SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that Southwest Florida better protect its ecosystems, communities and economies by involving key business players in water quality advocacy.

On Aug. 6, the SanCap Chamber, SCCF, Captains for Clean Water and The Everglades Foundation launched their inaugural Preserving Paradise program. Over the next two months, they will meet with over 20 local business leaders every two weeks to educate them on the science and politics behind the region’s water quality issues so they can become better advocates and environmental stewards.

“We’re proud to be partnering with the Sanibel and Captiva chamber, Captains for Clean Water and The Everglades Foundation to bring this important program to life,” SCCF Chief Executive Officer James Evans said. “This group will learn just how connected our water is to the health of our communities and economies, and how Everglades restoration is critical to protecting our coastal ecosystems for future generations.”

On top of classroom sessions and lectures with water quality experts and advocates, the program will include boots-on-the-ground field experiences, such as a trip to the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, boat tour of the Caloosahatchee and an airboat tour of the Everglades.

The SCCF reported that program participants will take away a deeper level of advocacy that they can share with their peers and business teammates to facilitate more widespread understanding of the role water quality plays in the health of the local economy.

Businesses and organizations that the participants represent include: Bank of the Islands, Benchmark General Contractors, Big Nick’s BBQ, Dixie Fish Co., Dock Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, Gulfshore Life, IMAG History & Science Center, Indra Yoga, Island Inn, The Island Store, Keep Lee County Beautiful, Lake Michigan Credit Union, MHK Architecture, Pink Shell Beach Resort, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors, Shalimar Beach Resort, State Farm, Storm Smart, Sun Broadcasting, Waste Management and Traverse Technologies.

For more information about the program, visit preservingparadise.org.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION