The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) recently announced its largest-ever Gopher Tortoise Habitat Enhancement Project.

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species whose burrows provide shelter for more than 350 other wildlife species. To complement its existing gopher tortoise monitoring program, the SCCF is launching a new initiative to enhance gopher tortoise habitat on its preserve lands and to educate the community about the importance of the state-threatened reptiles.

“Our long-term goal for this project is to establish these areas as a designated recipient site for gopher tortoises that need to be relocated,” the SCCF reported.

PROJECT TALK

To kick off its Gopher Tortoise Habitat Enhancement Project, a lecture by SCCF wildlife biologist Mike Mills will take place on Oct. 30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the pavilion at the Bailey Homestead Preserve, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

The program will highlight the history and ecology of gopher tortoises on Sanibel, from their diet, range and habitat, to their role in the ecosystem. It will also explore the impacts of Hurricane Ian on gopher tortoise populations and explain steps that people can take to make their yard more tortoise-friendly.

Attendees will learn about the upcoming project and how to get involved as a volunteer.

Tickets cost $10, which will go directly toward the project.

For tickets or more information, visit https://events.humanitix.com/gopher-tortoise-habitat-enhancement-project-talk.

HABITAT ENHANCEMENT

The SCCF reported that in addition to the talk, it is also seeking volunteers every week starting in November to help it enhance gopher tortoise habitats at an SCCF preserve.

“Our habitat enhancement project focuses on improving the open, sandy upland environments that gopher tortoises rely on for burrowing, nesting and foraging,” it shared.

Volunteers will get their hands dirty and experience one of the preserves not open to the public.

To volunteer or for more information, visit https://pointapp.org/orgs/2095.

The SCCF also extended a special thank you to the Southwest Florida Association of Environmental Professionals for donating to the project through its annual fishing tournament.

To reach SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, please email