SCCF - Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation
Last Updated: February 9, 2026
SCCF – Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation
Quick Facts About SCCF
Founded: 1967
Mission: To protect and care for Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems
Vision: A Southwest Florida where wildlife and natural habitats flourish in harmony with people and are protected by science-based policies
Primary Focus: Land conservation, water quality, coastal research, education, and environmental advocacy
Impact: Helps preserve approximately 70% of Sanibel Island as conservation land
Location: Sanibel Island, Florida
SCCF is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting coastal habitats and aquatic resources on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and throughout the surrounding watershed. Through land conservation, scientific research, environmental policy leadership, and community education, SCCF helps safeguard the ecosystems that define Southwest Florida’s coastal communities. Conservation leadership from organizations like SCCF is one of the primary reasons Sanibel and Captiva Islands remain among the most environmentally protected coastal communities in Florida.
On November 1, 2018, for a second year in a row, SCCF was awarded the highest possible rating from Charity Navigator, verifying that the organization exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in their scope of work.
SCCF encourages the community to lend their voice in support of conservation efforts, including improvements in regional water quality and effective environmental management practices across Southwest Florida.
How SCCF Formed and Why
In the late 1950s, development was expanding rapidly across Florida’s coastal areas. Lee County zoning once allowed for up to 35,000 residential units on Sanibel Island. At that time, however, the island remained difficult to reach due to the lack of a causeway and limited access to drinkable water.
That changed in 1963 with the construction of the Sanibel Causeway and again in 1966 when the Island Water Association created a steady supply of drinking water. With development now possible, island residents recognized the urgent need to preserve wildlife habitat and the natural systems that sustain them.
An organized group known as the Ding Darling Memorial Committee worked from 1962 to 1967 to help the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge acquire land on Sanibel Island. After helping secure refuge lands, the group turned its attention to protecting habitat outside the refuge.
In 1967, this group incorporated as the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
One of SCCF’s earliest land acquisitions included parcels that would become Sanibel Gardens, protecting part of the island’s freshwater wetland system and the Sanibel River corridor.
Conservation Work Across Southwest Florida
While SCCF began as a grassroots effort on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, its work now supports coastal ecosystems throughout Southwest Florida. Because watersheds, estuaries, wildlife habitat, and coastal waters are interconnected, conservation efforts must extend beyond island boundaries.
SCCF’s conservation work today includes land conservation and preserve management, Marine Laboratory coastal research, RECON real-time water-quality monitoring, environmental policy and advocacy, sea turtle nest monitoring and protection, shorebird protection programs, Coastal Watch volunteer restoration initiatives, mangrove planting and living shoreline restoration, oyster reef restoration, and Sanibel Sea School education programs.
Wildlife protection efforts on the islands also include research and community education related to coyote conservation and sea turtle nest protection. Community conservation initiatives such as THE CAUSE environmental fundraiser help support SCCF’s mission and strengthen environmental awareness across Sanibel and Captiva. Educational programs and community events like the McCarthy Memorial Lecture Series connect local conservation work to global environmental leadership.
Why Conservation Matters to Homeowners and Future Buyers
Sanibel Island is unique among coastal communities because it has intentionally increased the amount of protected conservation land over time instead of reducing it through development. Approximately 70% of the island is preserved through conservation lands, wildlife refuges, wetlands, and natural habitat corridors.
For eco-conscious buyers, this conservation-first approach protects the island’s character, environmental health, and long-term sustainability. Protected lands help maintain scenic beauty, wildlife diversity, open space, and water quality — all of which contribute to the quality of life that defines Sanibel and Captiva.
Conservation and Property Values
Communities that protect natural systems often experience stronger long-term property stability because environmental preservation supports shoreline resilience, water quality, and scenic character. On Sanibel and Captiva, conservation land and wildlife habitat are not only environmental assets — they are part of the foundation of the islands’ real estate appeal.
Community Stewardship
SCCF’s work has always depended on community involvement. Conservation happens through science and land preservation, but also through volunteerism, philanthropy, and leadership.
Community members support SCCF in many ways — through financial contributions, volunteering time in the field, sharing professional expertise, serving on committees, and helping guide organizational leadership and helping events like The Cause, and Wines in the Wild and Beer in the Bushes.
Mary Ellen Pfeifer became involved with SCCF during the effort to acquire and preserve the Bailey Homestead property, now one of SCCF’s most visited preserves. She later served two terms on SCCF’s Board of Trustees, totaling nine years of service. During that time, she also served seven years on the Board of Trustees Nominating Committee, acted as Board liaison to the Wildlife & Habitat Management Department, and contributed as a member of SCCF’s Marketing Committee.
Her involvement reflects the broader spirit of community stewardship that has defined SCCF since its founding — the belief that everyone has something to contribute through time, talent, advocacy, or financial support.
SCCF Milestones Timeline
1962–1967 - Ding Darling Memorial Committee protects refuge lands
1967 - SCCF incorporated by Ding Committee members
Late 1960s - First land acquisitions begin
1970s - Sanibel Gardens parcels preserved
2002 - Marine Lab Opens & Shorebird monitoring expands
2007 - RECON monitoring network established
2011 - Bailey Homestead Preserve opens
2018 - 2019 - New State of the Art Marine Lab Opens
2020 - Sanibel Sea School Merges with SCCF
2026 - International Osprey Foundation Merges with SCCF
Present — Coastal Watch restoration, Marine Lab research, Sanibel Sea School education, and policy leadership continue
Frequently Asked Questions About SCCF
What does SCCF do?
SCCF protects coastal ecosystems through land conservation, water-quality science, wildlife monitoring, environmental policy advocacy, habitat restoration, and education programs.
How much of Sanibel is protected?
Approximately 70% of Sanibel Island is preserved as conservation land.
Why is SCCF important to homeowners?
Conservation protects the island’s character, wildlife habitat, and long-term environmental stability.Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF): Protecting Coastal Life in Southwest Florida
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting coastal ecosystems across Southwest Florida. Through land preservation, scientific research, environmental policy leadership, and community education, SCCF helps safeguard the natural systems that define Sanibel, Captiva, and the surrounding watershed.
For residents, visitors, and future homeowners, SCCF represents the conservation values that make these barrier islands unlike most coastal communities in Florida.
Conservation Work That Extends Across Southwest Florida
SCCF’s work extends beyond Sanibel and Captiva because coastal ecosystems are interconnected. Water quality, estuaries, wildlife habitat, and fisheries health depend on regional stewardship.
SCCF’s conservation programs include:
Land conservation and preserve management
Marine Laboratory coastal research
RECON real-time water-quality monitoring
Environmental policy and advocacy
Sea turtle nest monitoring and protection including Sea Turtle conservation programs on Sanibel and Captiva beaches
Shorebird protection programs
Coastal Watch volunteer restoration initiatives
Mangrove planting and living shoreline restoration
Oyster reef restoration
Sanibel Sea School education programs
Wildlife management efforts also include research and community education related to coyote predation and sea turtle nest protection on Sanibel and Captiva.
Together, these efforts improve water quality, strengthen coastal resilience, protect wildlife habitat, and support healthy ecosystems throughout Southwest Florida.