Double Your Dollars

Scare tactics and inflammatory rhetoric jeopardize our waters.

1 4 5 0 M e r r i h u e D r i v e x N a p l e s , F L 3 4 1 0 2 x 2 3 9 . 2 6 2 . 0 3 0 4 x w w w . c o n s e r v a n c y . o r g

WINTER/SPRING 2011

Protecting Southwest Florida’s unique, natural environment and quality of l i fe...now and forever.

After years of delay, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finally established mea-sureable standards to limit the amount of excess fertilizer, poorly treated sewage and animal waste in Florida’s waters. This nutrient pol-lution of nitrogen and phosphorous poses a public health threat, cre-ates toxic algal blooms and threat-ens tourism that is the life-blood of our regional economy.

In November, the EPA finalized its nutrient pollution criteria for freshwater lakes and flowing waters outside south Florida. This action was taken in response to a peti-tion to establish criteria from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and several other environmental organizations, since Florida failed to do so for more than 11 years.

Industries affected by this rul-ing are aggressively lobbying that the standards are unscien-tific. However, the EPA evaluated over 80,000 Florida water quality samples. Industries also claim the standards are too costly to imple-

ment. The EPA outlined that the proposed standards would only cost the average household a couple of dollars a year.

Now, state and federal legislators are succumbing to industry pres-sure, with Florida recently filing a suit against EPA. The only way we can turn the tide on this is with numerous calls and emails from the public to ensure water quality standards are developed and imple-mented in a timely manner.

Please visit www.conservancy.org to “Take Action” and for more information on how you can person-ally support clean water. The price of restoring damaged ecosystems is ten to thirty times more costly than to prevent its initial destruction.

“We believe these standards are the start of long-term solutions for improving Florida’s water quality issues,” said Andrew McElwaine, Conservancy of Southwest Florida president. “We are all responsible to ensure clean water is a gift we leave to the next generation.”

The Conservancy is very close to completing its Campaign to “Save Southwest Florida.” Every penny, every dollar, and every donation, no matter how large or small, is important to get us to the finish line.

In an urgent call to action, a dedicated group of Conservancy donors have generously offered to match every mem-ber dollar donated to the Campaign through the end of March.

“We have received a total of $500,000 for this special chal-lenge match,” said Rob Moher, Conservancy vice president of development and marketing. “We are grateful to this small group of Campaign sup-porters who have further enhanced the appeal of par-ticipating in the final stretch of this land-mark Campaign. Every gift counts – no matter the amount.”

DONATE TODAY: conservancy.org. Call 239.403.4205.

Every dollar counts twice with a Campaign challenge match. The Clean

Water Debate

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Update is published by the Conservancy Marketing and Communications team.

Marketing Director & Editor Barbara J. Wilson

Graphic Designer Kate Kintz

Photography Jim Bigelow

Gordon Campbell www.swfloutdoorphotography.com

Dennis Goodman

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 Florida1450 Merrihue Drive, Naples, FL 34102

INFORMATION Conservancy Information

239.262.0304Wildlife Clinic

239.262.CARE (2273)Membership Information

239.403.4207Volunteer Information

239.403.4212

DIRECTORS Chairman

Dolph von ArxVice Chairman

Andrew D.W. HillPresident & CEO

Andrew McElwaineTreasurer

George GibsonSecretary

Sue Dalton

Protecting Southwest Florida’s unique natural environment and

quality of life ... now and forever.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dawn AllynEdith G. AndrewJennifer Cheng

Ted CorbinPaul Corddry

John D. FumagalliEva Sugden Gomez

John HallRobert L. Heidrick

Lois KelleyKenneth Krier

Colleen KvetkoMaureen Lerner

Lisa Merritt Tony Rodriguez

Patsy SchroederLynne ShotwellLynn Slabaugh

Jeannie M. SmithKermit Sutton

Tuck TylerGene Windfeldt

Ian Wright

CONSERVANCY DEVELOPMENT

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Just Add Water...If you ever doubt the importance of water to south-west Florida, come visit our filter marsh. Built over what was once a drainage ditch for Coastland Mall, it’s meant to filer out water pollution before it flows

into the Gordon River. And while it has succeeded in doing so, the impact on wildlife has knocked us on our heels:

• Twenty-two species of birds, including endangered wood storks, have taken advantage of the new wetland and are finding hundreds of juvenile snook and other gamefish to hunt.

• Our Conservancy Science team has been catching Mayan Cichlids, an exotic fish, and handing them over to the Wildlife Clinic for peli-can food.

• Turtles and even river otters have been bathing themselves in the newly cleaned-up water.

This explosion of new life where only a few months ago none had existed is a reminder that in our region, just add water.The problem is getting the water where we need it to be and cleaning it up before it gets there.

The following are a few water woes being addressed by the Conservancy:1. Setting enforceable standards for the nutrient pollution pouring into

southwest Florida’s waters from sewage and septic systems, over fertilization, and stormwater runoff.

