land. water. wildlife.

SCCF's policy team discusses the environmental threats of global business models centered around the practices of fast fashion and "fast tech," and how to be a more conscious consumer in response. They also consider the massive, often undiscussed environmental impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) as its prevalence continues to grow in society.

SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis talks with SCCF Wildlife Biologist Mike Mills about invasive species. Their conversation explores what invasive species are, the threats associated with them, why Sanibel Island and Florida are so prone to invasives, and the many ethical and societal considerations inherent in different management approaches.

Heading into the 2025 hurricane season, it's more important than ever to understand the value of adaptation and mitigation, as well as how to effectively navigate data sources for accurate forecasts. SCCF's Environmental Policy team discusses how federal funding cuts may impact hurricane data and forecasting, the dangers of misinformation related to hurricane season, and how to identify cr...

SCCF's Environmental Policy team discusses the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) proposed hunt on Florida black bears. Learn about the driving factors behind the proposition for a bear hunt, how the passage of Amendment 2 in Florida last year may be impacting it, and how a hunt would affect the current population of Florida black bears.  Click here to comment on the...

The SCCF Environmental Policy team discusses the history behind the creation of Earth Day, how it influenced the modern environmental movement, and some of the most powerful legislation born out of that movement that continues to protect the Earth today.

SCCF's environmental policy team reflects on their trip to Tallahassee for Everglades Action Day, where they met with local legislators to advocate for Everglades restoration. They also discuss updates on recent Everglades-related lawsuits.

SCCF's Environmental Policy team discusses the current Florida legislative session and why you should join them for Everglades Action Day, April 7-8, in Tallahassee.

Complementing our previous episode on the Everglades, this podcast focuses on the concept of coastal resilience and its importance in Florida in the face of changing natural and human-driven conditions. The discussion evolves to explore how the Everglades can be viewed through a resilience lens, and why the vast wetland ecosystem is a key component to the future environmental health of the state....

SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis and Policy Intern Katie Gretter explore the connection between Everglades restoration and water quality. Hosted by SCCF Communications & Marketing Manager Denise Blough, the conversation delves deeply into how vital restoring the River of Grass is to the health of our waters.

Scientists from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)'s Sea Turtle Program , including Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan, Research Associate Andrew Glinsky, and Biologist Jack Brzoza share highlights of the 2020 nesting season. As part of the SCCF team for the past three seasons, the trio talk about how this record-breaking nesting season compared to the previous two summers, whic...

As the rainy season ends, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to release harmful volumes of freshwater from Lake Okeechobee down the Caloosahatchee River into our estuary for the first time since June. SCCF Marine Lab Director Dr. Eric Milbrandt and SCCF Environmental Policy Director James Evans join Host Barbara Linstrom to explain why scientists are recommending that water managers hold...

Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht joins host Barbara Linstrom to talk about the highlights of the 2020 Shorebird Nesting Season on Sanibel and North Captiva Islands. As the leader of SCCF’s Shorebird Monitoring Program that began in 2002, Albrecht reflects on what an unusual season the summer of 2020 was compared to her previous four summers. She also shares her experiences working with plovers...

Since it’s the time of year when red tide typically blooms offshore, we asked SCCF Marine Lab Director Eric Milbrandt, Ph. D., and Research Scientist Rick Bartleson, Ph. D., to explain what we can expect this fall. They discuss the seasonal dynamics of red tide and monitoring efforts by the lab to track it once it is detected offshore. The conversation also includes an in-depth explanation of Kare...

CEO Ryan Orgera joins host Barbara Linstrom to talk about a Shark Conservation Campaign launched by SCCF to coincide with this summer’s 32nd annual Shark Week on the Discovery Channel. Before Ryan took over the helm at SCCF, he worked with The Pew Charitable Trusts in shark conservation, specifically in the reduction of international trade in unsustainable shark fins. He talks about his internatio...

Podcast Host Barbara Linstrom, SCCF Communications Director, talks with Jenny Evans, manager of our Native Landscapes & Garden Center , about the value and intricacies of pollinators. For the past 15 years, Evans has led the effort to encourage islanders to plant native to support pollinators as well as all forms of native wildlife. With a background in plant biology, Evans gives an overview o...

SCCF Burn Bosses Victor Young and Chris Lechowicz joined host Barbara Linstrom for a conversation about the planned upcoming burn at the Erick Lindblad Preserve . On June 21, SCCF and the City of Sanibel announced plans for a prescribed burn in the preserve in the upcoming weeks to preserve the natural ecology of the area and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires. As designated Burn Boss...

We celebrate World Turtle Day and are joined by two of Sanibel and Captiva islands' leading experts when it comes to turtles.  Featured today are local legend Charles LeBuff, who was stationed at the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge for more than 30 years, was a founding board member of SCCF and the founder of what is now our sea turtle monitoring program. He has also authored several books...

Rae Ann Wessel reflects on her 42-year career as a water advocate and scientist in Southwest Florida as she joins us on her last day of work as SCCF Natural Resources Policy Director. Over several decades, Wessel gained a solid reputation as one of the most articulate voices for Caloosahatchee and Everglades restoration that our region has ever known. For the past 14 years, she took on an unexpect...

On the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is honoring the origins of its sea turtle monitoring program, which is one of the longest-running sea turtle conservation efforts in the world. In 1959, nighttime patrols to protect loggerhead sea turtles began on Sanibel Island.  Six decades later, SCCF continues that work by monitoring loggerhead, leath...