The Conservancy of Southwest Florida hosts Magic Patron Party at the historic Keewaydin Lodge on Keewaydin Island.
To thank and celebrate our donors and supporters before the 20th annual Magic Under the Mangroves gala, we held an island casual celebration on February 25 at the place where it all began.
The Conservancy of Southwest was founded in April 1964 when a group of concerned citizens held a meeting at the Keewaydin Lodge (also known as the Keewaydin Club) regarding the possible construction of the “Road to Nowhere,” a road that would have been developed from the end of Bayshore Road through Keewaydin Island, Holloway Island, Cannon Island and connect to Isle of Capri, eventually leading into Marco Island.
To save the Rookery Bay Estuary and the surrounding mangroves from development, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida was founded and the road project was stopped with a documentation of 6,000 local resident signatures.
From there, within the past 60 years, the Conservancy’s mission work went from policy efforts to now a four core department conservation strategy of science research, environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation. Our mission has always been to protect SWFL’s water, land, wildlife and future. We are now one of the top leading environmental conservation nonprofits in the state.
This special kick off celebration to our 20th annual Magic Under the Mangroves was from 2pm-5pm. Guests were transported to the beautiful island by our Good Fortune II pontoon boat. While on the island, they had the opportunity to experience the rich history of the Keewaydin Lodge, along with meeting many of our staff members.
Thank you to our hosts and sponsors at the Edgewater Hotel for providing the catering and the beautiful table settings. We want to also thank the Walsh Family for donating their property for this special, one of a kind event.
This year’s Magic Under the Mangroves gala is a sold out event and set for Thursday, March 7. The 2024 Chairs are Toni & Charlie Mueller and Carol & John Walter. To review the auction items prior to our gala, please go to our Auction Page.