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Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center will be closed to the public Aug. 1 – Oct. 3 due to major renovations for the $17 million Sustainable Campus initiative. Normal operating hours will resume at 9 a.m. on Oct. 4.  Please note that the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic is not affected by this closure and will be open as usual, seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.  Business and Administrative offices are also open for business as usual.

“We are making some exciting progress on the new “green” Nature Center,” said Andrew McElwaine, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.  “Once completed, sometime in 2012, guests will be able to enjoy one of the most complete experiences of the Southwest Florida environment and leave with the understanding of why it is so important to protect our water, land and wildlife.”

The renovation, part of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida “Saving Southwest Florida” Capital Campaign, is designed to transform the 21-acre Conservancy Nature Center into a model for sustainable design and environmental responsibility. Its many features will include a new two new buildings:  the Sugden Gomez Environmental Planning Center and von Arx Wildlife Clinic.  Three other buildings we undergo extensive renovations:  Dalton Discovery Center, Eaton Conservation Hall featuring the Jeannie Meg Smith Theater, and the Ferguson Interactive Learning Lab.  Other sustainable features include several new filter marshes designed to enhance Gordon River and Naples Bay water quality. Plans for the new Nature Center can be found at www.conservancy.org/campaign. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2012.

For those interested in being a part of the “Saving Southwest Florida” Campaign, numerous naming opportunities at different levels are still available. For more information on naming opportunities, contact Rob Moher, vice-president of development and marketing for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida at 239-403-4205.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Sustainable Campus Initiative:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has begun a new sustainable campus initiative launched in April 2009 as part of its Saving Southwest Florida Capital Campaign. The 21-acre Conservancy Nature Center is being transformed into a model for sustainable design and environmental responsibility, with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards for both buildings and the Nature Center. Once completed, the new Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center will include two new buildings and three major rehabilitation project.

• A new Wildlife Clinic with more space, improved treatment areas and modern equipment
• Totally remodeled Discovery Center with new and exciting environmental exhibits
• A new Environmental Planning Center with updated research laboratories
• Conservation Hall and theater will be created from the existing auditorium space and will be used for increased environmental education programming, meetings and events
• Interactive Learning Lab for hands-on learning about environmental topics and sustainability
• Two constructed wetlands areas serving as natural filter marshes to cleanse storm water before being released into the Gordon River and Naples Bay
• New trails, gardens and walkways with native landscaping
• New environmental education and programming

The project also includes a new entrance to the Conservancy Nature Center, Smith Preserve Way, from Goodlette-Frank Road that will bring the vision of a “Naples Central Park” closer to reality. The new entrance will potentially provide access to the Gordon River Greenway Park and the Naples Zoo.

Green building practices, sustainability features and best management practices are being incorporated into all aspects of the construction and building designs. Key features include:

• All new buildings will be built to rigorous LEED standards.
• LEED standards will be applied across the overall for Nature Center.
• Water conservation will be emphasized and best management practices for stormwater management applied. Storm water will be captured for re-use or filtered before naturally flowing into the Gordon River.
• Energy efficiency will be incorporated at every opportunity with a multi-year goal to achieve “net zero” energy cost.

The project is being funded through the ongoing multi-million dollar capital campaign. Campus construction will be phased over several years to minimize the impact on Conservancy guests and staff. Completion is expected sometime in the first quarter of 2012.

The construction project team members bring a variety of backgrounds and specialization in sustainable design, advanced building construction and applied technology to the project. All contractors working on the project have achieved or are pursuing personal LEED accreditation. The construction partners all have adapted their own business philosophies and practices to meet the demands of the project. They also have committed to using their experience with sustainability practices on the Conservancy campus to extend that concept into future projects for other Southwest Florida clients. Team members include:

• Curtis Cafiso, Conservancy of Southwest Florida (Project Executive)
• Keith Predmore, Keith Predmore & Associates (Owner’s Representative)
• Casey Neurock, Neugreen LLC (LEED Consultant)
• Fernando Zabala and Brian Leaders, Larry Warner Architects (Master Planning and Building Design) and the late Larry Warner
• Alex Lopez, JALRW Engineering Group (MEP Engineers)
• Derry Berrigan, DBLD Sustainable Lighting Design (LED Lighting)
• Peter Kuttner, Cambridge 7 Associates (Discovery Center Exhibit Design and Campus Interpretive Design)
• Walter Crawford, Heatherwood Construction (Construction Managers)
• Frank Feeney, Hole Montes (Civil Engineer)

High resolution images of the new Nature Center and building renderings are available to the media by contacting Barbara Wilson, Conservancy director of marketing and communications: barbaraw@conservancy.org; or 239-403-4216.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay.

