In my experience with the employees of the conservancy as they strive to protect FL's natural habitat, they value their opinions over proven science.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a great educational experience to the community, as well as a source of entertainment for the family. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center takes in injured wildlife of all land and air types and returns more than half of them to their natural habitats. The Discovery Center demonstrates the path of water in the form of natrual water flow through the Everglades and the wildlife within the region. The Electric Boat rides along the Gordon River give riders a natural view of whatever birds or landlife that may be there on any given day. Walking paths through the Conservancy give a self-guided tour through mangroves as well as including that of a gopher tortoise habitat. I have been a volunteer there for sixteen years and continue to be educated about the contributions to the commnity and its visitors by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
It is refreshing to find a conservation group in a hard core Republican area, that professionaly covers diverse ecological subjects such as education of young and old, together with hands on nature involvement, wildlife rehabilitation, trained docents and electric boat tours. As a Navy pilot retiree, I found all their volunteers to be wonderful people, in harmony with their mission, especially advocacy of environmental best practises based on science, not political dogma. Instead of "tree huggers" versus developers I found ongoing efforts to work together with the community to solve problems. My knowledge of electric of golf car maintenace contributes to the electric boat program. My horticulture background, however many years old, helps with their horticultural endeavors and it is a pleasure to interact with my passengers as a boat captain talking about the flora and fauna on a 45 minute cruise. Their training program for voluteers is superb. I feel deprived that I did not join this group sooner. I am a better person for joining. I applaud their track record and want to continue to contribute to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
The Conservancy geckos retain the natural beauty of our area for us and for future fenerations. Their programs especially the boating programs are first rate and well run. They are a " jewel"among the non profits in our area.
I have been a volunteer at the Conservancy of SW FL for 12 years. I feel that its mission to preserve SW Florida's natural environment is critical to the state. My time at the Conservancy has not only been a learning experience for me, but working with the staff and other volunteers has been very rewarding. I have had the privilege of working closely with the science, education, and policy staff and volunteers and all are very dedicated to the cause.
I have been a boat captain at the Conservancy for just over 4 years and the only Englishman (I think) amongst the Boat Captains I am privilaged to be able to pass on to all the guests who take the trip the wonders of this part of the World which are truely amazing. The parties of visitors enjoy the 50 minutes of visiting the Mangrove Forest and seeing the Fauna and Flora of the area in beautiful small electric boats.If you are in Naples, Florida any time this season pay the Conservancy a visit and take the Boat fide