We are thrilled to announce our largest-ever gopher tortoise habitat enhancement project. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species whose burrows provide shelter for more than 350 other wildlife species. 

To complement our existing gopher tortoise monitoring program, we are launching a new initiative to enhance gopher tortoise habitat on our preserve lands and to educate our community about the importance of these state-threatened reptiles. Our long-term goal for this project is to establish these areas as a designated recipient site for gopher tortoises that need to be relocated.

Oct. 30 Project Talk

Join us for a special lecture by SCCF Wildlife Biologist Mike Mills to kick off our Gopher Tortoise Habitat Enhancement Project on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. at SCCF’s Bailey Homestead pavilion. 

This engaging program will highlight the fascinating history and ecology of gopher tortoises on Sanibel, from their diet, range, and habitat to their important role in our ecosystem. The talk will also explore the impacts of Hurricane Ian on gopher tortoise populations and explain simple steps you can take to make your yard more tortoise-friendly.

Attendees will learn about our upcoming Habitat Enhancement Project and how to get involved as a volunteer. The signup fee of $10 will go directly toward this project! Purchase your tickets here. 

Seeking Volunteers to Assist With Habitat Enhancement

In addition to the talk, we are also seeking volunteers every week starting in November to help us enhance gopher tortoise habitats at an SCCF preserve! Our Habitat Enhancement Project focuses on improving the open, sandy upland environments that gopher tortoises rely on for burrowing, nesting, and foraging. Volunteers will get their hands dirty and experience one of our preserves not open to the public in this critical enhancement project!

These volunteer events will be held weekly starting in November. We need YOUR help to make this enhancement project a success. Sign up for the volunteer events here. 

A special thank you to Southwest Florida Association of Environmental Professionals for donating to this project through their annual fishing tournament. Join in their support of our Habitat Enhancement Project by participating in the regional tournament this weekend Oct. 10 – 12.