reached.
According to Conservancy
Key Marco aerial view.
President Andrew McElwaine, “This
settlement will provide recording of
an updated conservation easement.
Additionally, our discussions with
the Association Board during
negotiations have created a new
atmosphere of understanding and
the confidence that we will continue
to enjoy a collaborative working
relationship in the future.”
Settlement with the Association
ensures continued protection of
the unique ecosystem within Key
Marco, which provides habitat for
a diverse array of species, such
as gopher tortoises, bobcats and
Florida tree snails.
McElwaine concluded, “The Key
Marco agreement is just one example of how our supporters have provided us the resources to protect
southwest Florida since 1964.”
7
E n v i r o n m e n ta l e d u c at i o n
E n v i r o n m e n ta l p o l i c y
EYE
on the ISSUES
Hendry Future
Conservancy prevents
unnecessary roads.
Get the message to the Obama Administration…
Florida Wants
Clean Water
Don’t replace the Clean Water Act with
Florida’s “dirty water” rules.
Florida’s waters are being poisoned by nutrient pollution – excess nitrogen
and phosphorus are triggering toxic outbreaks of algae and bacteria. This
pollution is preventable with enforceable quantitative limits on how much
sewage, fertilizer and manure is dumped into our waterways.
However, the industry-friendly Florida Department of Environmental
Protection has drafted a substitute for the Environmental Protection
Agency’s (EPA) water quality rules. This ineffective Florida proposal would
only require pollution control after waters have been severely degraded,
requiring expensive clean up at taxpayer expense.
Now it’s up to the Obama Administration to ensure that the pollution standards set by the EPA under The Clean Water Act are enforced.
Public opinion has been largely ignored as lobbyists and polluting industries have blocked water clean-up at every turn. Obama needs to hear from
you:
“Florida deserves better. Florida wants clean water. Don’t accept
Florida’s “dirty water” rules – support The Clean Water Act pollution
regulations for Florida. Our economy and quality of life depend on it.”
Complete details and how to take action today to contact Obama
are available at www.conservancy.org/action. Please let your voice
be heard TODAY.
8
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida
scored a major victory on June 26, 2012,
settling a 16 month legal challenge with
Hendry County. Several proposed land use
planning policies would have unnecessarily opened up rural agricultural areas and
environmentally sensitive lands to new and
expanded road networks.
According to Conservancy Director of
Governmental Relations, Nicole Johnson,
“The County’s consultants were basing
future road needs on population projection
data generated by private developers and
landowners. An unrealistically inflated rate of
growth and future population led to an erroneous assumption of the amount of additional transportation infrastructure needed
by the County’s planning horizon of 2040.”
The County’s consultants projected
a population in Hendry County of over
150,000 by 2035, whereas professionally
approved population projection numbers
estimated the County’s population to be
approximately 45,000 by 2035.
This discrepancy in estimated population compelled the Conservancy to challenge these policies and negotiate for the
more realistic population projection for the
County’s future Road Needs Map.
Hendry County is basing future transportation needs on this more realistic future
population number. Now, fewer roads
are “needed”, roads have less potential
of encroaching into current rural and
environmentally sensitive lands and
citizens will have a decreased tax
burden since
unnecessary roads
will not be built .
Conservancy Camp
Summer Adventures
The Shotwell Wavering Filter
Marsh at the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida Nature Center
created a unique opportunity for
the Conservancy summer campers
to dive into our own “backyard” to
study freshwater ecosystems and
get a close up look at its inhabitants. Conservancy campers enjoyed
learning how filter marshes provide clean water and how they can
transform into habitat for both wildlife and marine life.
“We took campers to the Shotwell
Wavering Filter Marsh at the
Conservancy Nature Center where
our biologists assisted them in netting exotic fish and creating their
own personal aquatic exhibits,” said
Conservancy Education Manager
David Webb. “This hands-on learning provides our summer campers
with an understanding and appreciation for the environment - and how
they can make a difference for our
water, land, wildlife and future.”
Campers also visited some of
Naples’ beautiful beaches, swamps
and sloughs in search of some
absolutely exciting aquatic ecosystems. Camp participants also
Getting
Ready
Campers carry an injured gopher
tortoise.
experienced life as a junior naturalist, learning how we care for the
amazing animals at the Conservancy
of Southwest Florida and getting a
behind-the-scenes look at the soonto-open von Arx Wildlife Hospital.
