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Coastal Watch Receives $25K from Lee County for Voluntourism Marketing

Thanks to a $25,000 grant from Lee County’s Tourist Development Council (TDC), SCCF’s Coastal Watch program will boost efforts to encourage visitors to take part in community conservation initiatives through a Voluntourism campaign.
“We look forward to providing more opportunities for visitors to Sanibel and Captiva to help us with vital coastal restoration and beach clean-ups,” said Coastal Watch Director Kealy Pfau.
Through a Voluntourism landing page on the SCCF website, social media, outreach, and a video-driven marketing campaign, Coastal Watch will publicize mangrove and oyster restoration trips, beach and preserve clean-ups as well as preserve plantings so visitors can plan to join the efforts during their stays.
“It’s a great way for visitors to immerse in SCCF’s mission to protect and care for our coastal ecosystems,” said Pfau. “Planting mangrove seedlings and helping restore oyster reefs in our coastal areas alongside resident volunteers will deepen their connection to our islands.”
Coastal Watch relies on volunteers to promote healthier, greener ways of interacting with our coastal environment. So far in 2024, volunteers have planted more than 8,000 spartina and saw grass seedlings to restore a historic marsh, about 2,000 mangroves, and over 400 plants for a new pollinator garden, including 18 different species of wildflowers, trees, grasses, and shrubs, among other projects.
The TDC provides grants to not-for-profits and attractions organizations to strengthen awareness of experiences that enrich tourism in Lee County.
“Since Hurricane Ian, we’ve been getting emails from visitors ahead of their stays asking for ways that they can help us restore our islands,” said Pfau. “With this marketing campaign, we’ll be able to bring ecotourism and volunteering together in a new way for our islands.”
Coastal Watch will also promote customized opportunities for school, church, family, or corporate groups to engage in volunteer-based initiatives to restore our habitats, clean our environment, and encourage sustainability.
The TDC grant is part of the county’s annual Attractions Marketing funding awarded in September each year.