2. Monitoring Everglades restoration in southeastern Collier County as the Picayune Strand State Forest is brought back to life. Canals and roads built by Gulf American Corporation in the 1960s are being torn out and water put back on the land – a 55,000 acre version of our little filter marsh.

3. Putting pressure on the South Florida Water Management District to improve the Caloosahatchee River by releasing steady amounts of freshwater throughout the dry season. Currently the District is with-holding all water releases to the River in order to store it for agricul-tural and other consumptive uses. As a result, high salinity levels in the River are killing grass beds on which aquatic life depends while threatening drinking water quality.

4. Advocating for preservation of 4,000 acres of wetlands at Edison Farms in Lee County through local, state, and federal land acquisi-tion programs.

5. Opposing state efforts to weaken existing water quality standards and lowering expectations to conditions which do not protect public and environmental health.

6. Assisting Collier County as it develops long-overdue watershed management plans and ensuring they are align with current water quality standards.

Our long-term goal is to provide sufficient water for human needs and help wildlife recover from the destruction of wetlands and the diversion of water from the Everglades and our rivers, streams and estuaries. We are grateful to our annual supporters and the generous Endowment donors to the Capital Campaign for making all this work possible.

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SAVEthese

DATES!

Members’ Annual MeetingOver 400 participated.

CONSERVANCY DEVELOPMENT

George and Alice Ahrens, Kelly Lauman, George Leaman.

Colleen Kvetko, Lew and Dawn Allyn, Patsy Schroeder.

Jo Dingler, Ed Bransilver and Barbara ConklinBob and Peggy Landon

2011 Eagle Society LuncheonAt the annual Eagle Society Luncheon held at Pelican Bay in November, the late

Jack Briggs was named recipient of the 2011 Eagle Award. The highest honor given by the Conservancy to a person or group who has significantly contributed to the protection of the area’s water, land and wildlife, the award will be presented to his surviving spouse, Mary Jane Briggs at Magic Under the Mangroves on March 3. Bank of America and U.S. Trust Wealth Management are sponsoring the Eagle Award.

SponsorsFREE Earth Day Festival April 16.Supporting Sponsor

October 21-23, 2011.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida hosted more than 400 members at the organization’s annual meeting January 10 at Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club.

Three new members to the Conservancy Board of Direc-tors were elected: Eva Sugden Gomez, Kenneth D. Krier and Lynn Slabaugh. George Gibson was elected to serve as Treasurer.

Retiring Board members due to term limitations included Rich Housh, James Murphy, Jane Pearsall, Nicholas Penni-man IV and Gary Thomas who were honored with a crystal eagle appreciation award.

In addition to organization business and election of new board members, the Conservancy announced a special $500,000 Campaign gift challenge to

raise funds for its “Saving Southwest Florida” Capital Campaign. Donations to the Campaign received by March 31, 2011 will be matched by a group of generous donors up to $500,000.

The guest speaker was Joel Curzon, author of Light Fading, Reflections on the Imperiled Everglades. The Annual

Meeting was spon-sored by Premier Properties and Lutgert Insurance. Sup-porting sponsor was Morton, Wasmer, Abraham Construc-tion.

Newly elected board members: (L to R) Eva Sugden Gomez, Kenneth D. Krier and Lynn Slabaugh.

Dining for Wildlife returns on April 27. Watch for details!

Nick Penniman and Gary Thomas.

DEVELOPMENT

The Magic ContinuesMacy’s magical “match” and other new sponsors appear!

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida welcomes Macy’s to the growing number of supporters of the seventh annual Magic Under the Man-groves gala fundraiser set for March 3, 2011 at Gulf Bay’s Cap d’Antibes in Pelican Bay. Launching the “Macy’s Magical Matching Dollars” campaign, Macy’s will match contributions dollar-for-dollar at the Magic live auction

fund-a-need program, up to $10,000. Both elegant and eco-friendly, Magic

Under the Mangroves is one of the region’s top fundraising events --- and generated more than $425,000 last year to help fund annual operating costs for the Conservancy.

“Unlike one-time Campaign contri-butions to support major milestone projects, annual fundraisers such

as Magic are the fuel that keeps the Conservancy up and running through-out the year,” said Rob Moher, Con-servancy vice president of marketing and development. “We are grateful for the ongoing support that allows us to continue executing mission-critical programs ranging from protecting our water, land and wildlife, year after year.”

Special thanks to Event Chair Nancy White and the entire Magic Committee for planning this extraordinary upcoming event.

BETTY MACLEAN TRAVEL, INC.

