Memorial fund established to create new research center
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation recently shared the news of Carol Martin Strange’s passing on Aug. 8, who was a long-time volunteer for the SCCF’s Sea Turtle Program.
Shortly after moving to Sanibel full-time, Strange expanded upon her lifelong love of seashells and the beach by becoming a sea turtle volunteer in 2005. Her relationship with Sanibel and Captiva went back to 1988, when she and her husband, Larry, took over ownership of Sanibel’s first shell shop.
The SCCF reported that patrolling the beach at dawn in search of sea turtle crawls and nests deepened Strange’s commitment to conservation and fueled her passion for their protection. Encountering hatchlings as they made their way to the Gulf of Mexico enriched her love of nature and lit her spirit.
“Carol was a beloved member of our sea turtle family for 18 years, and her joy and positivity impacted so many of us in so many ways,” Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan said. “She cared deeply about sea turtle conservation and the thousands of hours she spent protecting turtles on our islands will have a lasting effect.”
Behind the scenes, Strange wanted to encourage a sense of stewardship in her children and grandchildren. When she and her husband were ready to make their annual gifts, they would always bring a grandchild around to present the gift and talk about the importance of conservation philanthropy.
The SCCF reported that Strange was pivotal in the creation of its Brush of Excellence Environmental Art Program, serving since its inception on its Artist Selection Committee. She also served two years as a volunteer for the SCCF’s Terrestrial Turtle program.
However, Strange’s unparalleled commitment was to the Sea Turtle Program. No matter the daunting conditions on the beaches, she was a true guardian of the mothers and hatchlings during nesting season. For that reason, her family has started a memorial fund for the Sea Turtle Program to honor her legacy.
“We intend to honor Carol’s commitment by using this newly created fund to help create a Sea Turtle Research Center here at SCCF,” Chief Executive Officer James Evans said. “It is the natural next step in growing the longstanding Sea Turtle Program by creating what will be a leading Gulf Coast facility for this much-needed work.”
The SCCF reported that with a grateful and humble spirit, Strange developed sincere friendships with many members of its family and consistently showed up whenever help was needed. Her generous support included emails to SCCF staff encouraging and thanking them for their mission-driven work.
“It makes me smile to think that some of the hatchlings she rescued in 2005 will be returning to lay their eggs on our beaches in the coming years,” Sloan said. “She was a ray of light and we’ll truly miss her.”
To donate to the newly created fund in her memory, visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341711&id=14.