The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Environmental Science Department conducts innovative scientific research to enhance the body of knowledge to assist in developing real-world applications in conserving, managing, and restoring our natural resources.
What We Do
Conservancy biologists specialize in a wide variety of research initiatives that focus on Southwest Florida’s unique habitats and wildlife, ranging from our estuaries to our uplands, urban environments, to the Western Everglades. The work of the Environmental Science Department includes ecological research, monitoring programs, restoration initiatives, and collaboration with universities, state and federal agencies, as well as community outreach. Coastal Ecology, Invasive Species, Western Everglades, and Urban Ecology are the focus areas of the department. We conduct research to enhance our understanding of the wildlife and the biological communities that are necessary to their survival.
In the early 70s, after successfully saving Rookery Bay, the Conservancy turned its attention to scientific research and established the first marine research station within Rookery Bay. At the helm was Dr. Bernie Yokel, who conducted several branches of research ranging from the landmark Naples Bay Study to mangrove and fisheries research while at the Conservancy.
Since this auspicious beginning, the Conservancy’s Environmental Science Department has evolved in response to changing needs for scientific information in our area. We specialize in providing impartial, objective research to advance the body of knowledge necessary to develop real-world solutions to conserve, manage and restore our natural ecosystems.