This year’s summer camps were
virtually sold out! More than 245
children attended, including scholarship recipients funded by generous supporters of “Fund a Need”
at Magic Under the Mangroves™.
Conservancy camp also attracted
international students from Dubai,
Canada and Europe who are visiting
or live in southwest Florida during
summer.
Conservancy”Sharks” at Mote Marine Laboratory.
A painstaking, deliberate, stepby-step process is underway to
ensure the optimal water quality
and chemistry which will create a
sustainable environment for marine
life in the Dalton Discovery Center.
“Our aquatic habitats in the
Dalton Discovery Center are
regulated by the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation
Commission,” said Conservancy
Education Manager David Webb.
“We’ve moved the moray eel into
its aquarium and are preparing
the sea turtle tank. We’re executing a well-orchestrated move to
acclimate the animals to their new
environment.”
The Conservancy Environmental
Education team is training volunteer docents in an interpretive
delivery method designed to provide an engaging experience for a
diverse audience.
“Volunteer docents will assist
visitors with interpreting exhibits and understanding context,”
said Webb “Walking through the
Discovery Center gave us a good
feel for what the visitor experience will be, allowing us to refine
our program delivery,” said Webb.
“Volunteers play a major role
by sharing their input on space
planning and programming. For
example, a former school principal
is helping us develop curriculum
for field trips. Our volunteers are
vital.”
9
C o n s e r va n c y n at u r e C e n t e r
C o n s e r va n c y n at u r e c e n t e r
Here We Grow!
Dennis Goodman
As part of the successful $38.8 million “Saving Southwest Florida” Campaign,
$20 million is being invested in creating a sustainable Conservancy Nature
Center that will utilize state of the art technologies such as natural water
filtration, geothermal cooling, LED lighting and energy management systems.
Here’s a look at some of the progress made. More photos are available at
conservancy.org/renovations.
Shotwell Wavering
Filter Marsh
A drainage ditch was transformed into the
Shotwell Wavering Filter Marsh to capture
pollutants and create a new wildlife
oasis.
Dalton Discovery Center: The Hastings
Family Southwest florida gallery
Dalton Discovery
Center: Science in
the Wild Exhibit,
gift from Dr. Chris
Papadopoulos
“Saving
Southwest
Florida”
Smith Preserve Way
The new entrance from Goodlette-Frank Road, Smith Preserve Way, was designed to
protect sensitive wildlife habitat.
Shotwell Wavering
Filter Marsh
While $20 million of the “Saving
Southwest Florida” Campaign is
invested in Conservancy Nature
Center renovations, the balance
supports three other important
initiatives:
These summer campers used dip nets in
the Shotwell Wavering Filter Marsh.
Dalton Discovery
Center: Donna and
John hall living
ocean gallery
The Dalton Discovery Center will display over 125 animals, including a loggerhead sea
turtle and feature five unique ecosystems of southwest Florida.
Eaton
Conservation Hall/
Jeannie Meg Smith
Theater
The Delnor Auditorium is changing into Eaton Conservation Hall with the Jeannie Meg
Smith Theater. Installation of the roof is nearing completion.
10
Allyn Family Docks
and Gazebo
The new Allyn Family Docks and Gazebo
offer a fresh space for electric boat rides
and kayak rentals.
Von Arx Wildlife
Hospital
Von Arx Wildlife
Hospital
The 5,000 square foot von Arx Wildlife Hospital will enhance the care for injured, sick
and orphaned native wildlife.
• The purchase of additional
land to provide a “Gateway
to the Conservancy.”
• An endowment strengthening the long term viability of
the organization to attract
talent to support the mission
– such as the endowment
that helps fund an on-site
veterinarian and the Andrew
Family educational partnership with Florida Gulf Coast
University.
• Increased efforts and initiatives to protect our water,
land and wildlife through
policy, education, science
and wildlife rehabilitation.
11
Wildlife Clinic
E n v i r o n m e n ta l S c i e n c e
Behavior Modification
“Patient”
Profiles
The difference between wildlife
intervention and wildlife interruption.
These baby chimney swifts (small,
fast flying birds) lost
their nest during
a storm. All of the
swifts were uninjured and are fed
a specialized insectivore diet every half
hour from dawn until dusk.
Can
Casualty
The raccoon’s foot
was caught in a
beer can for over a
week before arriving at the Wildlife
Clinic. The sharp
edge of the can
produced a deep
wound and loss of
circulation.
Mistaken
Identity
Releases
Dick Brewer
After first being
mistaken by the
rescuer as a
domestic cat, this
orphaned bobcat
kitten was admitted
after it was almost
hit by several cars on a busy road.
This young redshouldered hawk
first arrived with an
injured leg after falling from the nest.
One month later,
Conservancy
Director of
Governmental Relations Nicole Johnson
released it in Corkscrew Swamp where
it was found.
12
12
T.S. Debby
inundating nests.
Debby devastates area turtle nests.
Summer months are the height of breeding season and a busy time of
year for most species of wildlife. Many animals behave differently this
time of year due to the demands of raising their young. Raccoons and
other nocturnal animals may need to stretch their foraging time into
daylight hours to meet the food needs of a growing family. Birds may
become highly territorial if a person unknowingly comes too close to
their nests. No matter what the situation, there is usually a good reason
that explains an animal’s behavior.
Stock Photography
Moving
“Swift-ly”
What Nature Gives,
She Also Takes Away…..
Joanna Fitzgerald offers these tips to help you discern between intervention and interruption.
1. If an animal is in immediate danger of being harmed or killed (drowning,
crossing a road,) please safely stop and offer assistance immediately.
2. If there is no immediate threat to an animal’s well being and you suspect something is wrong, please call the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic
for advice before taking action. The general public can misinterpret
animal behavior and inadvertently put wildlife through the stress of an
unnecessary “rescue.”
3. If you suspect an animal is sick, injured or orphaned, take time to
watch the animal to see what it is doing. Does it look alert, brighteyed and responsive? If so, it most likely does not need any human
intervention. If you see an animal that looks weak or lethargic and is
stumbling when it tries to move, then it may be injured or sick and in
need of professional care. Call the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic so we
can help assess the situation before you rescue an animal.
4. When you call the Wildlife Clinic, please provide specific details so the
team can properly interpret the situation and suggest the appropriate
course of action. 239.262.CARE
Weekly Happenings
Joanna Fitzgerald, Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Wildlife Clinic director, writes a weekly blog about the
activities and patient stories in the Wildlife Clinic. You
can read Joanna’s blog in the Naples Daily News and also
at: www.conservancy.org/wildlifeblog
The Gulf of Mexico warmed up early this
year, encouraging sea turtles to begin their
nesting earlier than usual. Sea turtles came
onto our shores and were nesting in record
numbers. Then came Tropical Storm Debby
on June 23, which stayed off the southwest
coast of Florida for an extended period of
time. While this storm did not bring excess
wind and rain to Collier County, it did bring
about strong storm surges, which eroded
nesting beaches. The storm also inundated or
even washed away nests and ruined some of
our sea turtle protection equipment.
Tropical Storm Debby caused the loss of
63% of the nests on Keewaydin Island and
55% of the nests on Naples Beach. Since the
storm, 44 new nests on Keewaydin Island and
46 new nests on Naples beaches have been
found as of July 21, 2012, so all is not lost!
The following shows the sequence of events
beginning first with the exciting news of large numbers of nests on our beaches to the devastating loss
that followed Tropical Storm Debby.
Please help us: Conservancy.org/helpturtles
Debby’s Impact on Nests
KeewaydinNaples
IslandBeach
Nests Prior to Debby
200
95
Number of Nests Remaining after Debby
75
43
Total Nests as of
July 21, 2012
119
89
Nature Gives Back
While sea turtles and shorebirds experienced catastrophic losses, Tropical Storm Debby’s impacts
may have actually benefited south Florida’s highly prized saltwater sportfisheries.
Ninety-nine juvenile snook, averaging an inch in length, were captured and released in the Shotwell
Wavering Filter Marsh in early July at
the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
as part of monthly sampling research.
Conservancy Biologists Dr. Jeff
Schmid and David Shindle anticipated
capturing a few young-of-the-year
snook from this spring’s spawning
activity, but the abundance observed
this year was unprecedented.
