User:SCCF SWFL/sandbox

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation was founded in 1967 to protect and care for Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems.

SCCF is the largest private landowner on Sanibel Island, with additional acquired land on North Captiva Island, Cape Coral, and in South Fort Myers. SCCF protects over 2,100 acres, including critical wildlife habitats, many of which remain closed to the public for the benefit of wildlife. The organization also manages over 8 miles of public trails.

SCCF recently merged with Sanibel Sea School. Sanibel Sea School offers environmentally focused weekly camps, daily and after-school programs, and outreach activities for children and adults.

SCCF's Coastal Watch program holds volunteer-based mangrove planting and beach litter cleanup events.

The Native Landscapes & Garden Center sells native plants and offers landscaping and educational programs, and the Marine Laboratory conducts research on subjects like seagrass, mangroves, harmful algal blooms, and shellfish restoration. The lab also oversees a water quality sensor network throughout the Caloosahatchee known as the River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network. SCCF monitors snowy plovers and sea turtles on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, has an environmental policy program, and monitors other wildlife like the federally threatened Eastern Indigo Snake.