The Eagle Award is generously sponsored by:

Presenting Sponsors:

Patron Party Presenting Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsors:

2011

UNDER THE

2011 Eagle Award WinnerThe late Jack Briggs has been

chosen as the recipient of the 2011 Eagle Award. The

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Eagle Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a person or group who has significantly contributed to the protection of the area’s water, land and wildlife. Mr. Briggs and his family funded the creation of the Briggs Nature Center in honor of the commitment of his parents, Bea and Stephen Briggs. His parents were instrumental in the creation and growth of both the Naples Commu-nity Hospital and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The award will be presented posthumously at the March 3rd “Magic Under the Mangroves” event to his surviv-ing spouse, Mary Jane Briggs, as a

Last call for tickets! It’s not too late to reserve your seats for Magic! The evening includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions and an award-winning dinner. New this year to Magic is exclusive parking for patrons at the main event courtesy of Bentley Naples. Tickets are still available at $550 and patron packages begin at $3,500. Details are available at www.conservancy.org/magic. Reserve your place calling the magic hotline at 239-403-4219 or e-mailing magic@conservancy.org.

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representative of the family. Bank of America and U.S. Trust Wealth Man-agement are sponsoring the Eagle Award.

The late Jack Briggs

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Dalton Discovery Center “Groundbreaking”November 30 marked the “groundbreaking” for the new

Dalton Discovery Center. Made possible by a lead gift from Sue and Bill Dalton to the “Saving Southwest Florida” Capital Campaign, the Center will include seven unique and interac-tive galleries featuring Southwest Florida’s major ecosystems.

“The Dalton’s generous gift allows for the development of immersive and technology-rich learning, hands-on animal encounters, and opportunities to take action to protect our land, water, and wildlife,” stressed Andrew McElwaine, Con-servancy president. “The Dalton Discovery Center will be a premier learning adventure in the southeast United States.”

Sue and Bill Dalton received “Dalton Discovery Day” procla-mations from the City of Naples and Collier County. A group of five Village School students received ceremonial gold “keys to the future” in recognition of their commitment.

“The presentation of the ‘keys’ to the students symbol-

izes their commitment to protecting our paradise and should inspire each of us to do our part,” said the Daltons.

The educational impact of the galleries also motivated Naples residents John and Donna Hall to provide Campaign gifts to bring the Dalton Discovery Center closer to reality.

“We were excited to help provide the chance for children and adults to both learn and become involved in helping to protect Florida’s environment,” said the Halls.

Other major donor Campaign gifts to the Dalton Discovery Center include the Andrew Family Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. David J. Feight, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Fontana Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Sutton, Mrs. Joan Tanner, Ms. Judith C. Tryka, Mr. and Mrs. VanZandt Williams Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Wil-son, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Volunteer Connec-tion and several anonymous donors. Completion of the Dalton Discovery Center is estimated for late 2011.

Dolph von Arx, Andrew McElwaine, Sue & Bill Dalton John Sorey, Emily Couts, Emily Kate Ferguson, Alyssa Weardon, Georgia Hiller, Emme Warburton and Anna Hiller

Kelly Sowers, Anna Hiller and Emme Warburton

S a v i n g S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Environmental Science Co-Directors Dave Addison and Kathy Worley led a group of 17 Conservancy supporters and donors on a Western Everglades Coastal Tour on January 19.

While passing through a section of extreme mangrove die-off on State Rout 92, Kathy Worley explained the importance of mangroves and the negative consequences of im-proper development. The group was shocked to see first-hand how the construction of just one road killed off

more than 60 acres of man-groves between Goodland and Marco Island.

The tour continued onto Rookery Bay where the group boarded the Good Fortune pontoon boat to Keewaydin Island. After arriving, Dave Addison led the group on a short walk on a small part of the island, explaining the Keewaydin history, how the Conser-vancy was formed there and about the decades of the sea turtle protec-tion work that has saved over 225,000

Group discovers environmental challenges in “paradise.”

A Tour of Paradise

sea turtle hatchlings on Keewaydin.Andrew McElwaine, Conservancy

president, summarized the impact of the trip. “Spending a day out in the field certainly keeps the work we do in perspective and motivates us even more to protect our water, land and wildlife.”

Rom

an G

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TidbitsCelebrating people, places, events of note.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida members can enjoy reciprocal membership benefits at MOTE Aquarium in Sarasota and explore the secrets of the sea through touch pools, viewable-working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits, including sharks, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and more than 100 other species of marine life. Mote Aquarium is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34236. 941.388.4441. Conservancy Members also enjoy free and/or reduced admission and special discounts with hundreds of the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) network of nature and environmental learning centers across the country. Renew, upgrade or join today at www.conmservancy.org.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Naturalist and Aquarist Kelly Sowers and Intern Meghan Gahm recently appeared on FOX4’s “Morning Blend” show. TV host Carley Wegner spoke with them about upcoming Conservancy events and “Rowdy Reptiles Month” activities at the Conservancy Nature Center. Conservancy Environmental Education and Discovery Center Manager Troy Frensley escorted the team to FOX4, located in Cape Coral.

Membership Rewards

TV Stars

Kelly Sowers and Meghan Gahm with host Carley Wegner.

For many years, Dolph and Sharon von Arx have been involved with several local organizations that support community efforts in and around Naples.They will be honored on March 29 as “Humanitarians of the Year” for 2011. Additionally, they have been recognized by the Humane Society as the 2011 winners of the Walter Turken Award for their generous support provided to organizations that support the care of domestic companion animals and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic. Originally from St. Louis, Sharon and Dolph von Arx purchased a seasonal home in Naples in 1984 and became permanent Naples residents in 1992.

The Conservancy Upscale Resale Furniture and More store is looking for donations of high quality, gently used furniture and accessories. Your donation is tax deductible and supports the Conservancy mission to protect our water, our land, our wildlife and our future. We can even pick up your donations! Call Jan Castle to schedule an appointment to assess your donation: 239.263.0717. The Upscale Resale store is also a great place to shop for that hard-to-find item to complement your décor!

Award Winners

Tax Deductible Donations

Elliot & Gail Burd and Sid & Linda Sapakie

Melvin & Sharon Bernstein

Annual Recognition Breakfast

Over 200 attended the Annual Recognition Breakfast on Novem-ber 18 to recognize Conservancy members who have provided long term and leadership support for ongoing Conservancy initiatives. Members received updates on the Florida mink research study from Conservancy Biologist David Shindle while Conservancy Biolo-gist Ian Bartoszek updated the group on Western Everglades and the important ecological role of alligators. Conservancy Discov-ery Center and Education Manag-er Troy Frensley previewed plans for the new Conservancy Nature Center, portions of which are scheduled to open in late 2011.

The event’s presenting sponsor was Wasmer, Schroeder & Com-pany. Cummings & Lockwood provided additional support.

CONSERVANCY HAPPENINGS

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Conservancy of Southwest Florida

eye on the issues

Six million cubic yards of muck

Lake Trafford, the largest freshwater lake in southwest Florida, is both an environ-mentally significant resource and an economic generator for Collier County.

In April 1996, Lake Trafford was the site of a massive fish kill --- 50,000 large fish died due to a lack of oxygen created by excess nutrients

in the lake. The Lake has been un-dergoing a monu-mental restoration effort, with 6 mil-

lion cubic yards of muck removed from the lake bottom. This restoration was possible through a partnership between governmental agencies, community advocates and environmental organizations. The

Conservancy is proud to have been part of this restoration effort, which was recently completed, and we con-gratulate all for a job well done.

Our community now has a con-tinuing responsibility to proactively protect this restored Collier County treasure to ensure that the excess nutrients, which led to its degrada-tion in the 1980s and 1990s, stay out of the water!

New Life for Lake Trafford

Six million cubic yards of muck equals:• 50 Fenway Parks • 1.5 Empire State

Buildings• 1,800 Olympic-sized

swimming pools

Developed in 2003, the Rural Lands Stewardship Area (RLSA) in eastern Collier County intended to balance the development rights of landowners with the conservation of some of the most pristine land in the area.

The specific location of a new town is critical --- it can have tremendous impacts on natural resources in both the immediate vicinity and for miles around. Because of that impact, the Conservancy, as one of the members of the original citizens’ advisory committee to the plan, believed that the RLSA program needed additional specificity. However, Collier County approved a very

broad footprint for potential new towns in 2003 (approximately 95,000 acres,) with the assumption that a detailed review of exact location of a town would occur at the time of the town’s approval before the County Commissioners.

Recently, significant controversy has arisen regarding whether such review constitutes a rezone. If so, a supermajority approval (4/5 votes) of the Commission would be required to pass. However, only a simple majority is required for approval (3/5 votes – or 2/3 votes if only three Commissioners are present) if the issue is not considered a rezone.

Rezoning in the stewardship area should require a super-majority approval (4/5 votes) from the County Commissioners. However, the County chose to follow an arbitrator’s decision requiring only a simple majority to approve rezoning in the stewardship area. The Conservancy disagrees with this decision and believes that changing uses of land, and specifically when it involves intensification of land use, is a matter of serious consideration --- and that a supermajority vote should be required to protect the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of our existing and future residents.

A super-majority vote would better protect our quality of life.Changing the Rules

Celebrating people, places, events of note.

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Conservancy of Southwest Florida

eye on the issues

Conservancy releases “2011 Estuaries Report Card.”

2011 Grades

In 2005, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida published a comprehensive assessment of the environmental con-ditions of the region’s estuaries and watersheds. Both

citizens and decision-makers used the “Estuaries Report Card” to better manage Southwest Florida’s water and wild-life resources.

The recently released 2011 report highlights that the condition of our water resources continues to deteriorate and that more effort is necessary to adequately protect our wildlife. Extensive scientific and technical information was analyzed and used to access and identify specific problems and solutions, including a summary of ten steps to save southwest Florida’s waters.

To access the Executive Summary and the full technical version of the report, please go to www.conservancy.org and click on “Publications.”

