The Committee of the Islands (COTI) will hold its first program of the new season, a COTI Conversation, on Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.<\/p>\n
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation\u2019s Coastal Watch community conservation coordinator, Skye McDonald-Newman, will provide a presentation on mangrove loss and restoration efforts. She will also talk about how individuals can participate in the process.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe past three years have brought constant reminders of the devastation Hurricane Ian wrought on our mangrove forests, as well as the importance of mangroves to our coastal resilience,\u201d COTI shared. \u201cThe damage didn\u2019t begin or end with Ian. Mangroves in Southwest Florida, especially around Sanibel Island, have faced extensive damage from a number of major storms. Fortunately, help is at hand.\u201d<\/p>\n
McDonald-Newman will cover what is happening with the island\u2019s mangroves and research underway at the SCCF\u2019s Marine Lab. She will answer the questions, \u201cHow are we restoring these lands, and how do we include the community in the process?\u201d<\/p>\n
Attendees will also have the opportunity to contribute to mangrove restoration by participating in Coastal Watch\u2019s Adopt-A-Mangrove program. While supplies last, they can take home potted mangrove propagules to care for and then return for planting in the spring.<\/p>\n
\u201cRestoration efforts by SCCF Coastal Watch focus on including the island and surrounding communities in restoration. Fostering stewardship through hands-on conservation is a cornerstone of what we do,\u201d McDonald-Newman said. \u201cOur restoration strategies are long-term, multi-faceted and rooted in science and community engagement. Restoration is not just ecological rehabilitation; it is an investment in a living infrastructure critical to the sustainability and defense of Sanibel Island.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the SCCF, she manages the Coastal Watch\u2019s mangrove nursery, leads volunteer events and conducts research with the Marine Lab. Her work reflects a long-standing commitment to supporting healthy coastal environments and resilient island communities. McDonald-Newman previously worked for the J.N. \u201cDing\u201d Darling National Wildlife Refuge\u2019s Wildlife on Wheels, leading education programs on marine wildlife at Title I schools.<\/p>\n
Raised between the tidal pools of Upper Captiva and a mountain farm in West Virginia, she developed an early appreciation for the intersections between land, water and community. McDonald-Newman holds a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies from Mount Holyoke College and she has conducted field research in Panama, Ecuador and Massachusetts.<\/p>\n
There will be time for a Q&A following the presentation.<\/p>\n
In addition, information about COTI and membership will be available.<\/p>\n
Refreshments will be served.<\/p>\n
The program is open to COTI members and non-members.<\/p>\n
While admission is free, RSVPs are requested at COTI33957@gmail.com.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit www.COTI.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n