World Sea Turtle Day program raises funds for research initiative
In honor of World Sea Turtle Day, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan presented details of a research initiative on June 16 at the Bailey Homestead Preserve.
“It was our first, in-person public event since COVID and we quickly reached a capacity of 100 people that we set so we could still provide some social distancing,” SCCF Events Director Jeff Siwicke said. “It was great to have at least some of our SCCF family back together again.”
The SCCF is doing a scientific study to measure temperature, moisture and groundwater influence on loggerhead hatchling sex ratios to investigate why more females are being born than males due to climate change and warmer nesting conditions, officials reported. To advance the study’s progress, the Linsmayer family of Sanibel is matching contributions to the initiative dollar for dollar up to $10,000.
“We’re thrilled that so many people in our community want to make a difference not only for sea turtles along our own shores, but globally,” Linda Linsmayer said on behalf of her family.
Refreshments included sea turtle-inspired fresh vanilla custard with caramel, fudge and salted pecans, which was donated by Chuck and Lisa Whitman, owners of The Shack of Sanibel.
“We are delighted by The Shack’s generosity today and their commitment to donate 25 percent of net proceeds of their sea turtle flavor to our sea turtle program over the next year,” Sloan said. “Our community is so wonderful in supporting our sea turtles.”
To donate toward the initiative, visit https://donorbox.org/donate-to-sccf. After indicating the size of the your gift, click on “Write Us a Comment” and type “sea turtle research” into the drop-down field. Contributions can also be mailed to SCCF Sea Turtle Research, P.O. Box 839, Sanibel, FL 33957-0839.
For more information, contact SCCF Development Director Cheryl Giattini at 239-395-2768 or cgiattini@sccf.org.