Making the Grade?

WatershedsWildlife Habitat

Water Quality

Coastal Venice C- C-

Lemon Bay B D-

Charlotte Harbor B- C

Pine Island Sound A+ D

Caloosahatchee River D- D-

Estero Bay B- D

Wiggins Pass/Cocohatchee B C-

Naples Bay D- D-

Rookery Bay B+ D

Ten Thousand Islands A+ D

• Eliminate Over-drainage• Restore Hydrology• Restore Swimmable/Fishable Water Quality• Reestablish Natural Salinity Levels• Adopt Sustainable Agricultural Practices• Enhance On-site Stormwater

Management Systems• Improve Wastewater Treat-

ment and Sewage Sludge Disposal

• Protect Lands Critical to Water and Wildlife

• Monitor Sea Level Rise• Insist on Comprehensive

Scientific Monitoring

TEN STEPS to Saving Southwest Florida’s Waters

Protecting Southwest Florida’s unique natural

environment and quality of life ... now and forever.www.conservancy.org

2011

SAVING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S WATER

E s t u a r i e s R e p o r t C a r dExecut ive Summary

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Conservancy of Southwest Florida

eye on the issues

Collier County has been working on creating Watershed Man-agement Plans to identify high value water and wetlands resource areas and to direct future devel-opment away from such areas. Creation of these plans has been a requirement in the Collier County growth management plan since 1989 and final plans have fallen significantly behind schedule.

Unfortunately, a sizeable proportion of the $4 million dollars of the plan’s budget has

been utilized for a con-sultant to challenge the

current state and federal as-sessments of water quality in Collier County and to justify

lowering standards below swimmable/fishable state water quality standards.

The County has agreed to an extension to allow for additional time for greater public participation in the process due to concerns raised by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The County should refocus their efforts on the

original intent of the plans --- iden-tify wetlands and water resources protection areas and comply with state swimmable/fishable water qual-ity standards.

Please take advantage of this expanded public comment period. Send your commissioners an e-mail, or attend one of the public workshops to voice your support to ensure that these watershed plans focus on protecting our water quality and water resources. For more information, go to www.colliergov.net and search “Watershed Management Plans” or www.conservancy.org and click on the “Take Action” tab.

Collier considers lower water quality standards.Concerns about Our Water

When asked in November 2006, 82 percent of Collier residents agreed to continue a property tax levy to buy environmental lands. The community agreed to the higher tax rate so additional monies would protect lands essential to preserving Collier’s high quality of life.

The Conservation Collier program provides willing sellers of highly valuable environmental lands an alternative to development and mining. By adopting this levy, Collier County citizens supported the permanent protection of critical wetland and groundwater recharge areas essential for filtering and cleaning our drinking water. These

critical areas also supply our rivers, beaches and bays with the water and wildlife so vital to our tourism-based economy.

Even though the program was supposed to continue until 2013, it is now coming under scrutiny for possible early sun-setting. When the program ends, the tax revenue could then be redirected to other expenditures without raising the overall tax rate people pay. However, the citizens approved the higher rate because of the essential land protection it offered.

The economic downturn has created unprecedented opportunities to acquire long sought after parcels at historically low prices. Eliminating Conservation Collier would halt important future acquisitions, preventing completion of significant projects such as the Gordon River Greenway in central Naples. The Conservancy is currently working with other civic and environmental organizations to conduct a public poll, and is urging the County to wait and assess the results of this poll prior to deciding whether to sunset the program.

82 percent of Collier County residents agreed.

Preserving our Wild Spaces D

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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

If you are getting a new license plate, select the sea turtle plate featuring a loggerhead hatchling crawling towards the surf. If it is time to renew, make the switch to a sea turtle plate for your vehicle. The Sea Turtle License Plate is available in Florida through your local Tax Collectors Office or County Tag Agency.

In 2010, the Sea Turtle Grant Program awarded $335,000 to support sea turtle research, conservation and education. In 2010, the Committee awarded more than $335,000 to 15 different organizations and local governments, including the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

The stark, lifeless “moonscape” of over 60 acres of dead mangroves near Goodland says it all – decades of environmental alterations have taken their toll. Known as “nature’s nurseries,” mangrove forests provide habitat for roosting birds and other marine life and are essential to our sportfishing industry.

Conservancy Environmental Science Co-Director Kathy Worley will be working with Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and oth-ers to restore this valuable resource. Currently the team is applying for permits with the state and federal government.

“We hope to have permits in hand by the summer and we’re anxious to start the restoration work,” said Worley.

Worley’s expertise has been used over the past decades to monitor and restore the mangrove systems in Pelican Bay.

Conservancy tracks sea turtle’s cold weather movement.As part of ongoing collaboration

on Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, Conser-vancy of Southwest Florida Research Manager Dr. Jeff Schmid and Dr. Tony Tucker of Mote Marine Labo-ratory recently attached a satellite transmitter to a Kemp’s ridley turtle captured in Charlotte Harbor.