The Conservancy is a grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region. Partnering with like-minded organizations, the Conservancy works to manage growth and protect area waters, land and wildlife. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida promotes sound environmental policies and practices based on solid scientific research while providing environmental education to residents and visitors. The Wildlife Clinic treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals each year and releases about half back into their native habitats.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Conservancy Nature Center are located in Naples, Florida at 1450 Merrihue Drive, off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14^th Avenue North. For information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, call 239-262-0304 or visit http://www.conservancy.org/.

Just in time for Independence Day, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic released a rehabilitated bald eagle that was recently treated for injuries back into its native environment.

Conservancy Wildlife Clinic volunteer Tim Healy and his wife, Norma, brought the injured bird to the clinic on May 3. The juvenile bald eagle was found in North Naples near Immokalee Road and U.S. 41 suffering from severe wounds to its right leg, right wing and tail. The cause of the injuries is unknown. The eagle’s injuries were treated with a therapeutic low level laser for several weeks to help heal its wounds.

“It’s always a great feeling when one of our patients is fully rehabilitated and able to be released back into the wild, especially an animal with such extensive injuries,” said Conservancy Wildlife Clinic Director Joanna Fitzgerald. “This case was truly unique because it was a bald eagle regaining its ‘independence’ just as we head into the Fourth of July weekend.”

The Conservancy Wildlife Clinic used a Multi Radiance TQ Solo laser to produce deep tissue stimulation, vital to restoring and proliferating healthy cells at the wound site. The bald eagle was placed in an outdoor recovery area on May 30 to complete its healing process.

“When we found the eagle it was in really bad shape; we honestly weren’t sure if it would make it,” said Healy. “It was a wonderful to see it fully recuperated and going home.”

On June 30 Healy did the honors of releasing the eagle back into the wild at the general area where it was originally found. Although reluctant to fly at first, the bald eagle eventually returned to the woods behind Wiggins Pass Road. Prior to its release, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) banded the eagle with identification for possible future research. If the eagle is found injured in the future, the banding allows for information to be tracked back to FWC.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay.

The Conservancy is a grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region. Partnering with like-minded organizations, the Conservancy works to manage growth and protect area waters, land and wildlife. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida promotes sound environmental policies and practices based on solid scientific research while providing environmental education to residents and visitors. The Wildlife Clinic treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals each year and releases about half back into their native habitats.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Conservancy Nature Center are located in Naples, Florida at 1450 Merrihue Drive, off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14^th Avenue North. For information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, call 239-262-0304 or visit http://www.conservancy.org/.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida hosted a ceremonial wildlife release to celebrate the start of construction on the new von Arx Wildlife Clinic, the latest phase of its multi-million-dollar sustainable campus initiative, part of its “Saving Southwest Florida” Capital Campaign. Namesakes Sharon and Dolph von Arx, Conservancy staff, board members, donors and Capital Campaign Committee members participated in a ceremonial release of a rehabilitated mourning dove into the wild, symbolizing the mission of the new clinic: to treat and release injured wildlife back into its native habitat.

Sharon and Dolph von Arx provided a generous $1.5 million leadership gift to the “Saving Southwest Florida” Capital Campaign to fund a large portion of the new wildlife clinic which, once complete, will provide the essential room, tools and resources to treat and save diverse native wildlife species. The von Arx’s also pledged $50,000 to fund the Sharon von Arx Flight Recovery Aviary.

“The Wildlife Clinic has an important dual role in caring for and rehabilitating wildlife, but also introduces more people to the Conservancy than any other program,” said the von Arx’s. “We hope the new clinic will enable the Conservancy to expand and enhance its work.”

Other major donors helping to fund the new wildlife clinic include Barbara W. Moore, Sidney and Nancy Sapakie, Fred and Sue Schulte, Deki Stephenson, Edward and Susan Yawney and one anonymous donor. Additional support was provided by Dr. Robert Schultheis, and Chuck and Jean Zboril. The total cost of the new Wildlife Clinic is $2.6 million.

The current Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic was built to handle approximately 600-800 animals per year, but is now treating more than 2,500 injured, sick and orphaned wildlife annually in outdated, cramped quarters. The new von Arx Wildlife Clinic will have the capacity to treat more than double that number. The expanded, 4,500-square-foot clinic will include larger medical facilities and an upgraded interpretive area to educate visitors about the important wildlife rehabilitation work of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

“The Wildlife Clinic will be a significant enhancement to our Nature Center, enabling us to treat animals in a less stressful environment – and increase their chances to be released into the wild,” says Andrew McElwaine, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “The new facility will be one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation facilities in this part of the country.”

The space will include separate recovery areas for mammals, reptiles and birds, an animal nursery and new operating and x-ray rooms. The clinic will also serve as an education center, allowing the public learn about rehabilitation without disturbing the wildlife or their treatments.

While almost half of the “patients” are released back into the wild, native wildlife that are either recovering or not able to care for themselves will be placed in an outdoor viewing area. Completion of the von Arx Wildlife Clinic is estimated for second quarter of 2011. In the interim, the existing Wildlife Clinic will remain operational.

“We are grateful to Sharon and Dolph von Arx for their leadership gift to the ‘Saving Southwest Florida’ Capital Campaign,” said Rob Moher, vice-president of development and marketing for the Conservancy. “Other generous donors have contributed toward this project and their contributions have been vital in allowing us to start construction of this wildlife clinic.”

For others interested in being a part of the campus renovation project, additional naming opportunities are still available. Information can be found on at http://www.conservancy.org/.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Sustainable Campus Initiative:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has begun a new sustainable campus initiative launched in April 2009 as part of its Saving Southwest Florida Capital Campaign. The 21-acre Conservancy Nature Center is being transformed into a model for sustainable design and environmental responsibility, with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards for both buildings and the Nature Center. Once completed, the new Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center will include two new buildings and three major rehabilitation project.

• A new Wildlife Clinic with more space, improved treatment areas and modern equipment
• Totally remodeled Discovery Center with new and exciting environmental exhibits
• A new Environmental Planning Center with updated research laboratories
• Conservation Hall and theater will be created from the existing auditorium space and will be used for increased environmental education programming, meetings and events
• Interactive Learning Lab for hands-on learning about environmental topics and sustainability
• Two constructed wetlands areas serving as natural filter marshes to cleanse storm water before being released into the Gordon River and Naples Bay
• New trails, gardens and walkways with native landscaping
• New environmental education and programming

The project also includes a new entrance to the Conservancy Nature Center, Smith Preserve Way, from Goodlette-Frank Road that will bring the vision of a “Naples Central Park” closer to reality. The new entrance will potentially provide access to the Gordon River Greenway Park and the Naples Zoo.

Green building practices, sustainability features and best management practices are being incorporated into all aspects of the construction and building designs. Key features include:

• All new buildings will be built to rigorous LEED standards.
• LEED standards will be applied across the overall for Nature Center.
• Water conservation will be emphasized and best management practices for stormwater management applied. Storm water will be captured for re-use or filtered before naturally flowing into the Gordon River.
• Energy efficiency will be incorporated at every opportunity with a multi-year goal to achieve “net zero” energy cost.

The project is being funded through the ongoing multi-million dollar capital campaign. Campus construction will be phased over several years to minimize the impact on Conservancy guests and staff. Completion is expected sometime in the first quarter of 2012.

The construction project team members bring a variety of backgrounds and specialization in sustainable design, advanced building construction and applied technology to the project. All contractors working on the project have achieved or are pursuing personal LEED accreditation. The construction partners all have adapted their own business philosophies and practices to meet the demands of the project. They also have committed to using their experience with sustainability practices on the Conservancy campus to extend that concept into future projects for other Southwest Florida clients. Team members include:

• Curtis Cafiso, Conservancy of Southwest Florida (Project Executive)
• Keith Predmore, Keith Predmore & Associates (Owner’s Representative)
• Casey Neurock, Neugreen LLC (LEED Consultant)
• Fernando Zabala and Brian Leaders, Larry Warner Architects (Master Planning and Building Design)
• Alex Lopez, JALRW Engineering Group (MEP Engineers)
• Derry Berrigan, DBLD Sustainable Lighting Design (LED Lighting)
• Peter Kuttner, Cambridge 7 Associates (Discovery Center Exhibit Design and Campus Interpretive Design)
• Walter Crawford, Heatherwood Construction (Construction Managers)
• Frank Feeney, Hole Montes (Civil Engineer)

High resolution images of the new Wildlife Clinic renderings are available to the media by contacting Barbara Wilson, Director of Marketing and Communications: barbaraw@conservancy.org; or 239-403-4216.

More information about the “Saving Southwest Florida” Capital Campaign is available at www.conservancy.org/campaign.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay.

The Conservancy is a grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region. Partnering with like-minded organizations, the Conservancy works to manage growth and protect area waters, land and wildlife. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida promotes sound environmental policies and practices based on solid scientific research while providing environmental education to residents and visitors. The Wildlife Clinic treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals each year and releases about half back into their native habitats.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Conservancy Nature Center are located in Naples, Florida at 1450 Merrihue Drive, off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14^th Avenue North. For information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, call 239-262-0304 or visit http://www.conservancy.org/.

We were so proud to be a part of the “graduation” of the loggerhead sea turtle who was moved to a larger tank at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this morning.  It was a great event and a wonderful experience for all to see this animal thriving under the care of such a wonderful organization!  Learn more by visiting www.conservancy.org!

As sea turtle nesting season begins, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida prepares to transfer its juvenile female loggerhead sea turtle resident to a larger tank. The public will first be able to view the loggerhead sea turtle in its new 2,000-gallon Patch Reef aquarium on Saturday, May 8.

The loggerhead sea turtle has been provided a home at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center since April 1, 2009, following its participation in a study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University on the sex ratio of loggerhead hatchlings during the 2008 nesting season. After a year of residence, the turtle is now large enough to survive in the larger aquarium, which more closely resembles the natural oceanic environment the turtle will eventually be released into. On May 7, the turtle will be weighed, measured and transferred to its new larger home.

“The turtle’s graduation to a new home is a significant milestone toward its release into the wild,” says Troy Frensley, Conservancy Education and Discovery Center Manager. “This event also coincides with the 2010 turtle season that begins May 1, and it’s a great opportunity for us at the Nature Center to share a greater awareness about how humans can aid the survival of this important species.”

Once the turtle is placed into the tank, Conservancy staff will continue its policy of limited physical contact with the turtle in order to prevent it from becoming overly habituated to interactions with people. This will give it a better chance of growing to adulthood when it is released into the wild.

The sea turtle came to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida from the Boca Raton Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, based at the Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The young turtle will live at the Conservancy for two to three years before being released into the wild. The purpose of its stay at the Conservancy is to allow it to grow to nearly 18 inches in length and for it to serve as an ambassador for its species to educate the public about protecting sea turtles.

Tips for Sea Turtle Season:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida recommends observing the loggerhead sea turtle at the Nature Center during nesting season to learn how to protect the species. Here are some other ways to promote survival of loggerhead sea turtles during nesting season, which runs May 1 through Oct. 31:

• Limit night activities on the beach and abide by county restrictions concerning lights on the beach. There should be no exterior lighting visible from the beach. Keep curtains closed on windows facing the beach when interior lights are on at night.
• When you leave the beach, take away what you bring, including beach toys, furniture and other man-made objects.
• Do not disturb turtles, nests or hatchlings, keeping as much distance as possible.
• Volunteer with a beach cleanup effort to protect turtles from ingesting or becoming ensnared in paper and plastic products.
• Call the Conservancy of Southwest Florida at 239-403-4216 if you see any turtle in distress and support preservation efforts by becoming a member and donor.
• Call local authorities if you see anyone violating laws concerning turtle protection.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay. 

The Conservancy is a grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region. Partnering with like-minded organizations, the Conservancy works to manage growth and protect area waters, land and wildlife. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida promotes sound environmental policies and practices based on solid scientific research while providing environmental education to residents and visitors. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals each year and releases about half back into their native habitats. 

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Conservancy Nature Center are located in Naples, Florida at 1450 Merrihue Drive, off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14^th Avenue North. 
For information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, call 239-262-0304 or visit http://www.conservancy.org/.