One possible explanation is that
persistent onshore winds of this
tropical system created high water
conditions that facilitated the transport of juvenile snook into the tidal
creeks. Pioneering research in the
late 1930s found juvenile tarpon
in over-washed areas of southern
Sanibel Island following similar
meteorological conditions and it was
suggested that they may be “driven
in on the wings of a hurricane.”
Recent studies on the east coast of
Florida also provided support by documenting exceptionally high numbers of larval tarpon in the Indian
River Lagoon following passage of
a hurricane. Hopefully, the juvenile
snook will thrive and remain abundant through the summer, eventually
returning to the economically important fishery.
13
VO l u n t e e r S e r v i c e s
Volunteer
News
JoAnn Johansen,
Intern & Volunteer Manager
Ian M. Wright
Volunteer Connection President
Help
Wanted!
“Great brands succeed
by creating experiences
that meet or exceed the
expectations set by a
brand’s promise.”
The anticipated reopening of
the Conservancy Nature Center
and the upcoming season present excellent opportunities to
expand our volunteer corps more
than ever before! The new Nature
Center will definitely be the preeminent nature center in the
entire southeastern United States,
if not the country, and volunteers
are vital to help it hum. Once
fully operational, visitation to the
Conservancy Nature Center is estimated to DOUBLE.
Please help us provide the vital
services required to support this
$20 million investment. Encourage
your friends and families to join
us – especially full time residents,
students, teachers and anyone who
LOVES to work with people. Our
only other requirements - minimum volunteer age is 16 and all
must attend a volunteer orientation class.
Applications are available:
• At the Nature Store and
Upscale Resale Furniture and
More store
• Email JoAnnJ@conservancy.org
• www.conservancy.org/volunteer
14
Conservancy Happenings
Volunteer TIDBITS
Ralph Collins
Ralph recently joined the Conservancy of Southwest Florida as
Facilities Manager. He has worked in the Facilities Maintenance
field since 1998, first working as a facilities technician for the
town of Breckenridge, Colorado. After moving to Naples in 2000,
he worked as a facilities supervisor at Allen Systems Group for
eight years, facilitating the move into their north campus in The
Commons, following up on construction related punch list issues
and managing all day to day operational issues. Ralph most recently
spent 3 years as Facilities Manager for FrankCrum in Clearwater, FL.
managing a 14 acre, 128,000 sq. ft. corporate office campus.
Sailor’s Delight
Steve Sacknoff has been sailing
daysailers and cruisers for 28 years
and began crewing for race teams
in 2004 when he moved to Naples.
Currently he crews on board the
VeeJay, a J-30 race boat captained
by Vic Farmer. Steve races with
the VeeJay team in many Gulf
Coast Sailing Club regattas - including ones for Avow Hospice, the
Porsche Cup and the Messmer
Cup. Steve joined the Conservancy
in 2008 as a Boat Captain volunteer
and has now partnered with Jim
Snyder as boat captain training cocoordinator.
New Employees
Carole Talkowski has been a
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
volunteer since 2007 in a variety of
important roles – Discovery Center
docent, Wildlife Clinic, the Good
Fortune program, and Tigertail
nature walks. In her “spare time,”
Carole is a board member for the
Friends of Tigertail Beach and a
Master Naturalist. Carole chaired
and established the ‘Friends’ first
annual summer camp scholarship
program to send three elementary
school students to Conservancy
summer camp 2012.
Can A gie ye a haund?
(Translation: Can I give you a hand?)
Ian MacKenzie Wright, the current
Volunteer Connection President and
Conservancy Board member, is vice
president for the St. Andrew’s Society
of Southwest Florida. The Society educates the public and members on the
history and culture of Scotland through
programs and events. For the past
three years, the St. Andrew’s Society
has awarded a scholarship to study at
a University in Scotland to a deserving Florida Gulf Coast University student.
Ian belongs to the MacKenzie Clan, as Scot tradition dictates taking on the
Clan of your mother. Ian brought his extensive retail background to the
Conservancy when he became a volunteer in 2007 - first in the Conservancy
Nature Store and then as Volunteer Coordinator for the Upscale Furniture
and More Resale store. Ian also spends time in the community as a member of SCORE.