Dr. Schmid’s earlier studies docu-mented the seasonal occurrence of Kemp’s ridleys in northwest Florida and winter migrations in response to changes in water temperatures. However, it was not known if turtles in the relatively warmer waters of southwest Florida exhibited similar behavior. That is until the research-ers began tracking the movements of “Kyra” (named after Schmid’s oldest daughter.)

Released off Pine Island on Novem-ber 19, Kyra moved up to an area appropriately named Turtle Bay in 70 degree waters. Strong cold fronts in early December reduced water temperatures to the upper 50s in

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Helping sea turtles survive.

Mangrove “Moonscape”

Dr. Jeff Schmid preparing to release a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.

Charlotte Harbor and Kyra respond-ed by rapidly moving out into the Gulf. Since then, she’s progressively southward following each Artic blast, taking up residence off the lower Keys and Dry Tortugas.

These tracking efforts will be expanded in the following years

to provide a better understanding of how this endangered species of Kemp’s ridleys use the Charlotte Harbor estuary and surrounding waters.

Follow Kyra’s movements by visiting http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/?project_id=569.

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we counted in 2009. On a broader scale, loggerhead nesting Statewide was higher in 2010. This was much needed good news as loggerhead nesting had been in a steep decline since 2000.

Aside from counting and protect-ing nests, the Conservancy research-ers have continued to learn more about the lives of the Keewaydin turtles. Thanks funding provided by the Florida Marine Turtle Grants Program, Magic Under the Man-groves “Fund-A-Need” and other generous donors, the Conservancy “turtle team” was able to purchase seven more satellite tags. These tags will enable us to find out where the females go once they are done nesting and to see if they return to the same location in what to humans appears to be a trackless ocean.

To find out where they went, visit www.seaturtle.org and follow the link to The Conservancy of SW Florida Keeway-din Turtle Tracking Project. On another front, we continued our cooperative ef-fort with Jill Schmid, a biologist with Rookery Bay Nation-al Estuarine Reserve, to determine the sex ratios of loggerhead turtle hatchlings over time by placing tem-perature data loggers in nests. The sex of a sea turtle is deter-mined by the incuba-tion temperature; lower temperature produces more males

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Turtle Hurdles

The 2010 sea turtle nesting season was one of the most successful the Conservancy of

Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Moni-toring and Research team experi-enced in recent years. In addition to documenting more loggerhead turtle nests this past summer, only one tropical storm had any impacts on southwest Florida’s nesting beaches --- and those impacts were not very severe.

On Keewaydin Island, the Con-servancy team documented a total of 216 nests. This was an increase of 105 nests over the 2009 nesting season. Better yet, a total of 9,895 hatchlings were recorded reach-ing the Gulf of Mexico for their chance of becoming much bigger turtles. This too was a significant increase over the 8,338 hatchlings

Sea turtle interns and Dave Addison complete the application of the satellite tag.

Attired with its new satellite tag, the sea turtle makes its way into the water after nesting on Keewaydin.

Before departing Keewaydin, the night time turtle crew admired this gorgeous sunrise.

Keewaydin sea turtle nesting one of the most successful in recent years.

Keewaydin Island Nesting Trends

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while higher temperatures produce females. This project is in its ninth year. We are looking forward to the 2011 season and are already looking at intern applications for next summer!HatchlingsNests

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The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic operates under permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conserva-tion Commission and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Currently we are reviewing our admission records to produce a

detailed annual report for these agencies.

A total of 2,422 injured, sick and or-phaned native animals were admitted to the Wildlife Clinic for all of 2010. This represents an increase of

over 200 animals when compared to 2009.

The injuries and the types of wildlife we are seeing are also more diverse. Most of the injuries have come from accidents with cars, pet attacks and even gunshot wounds. We have also seen an increase in reptiles and mammals while receiv-ing fewer birds than in past years.

“My biggest job for 2011 will be educating the public about coex-isting with wildlife,” said Joanna Fitzgerald, Wildlife Clinic direc-tor. “Knowledge is the first step in changing people’s behaviors to protect our wildlife.”

YOU can help! Watch your mail for the 2011 wildlife appeal or donate online at www.conservancy.org and click on “Start Here.”

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CLINIC

A Few 2010 Conservancy Wildlife Clinic “Patients”

A bald eagle bursts from its transport carrier as it is being released. The eagle had been admit-ted to the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic with a fractured right wing. After almost two months of rehab, the eagle was released near where it had collided with a car.

Buck shot is detected in an x-ray of a black vulture admitted to the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic. This view shows how both legs were fractured where the pellets impacted the bones. The only course of action for the sever-ity of the injuries was humane euthanasia.

A beach mouse, also known as an oldfield mouse, munches on a fresh diet while reha-bilitating at the Wildlife Clinic. The mouse is the lone survivor of siblings admitted as orphans after their nest was disturbed. Beach mice are an important part of the ecosystem as they are prey for owls, snakes, foxes and other small carnivores.

