Conservancy of Southwest Florida

08/27/2026

Did you know Conservancy Scientist Kathy Worley has been studying mangroves in our area for 30 years! Read more about these essential forests that keep us safer during storms below.

It was supposed to be a simple summer job. A contractor set to work clearing Brazilian pepper, Australian pine and other vegetation from the 47-acre Seven Islands development in Cape Coral. Instead, an estimated 570 feet of red mangrove shoreline was also torn out. The developer claimed it was a mis...

08/27/2026

Come check us out!

08/27/2026

Giving Southwest Florida's wildlife a second chance takes a village. We are in need of volunteers to help us out at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital.

- Help staff with patients
- Wash/fold laundry
- Keep enclosures clean
- Help with rescues and releases
- Prepare diets
- Graze gopher tortoises
- Front desk
- Wash dishes

Please consider signing up today and becoming part of our team! More infomation and how to apply:

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Conservancy. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida thanks our dedicated volunteers who have provided well over $1-million in service to the Conservancy during the past year alone. Become a Volunteer Become an important member of this team and share your time, talen...

08/26/2026

When an application was recently submitted to repurpose the former Ford/Harley test track into a car-racing and residential development called “Hyper Club,” the Conservancy immediately sprang into action.

Take action and sign our petition with the link below.

At the eastern edge of Golden Gate Estates, you're within some of the best endangered panther habitat left in Florida. You’re also in the Greater Western Everglades, and at the doorstep of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and the Picayune Strand State Forest. When an application was re...

08/26/2026

Investing in the Conservancy of Southwest Florida means protecting our quality of life in Southwest Florida, now and forever. Learn more: https://conservancy.org/nowandforever/

With your support, our four mission areas continue to protect, preserve and inspire this region.

Science and Research: Mangrove Restoration, Sea Turtle Research and Protection, Land Management, and Burmese Python Research and Removal

Policy and Advocacy: Coastal Resiliency, Water Quality, Greater Western Everglades, Habitat Protection, and Everglades Restoration

Environmental Education: After-School Programs, Summer Programs, Internships, Field Trips, Off-Site Events and more

Wildlife Rehabilitation: von Arx Wildlife Hospital

08/26/2026

While the test track has been used by various entities to road-test vehicles for years, the proposed “Hyper Club” project would intensify use on the site exponentially.

Take Action today and say no to Hyper Club: https://conservancy.org/take-action-ask-decision-makers-to-hit-the-brakes-on-the-hyper-club/

The Florida panther telemetry map is from FWC, documenting from 1981 to 2025.

08/25/2026

Hi, it's me Gordon B. Eagle! Let me show you around my construction site. 😎

08/24/2026

An application was recently submitted to repurpose the former Ford/Harley test track into a car-racing and residential development called "Hyper Club."

At the eastern edge of Golden Gate Estates, you’re within some of the best endangered panther habitat left in Florida...

You’re also in the Greater Western Everglades, and at the doorstep of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and the Picayune Strand State Forest. But maybe we are getting sick and tired of having to say this.

The property encompasses 531 acres, and "Hyper Club" proposes to impact more than 142 acres of wetlands as part of their plan to build a residential community centered around a private car-racing track.

Also...

The property sits directly next to the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and is immediately upstream of the Picayune Strand, the largest wetland restoration project in the history of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan—a rehydration project that was recently completed at a cost of $653 million.

Together, lets hit the brakes on Hyper Club.

Take Action here: https://secure.conservancy.org/site/Advocacy?page=UserAction&cmd=display&id=223

📬 Through this action alert, you will be contacting:
Michelle L. Gilbert, US Army Corps of Engineers
Clayton Hansen, South Florida Water Management District
Jose Rivera, US Fish and Wildlife Service

Image: Aerial view rendering of the proposed facility is by Hyper Club.

08/24/2026

Apply Today! The future of Collier County depends on informed leaders who can balance growth, conservation, and community resilience.

Applications are now open: https://www.napleschamber.org/seed-collier

That's why the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is proud to partner with the Greater Naples Chamber, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Friends of Rookery Bay to launch SEED Collier, a new fellowship that brings together professionals from across sectors to learn, collaborate, and take action.

By investing in leadership today, we're helping build a stronger, more resilient Southwest Florida for generations to come.

A cross-sector fellowship that equips professionals to make informed decisions that strengthen Collier County's environment, economy, and communities.