The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center will be closed temporarily for annual maintenance from September 3 to 26. During that time, the von Arx Wildlife Hospital will remain open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to meet the ongoing needs of wildlife admissions and rehabilitative care.
What We Do
Our mission is to protect Southwest Florida's unique natural environment and quality of life...now and forever.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Red tide has devastating effects on local shorebirds
Three laughing gulls were recently admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital exhibiting signs of toxicosis associated with red tide. The laughing gull was found in Estero Bay Preserve State Park unable to stand or fly (red tide produces neurotoxins that cause paresis). The gull was underweight, dull, had a weak bite, one squinty eye and one fully closed eye and was open-mouth breathing.
policy and advocacy
Quiet disaster: Dapis algae in Matlacha Aquatic Preserve and Charlotte Harbor
Many are familiar with toxic blue-green algae and red tide, especially in the Southwest Florida area. However, these are not the only damaging forms of algae outbreaks that continue to plague our coastline, negatively impacting our environment, economy and quality of life. A prime example is what is happening right now to the ecosystem within Matlacha Aquatic Preserve and Charlotte Harbor, where a lesser-known, but extremely concerning bloom of Dapis algae is occurring.
policy and advocacy
Quiet disaster: Dapis algae in Matlacha Aquatic Preserve and Charlotte Harbor
Many are familiar with toxic blue-green algae and red tide, especially in the Southwest Florida area. However, these are not the only damaging forms of algae outbreaks that continue to plague our coastline, negatively impacting our environment, economy and quality of life. A prime example is what is happening right now to the ecosystem within Matlacha Aquatic Preserve and Charlotte Harbor, where a lesser-known, but extremely concerning bloom of Dapis algae is occurring.
Fund the fight for clean water
RedSnook Catch & Release Charity Fishing Tournament
The RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Fishing Tournament is a reminder of one of the treasures of our region – our waterways. The tournament supports the work of the Conservancy to keep our waters clean and to preserve and enhance our fisheries.
Nature protects us
Here at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, a simple truth has guided our actions for almost 60 years. It is an idea that serves as the foundation upon which all of our work is based: We protect nature. Nature protects us.
Our Impact This Year
Department Blogs
Check out the latest updates from our educators, rehabilitators, biologists, and environmental policy experts!