A young fox squirrel nurses from a syringe after a splint was attached to stabilize its fractured leg. The splint will stay on for several weeks. The squirrel and its sibling sustained fractures when they fell from their nest.

Clinic staff member Ana Sosa administers anesthetic gas to an injured bobcat while Jonee Miller performs a physical exam. The bobcat suffered extensive injuries after a collision with a vehicle.

At the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic: Over 2,400 served in 2010.

Den

nis

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“Knowledge is the first step in changing people’s behaviors to protect our wildlife.”

- Joanna Fitzgerald

Never…• Feed or Keep a wild animal as a

“pet.”• Try to self-diagnose an injury or

treat an animal at home.• Release exotic/non-native pets into

the wild. Always…• Call the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic

when you spot an injured, sick or orphaned animal so they can advise on proper action and handling tech-niques. 239.262.CARE.

• Keep the injured animal quiet, warm and in a draft-free container during transportation to the Wildlife Clinic.

• Keep your pets indoors to protect them and local wildlife from injury.

• Properly dispose of fishing lines and hooks.

• Look for opportunities to donate your time, treasure, talents and sup-plies to the Wildlife Clinic.

• WATCH YOUR MAIL FOR THE ANNUAL WILDLIFE APPEAL TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE WILDLIFE CLINIC!

Avoid Wildlife Faux “Paws”

HOW TO:

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Ex

plo

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atu

reM angroves and their inhabitants await discovery in March!

Explore the ecological secrets of mangroves and the important work of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

during “Sensational Saturdays.”Known as “Nature’s Nurseries, mangroves provide a safe habitat

and respite for juvenile fish and other wildlife. Discover the many ecological secrets of the world of mangroves and how they keep hurricanes at bay.

Unique adventures, events and field trips each month at reduced member pricing! Non-members are also invited to participate. Visit www.conservancy.org and click on “Explore Nature” to learn more.

Many programs have limited space and fill up quickly. For prices and to register, visit www.conservancy.org or call 239-262-0304, ext. 266.

Field trips, fossil digs, shelling and more.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

March Family Fun at the Nature Center Sensational Saturdays in March: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Stories, presentations and crafts are free with paid admission.

March 5 Water, Water Everywhere Puppet Show

March 12 Magic of Mangroves

March 19 Birds of Mangrove Forests

March 26 Fish of Mangroves

March 14 Art in the Environment with Dennis Goodman 2-6 p.m.This adventure starts with a viewing of Dennis’ award-winning nature photogra-phy at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Then it’s off to the Good Fortune pontoon boat for a special wine and cheese sunset cruise! Bring your camera and get professional tips from Dennis on how to capture spectacular images of roosting birds, mangrove islands, the beauty of Rookery Bay and maybe a dolphin or two.

March 21 Sanibel Shelling Spectacular 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.Join Dr. Gary Schmelz on an extra-special excursion to Sanibel Island’s famous beaches. Stop for lunch at Doc Ford’s and visit the Bai-ley Matthews Shell Museum, including a unique chance to visit the private collections room with Dr. Jose Leal, di-rector of the museum. Price of lunch not included.

March 22 Sea Turtle Research Excursion 10 a.m. – noonLearn about the endan-gered Kemps ridley sea turtle and other unique animals with Conservancy of Southwest Florida Re-search Manager Dr. Jeff Schmid aboard the Good Fortune pontoon boat. Stop at Keewaydin Island to see the rustic Conser-vancy sea turtle research facility and participate in a beach clean up to help protect the turtles. Bring a picnic lunch!

March 30 Guided Kayak Tour in the Everglades 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.Relax during the drive to historic Everglades City and prepare for a special guided kayak adventure with Naples Kayak Company at Glades Haven. This sub-tropical paradise explora-tion includes giant man-grove tunnels, abundant wildlife and unique habitat. Lunch stop at The Oyster House Restaurant. Price of lunch not included.

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CONSERVANCY HAPPENINGS

Experience Sunset at Rookery Bay Aboard the Good Fortune

Two hours before sunset, the Con-servancy of Southwest Florida Good Fortune, pontoon departs from its dock at the end of Shell Island Road. A trained volunteer Naturalist pro-vides insightful commentary as the boat makes its way to the rookery islands for a magnificent viewing of over 1,000 birds as they come into roost for the night!

On the way through Rookery Bay the Good Fortune glides past thousands of pristine mangrove islands, the largest remaining stand of mangroves in the United States.

Egrets and herons rest along the water’s edge on the cypress roots waiting for a fish to happen by into their territory. Many other birds may appear along the way – includ-ing cormorants, pelicans, ibis, terns, gulls, frigates, and oyster catchers.

Often when the Good Fortune reaches the channel, dolphins join in! These playful creatures enjoy cavorting in the wake and rolling on their sides to catch a better view of the passengers. Occasionally, some particularly playful ones will put on a show to rival Sea World!

Just before sunset, the Good Fortune reaches the Rookery Island. The birds are flocking in by the hundreds now, squawking at each other and jockeying for places on the available real estate. Each year birds from as far as 30 miles away stop for an overnight visit and provide a magnificent show.

Just after sunset the Good For-tune returns to the dock. Join us! Call 239-403-4236.

The January “Renewal of Life for the Everglades: Moving Forward Together” Everglades Coalition conference took place in Westin, Florida. Conservancy Director of Natural Resource Policy Jennifer Hecker (who is also an Everglades Coalition Board Member) presented part of the “Clean Water for the Everglades” plenary, along with EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe and Earthjustice lead counsel David Guest. The Conservancy, on behalf of the coalition as the nominating organization, presented the Webb Award to Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah for his exceptional efforts as a public servant to further Everglades restoration efforts.

Conservancy participates in 2011 Everglades Coalition Conference.

Renewed Life for the Everglades

Jennifer Hecker, Ray Judah and Mark Perry.

By Judith Hushon, Conservancy of Southwest Florida VolunteerJu

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Judy

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Stay Informed!www.conservancy.org

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Season is in full swing and our volunteers have re-turned to see lots of changes at the Nature Center with program schedules and activities. If you are just return-ing, please contact your area coordinator to catch up!

The Environmental Education team has put together a series of new programs that run every 30 minutes at the Nature Center. They rely on us to deliver a memorable and fun guest experience. The Activities Book, www.conservancy.org and signage located throughout the Nature Center are great references to keep up with the exciting changes.

As always thank you for all you do for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida!

Volunteer CONNECTION

newsConservancy of Southwest Florida

Season is in Full Swing

Ian Wright

JoAnn Johansen

Ian M. WrightVolunteer Connection President

JoAnn Johansen Conservancy Intern & Volunteer Manager

Volunteer FIELD TRIPS

MONTHLY FORUMMEETINGS

February 23 Judy Hushon: “Critters in Your Backyard”

March 30 Art Ritas: “Kayaking 100 Miles on the Wilderness Waterway, Everglades National Park”

May 4th Susan Calkins-Ritas: “Rethinking Tourism”

9 AM - NoonKeep up to date and current on all the latest news and get to know your fellow volunteers! Featured volunteer speakers:

All volunteers are invited to attend the Connection meetings the third Friday of the month in the auditorium beginning at 10 AM. Volunteers can contact their area’s Volunteer Coordinator if you need assistance or have concerns and sugges-tions. The Coordinators will work with the Connection Board if assistance is needed. March 18/April 15/May 20/June 17th.

Only one volunteer field trip is still available: April 9th to Museum of the Everglades, Smallwood’s General Store & lunch at the Rod & Gun Club. All other volunteer field trips for this season have sold out! Susan Kubat and Murray Barnhart have taken over the field trip planning from Carole Talkowski and Sue Smith. Many thanks!

Mark Your CalendarsApril 14: Volunteer Appreciation Celebration (invitations will be sent to all active volunteers from 10/1/09 – 9/30/10.)

April 16 FREE Earth Day Festival

April 27 Dining for Wildlife

October 21-23: RedSnook Catch and Release Tournament

New Dock Master Tony Prestifilippo. Sue Synder helping with science research.

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

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

NEW CONSERVATION INTERNS:Wildlife Rehabilitation Carmen Gray, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OHZhong Huang, Connecticut College, New London, CT

Environmental Policy Troy McPherson, Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, FL

Volunteers of the Month

November 2010CHARLIE CAVALIERECharlie began volunteering in 2005 following a visit to the Conservancy with his granddaughter. In addition to his duties as a Dock Master, he serves on the Concierge Team, special events and the monthly volunteer orientation classes. Charlie has donated over 1,000 hours to the Conservancy.

December 2010JEAN CURLINBecause of her love of all animals and her need “to do something meaningful” with her life, Jean became a volunteer in our Wildlife Clinic in 2005. She volunteers for special events, sponsored an appreciation event for the Wildlife Clinic and brings holiday dinner to the interns residing in our dormitory. Jean has donated 2,340 hours to the Conservancy.

January 2011DAVID HAWLEYDave began volunteering in 2007 as a Dock Master and assumed the position of Volunteer Coordinator within a few months. He also heads the boat maintenance team and has worked to develop a standardized training program for the boat program dock masters. Dave has donated 1,147 hours to the Conservancy.

February 2011GARY THOMASGary became a volunteer in the late 1990s when he joined the Jason Project because he cared “deeply about preserving the natural environment, the quality of our water, the eco-systems of SW Florida and the wildlife”. He has also served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors and participated on several research projects with Environmental Science team programs.

The Time is Now!

Our campaign challenge can DOUBLE the impact of your donation to the Campaign.conservancy.org/campaign