The Sanibel and Captiva Conservation Foundation, Incorporated, is located in Sanibel, near Fort Myers, Florida. This foundation has had the responsibility of caring for the ecosystems and lands of the Sanibel and Captiva locations. Without their support and their understanding of these natural wonderlands, these locations would have been lost to residential or commercial development. This would destroy many of the unique vast wilderness benefits of the region. The region offers many rare subtropical plants as well as a variety of wildlife habitats that are crucial to species survival. Established in 1967, the foundation works on providing a range of benefits to the region.
The community as well as the visitors help to support the foundation. There are some 1800 acres of wildlife habitat that have been acquired and saved by the foundation. They have removed all non native plants from the area and work to teach people how to care for the wildlife around them. Visitors in flocks of up to 65,000 people a year have visited and learned about the barrier island ecology. They offer help on a grand scale including some of the smallest, most important activities like helping nesting shorebird, helping sea turtles and helping with other nature programs.
Those that wish to visit can do so at the 6,900 square foot nature center that is available. It provides a range of educational displays and interactive exhibits that allow the foundation to truly benefit those that visit with education. Visitors are able to explore different habitats on both guided and self guided tours. There is a nature shop and a bookstore located within.
