Protecting our water, land, wildlife, and future

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.

CalusaWaterkeeperAlgae
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.

CalusaWaterkeeperAlgae
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.

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

Icon Wildlife Hospital Blue
Animals treated at the Wildlife Hospital
Icon Turtle
Sea turtle nests protected
Icon Visitors
E-Learning students
Icon Snake2
Pounds of python removed