Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera) is a native, coastal, broad-leaf evergreen that is common in the uplands of Sanibel. It is native to the Caribbean, South America, and South Florida and can reach 35-50 ft tall.

They occur island-wide on Sanibel and Captiva and in the uplands, but are found only along the mainland coast due to their inability to survive frost. ...

The birds are back! Coming off a highly successful 2025 nesting season, state-threatened least terns (Sternula antillarum) have returned to the Sanibel Causeway islands. This is the fourth year in a row that least terns have nested on the Sanibel Causeway following a 30-year absence! Black skimmers (Rynchops niger), which nested on the Causeway in 2025, have...

We are thrilled to welcome ten new counselors this summer to teach camps at our Flagship campus, Bailey Homestead, and at CECI this year. Our summer camp counselors are an integral part of our mission to improve the ocean’s future one person at a time. Throughout their time at Sanibel Sea School, they will teach many children of different age groups and help share their love ...

You may have noticed one of the many SCCF preserve signs while driving around the islands. SCCF owns more than 1,900 acres across Sanibel, Captiva, and the surrounding watershed, and protects and also manages an additional 300+ acres of preserve lands.

Most of these lands are closed to the public to safeguard sensitive ecosystems and wildlife. From habitats that sup...

Starting in March, SCCF’s Coastal Watch adopt-a-mangrove participants began returning the young mangroves they’ve been caring for since the fall.  

“It’s always a joy to see mangroves come back with name tags, little bows, and encouraging messages writt...