The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s (SCCF) Annual Membership Meeting on Dec. 9 celebrated the amazing community support and success over the past hurricane-free year, while keeping a vigilant eye on the future.

In his welcome to more than 100 members at the Bailey Homestead pavilion, SCCF Board President Nik Khakee thanked everyone for their volunteerism, financial support, and for being part of the community. 

“You all experience it every day because we live in paradise, and much of what SCCF is doing is trying to protect this paradise,” he said.

As he introduced James Evans, who took over the helm as CEO at SCCF in 2022, he commended Evans and his team for their accomplishments over the past three years.

“James stepped into leadership for SCCF at a really pivotal time and has led us through some really challenging circumstances, and we have come through them with flying colors,” said Khakee. “If you think about where we are today relative to where we were after Ian arrived, we’ve really done some amazing things.”

Evans gave credit for the success over the past few years to having a “strong and steady” board of trustees to help guide him, as well as a hardworking staff and dedicated volunteers.

“Our community comes together to support the incredible work that we do, but also to support this way of life that we have here on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and in our region. It’s a special place, and we certainly can’t take that for granted,” said Evans. 

He also said that despite the progress, our wildlife and ecosystems are under constant threat from development pressure, especially following the recent string of hurricanes that have led to unprecedented redevelopment. 

“We are at a crossroads — where one path will protect our historical development patterns, fish and wildlife, and maintain the quality of life that first attracted us to the area,” he explained in this year’s Annual Report, emphasizing the need for SCCF’s continued success through science, education, and advocacy.

Board Treasurer Doug Ryckman focused his report on three themes related to fiscal success in 2025-25.

“It’s strong because the results were good, they were really good. It’s strategic because we’re investing in the things that are really important and they’re going to matter in the future,” said Ryckman. “And, it’s vigilant because we’re good stewards right now, the resources you’ve given us, and we’re trying to protect and grow them for the future.”

He also compared what he sees at SCCF to what he experienced in his professional career as a management consultant.

“I’ve seen a lot of nonprofit organizations and a lot of for-profit organizations. And SCCF is truly an extraordinary place. We have a committed and capable CEO. We have a high-functioning and collaborative board,” he said. “And, we have an enthusiastic staff and a really terrific supportive community.” 

In other highlights:

• SCCF Development Director Cheryl Giattini inducted three new members into the Legacy Society, including Lynn Bassett McGrath, Bryant and Laura Korn, and Karen Turner.
• Trustee Sandra Gross introduced Gretchen Scharnagl as the winner of SCCF’s “Ding” Darling Brush of Excellence Environmental Art Award for her intricate drawings and artworks that incorporate science, history, culture, and natural materials.
• Trustees Bob Brooks and Megan Doss stepped off the board, while Nik Khakee, Sandra Gross, and Dick Bourdow joined the 15-member board.
• The new Executive Committee was elected, with Nik Khakee as President, Scott Hendershot as Vice President, Doug Ryckman as Treasurer, and Calli Johnson duPont as Secretary.
• Trustee Rachel Pierce introduced the Discover Conservation in Action marketing campaign to increase regional awareness, volunteering, educational program attendance, and donations.

In wrapping up his assessment of the past year, Evans brought it back to the tight-knit community and SCCF Family.

“It is the warmth of the community that allows us to do the incredible work that we do here at SCCF,” said Evans. “And, on behalf of our trustees, our staff, all of our hardworking volunteers from the bottom of our hearts, I want to thank you for supporting our work here at SCCF and for protecting those natural systems that bring us so much joy.”

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is dedicated to protecting what makes Southwest Florida so special. Founded in 1967 as a land trust, SCCF carries out its mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems through conservation, science, education, and advocacy. From protecting wildlife and preserving land to restoring water quality, educating the community, and advocating sound environmental policy, SCCF works to ensure that wildlife and natural habitats flourish in harmony with people.

Learn more at www.sccf.org.