Environmental Education
Jennifer Bobka,
Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Sara Bolds
College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL
Jenny Warnken
Furman University, Greenville, SC
Environmental Policy
Alyssa Anderson
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Dr. PJ Deitschel
Great Discovery
NEW
Interns:
PJ has joined the Conservancy of Southwest Florida as a fulltime veterinarian for the Wildlife Clinic. She has been a wildlife
rehabilitator for 28 years. After receiving her DVM from Colorado
State she worked with a conservation foundation in South Africa
and then at a wildlife hospital on Sanibel. A 3-month stint with the
Gulf oil spill response team led to her recent work with international endangered species conservation. PJ integrates Eastern and
Western healing modalities and is thrilled to bring that approach to
the Conservancy wildlife rehabilitation team
Whitney Swain
Whitney is a graduate from Marietta College where she received
her B.S. in Biology with minors in Psychology and Spanish. After
graduating, she interned at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
with the Education Department and then at the International Exotic
Animal Sanctuary where she cared for several big cat species,
bears, and coatis. As a Conservancy Naturalist, Whitney focuses
on the husbandry duties for the Education Department’s animal
collection and she is also temporarily working with the baby birds
in the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic.
Environmental Science
Jamie Fisher
University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI
Sarah Moss
Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Matthew Ramirez
Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Katherine Shaw
University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of
Marine & Atmospheric Science, Miami, FL
Willdife Rehabilitation
Les Aron
Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Candice Faith
Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA
Brittany Fournet
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC
CLEAN
FROM PAGE 1.
warnings saying that neither people
nor animals should come into
contact with the water, drink it,
or eat the fish. Lee County’s Olga
drinking water plant, which draws
from the river and is supposed to
serve 40,000 people, has had to
shut down repeatedly because the
water is unfit to drink, even after
extensive treatment.
“It’s an environmental crisis,
and it’s also an economic one said
David Guest, Earthjustice attorney.
“Tourists who came to visit Sanibel
Island over the Christmas break this
year arrived to find stinking green
algae and dead fish on the beaches.
People have had to endure a nasty
stench in downtown Fort Myers.
Dead fish have washed up on the
beaches in front of condos and
hotels in Naples. This can’t be good
for tourism.”
Andrew McElwaine, president
of the Conservancy of Southwest
Florida, said the pollution is
affecting the region’s economy –
where most jobs are dependent on
the tourism industry. “We are lucky
to live in one of the most beautiful
places in the country,” he said. “But
how many tourists will keep coming
here when the river is covered with
stinking slime?”
McElwaine commented the lawsuit
is one of the tools in the toolbox to
“...WILL TOURISTS KEEP COMING HERE
WHEN THE RIVER IS COVERED WITH
STINKING SLIME? ”
- Conservancy of Southwest Florida
President & CEO, Andrew McElwaine
get the Corps to take action. “We’ve
been working with the authorities
who control the minimum flow level
into the Caloosahatchee for over
three years. It’s unfortunate that
we have to file a lawsuit to get the
Corps to do their job, but at this
point we have no other option. The
Caloosahatchee is a public resource
and it should be healthy enough for
all of us to enjoy.”
15
We Need
Your Help.
Sea turtle nests and
protection equipment
washed out by Tropical
Storm Debby.
1450 Merrihue Dr.
Naples, FL 34102
www.conservancy.org
You can help
www.conservancy.org/helpturtles
Important Events! Save the Dates!
2013 Grand Reopening
Celebration
November 2-4, 2012
March 7, 2013
This fun-filled catch and release
tournament helps support the
clean water initiatives and juvenile
snook studies at the Conservancy
of Southwest Florida. Clean Water!
More fish! Register today.
Voted as one of the top fundraising
events in the region, Patron Packages
will soon be available. You’ll enjoy
cocktails, dinner and silent and live
auctions, all to support the mission of
the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
www.conservancy.org/redsnook
The Johnson Meland Group at
Private Wealth Management
A division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
www.conservancy.org/magic
The Conservancy of Southwest
Florida will celebrate its new Nature
Center grand reopening on Earth Day
weekend, April 20 – 21, 2013. Food!
Entertainment! Vendors! Exhibits!
Family Fun! More!