SCCF’s Environmental Policy Department is looking for community members passionate about Everglades restoration and improving local water quality to join them in attending Everglades Action Day 2026.

Everglades Action Day is an annual advocacy event in Tallahassee organized by the Everglades Coalition during the state’s Legislative Session, which runs from Jan. 13 to March 13.

“The primary goal of this two-day, one-night trip is communicating the importance of Everglades conservation and restoration with lawmakers during Florida’s annual legislative session,” said SCCF Policy Associate Allie Pecenka.

Participants will attend pre-scheduled meetings with Florida Senators and Representatives to advocate for full Everglades funding, protection, restoration, and supporting legislation.

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“Water quality in Lee County and our surrounding barrier islands remain dependent on a healthy Everglades system, and our communities benefit greatly from legislative action that ensures that” Pecenka said.

Participants will attend meetings as teams, led by team leaders from SCCF and other partner organizations belonging to the Everglades Coalition, such as the Tropical Audubon Society and Florida Oceanographic Society.

Registration is free, along with chartered east and west coast buses to the state capitol, with a local west coast pickup in Fort Myers. Personal costs for attendees include a one-night stay at the hotel in Tallahassee and meals throughout the overnight trip. 

“This is a unique opportunity for well-seasoned advocates along with interested members of the public and students to speak up for the Everglades by taking a front seat in the legislative process. No experience with political advocacy or navigating the Florida Capitol is required, and participants will receive an expert advocacy training prior to attending this trip,” Pecenka said. “Participants will have the opportunity to network with leaders and like-minded advocates from organizations moving the needle to protect the Everglades across the state.” 

Sponsor a Student’s Attendance

If you are unable to attend Everglades Action Day but would like to support its mission, please consider sponsoring a student’s attendance. For $250, the full cost of attendance can be covered for a student passionate about a future in environmental advocacy, but limited by financial barriers. For more information on sponsorships, please visit this link or email info@evergladescoalition.org.

For questions about attending Everglades Action Day 2026, please reach out to apecenka@sccf.org.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to advocate for the Everglades and Sanibel and Captiva’s water quality at the Florida Capitol!