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Shorebird and Wildlife Workshop comes to Beach

By Staff | Apr 7, 2009

The public is invited to attend a Shorebird and Wildlife Workshop Wednesday, April 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Fort Myers Beach Holiday Inn.

Sponsored by the town’s Marine Resources Task Force, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Holiday Inn, the workshop will center on Little Estero Critical Wildlife Area and other areas on Fort Myers Beach, according to the town’s Enviromental Sciences coordinator Keith Laakkonen.

“We are really hoping to generate stewardship and foster cooperation from property owners, seasonal residents, and visitors for greater conservation on Fort Myers Beach, particularly in and near the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area,” said Laakonen. “The agenda is full but we still have opportunities for organization to share outreach information such as brochures, and posters. The timing of this workshop is great since the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be doing the annual posting on Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area on April 7th, so people will know why all those strings and stakes are on the beach.”

The event begins with opening remarks from mayor Larry Kiker and includes several other speakers: Lee County commissioner Ray Judah; Laakkonen; Florida FWC regional biologist Nancy Douglas; Wildlife Habitat Management director Brad Smith; Turtle Time founder and director Eve Haverfield; and Greg O’Connell (enviromental manager), Dan VanNorman (enviromental specialist) and Heather Stafford (Estero Bay/Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves manager) of Florida Department of Enviromental Protection.

The group of speakers will discuss topics ranging from enviromental programs, shorebird and snowy plover conservation, mangrove trimming, turtle activity and aquatic preserve resources.

The free workshop is designed to educate property owners and seasonal residents about the unique wildlife and habitats on the Beach.

However, space is limited so call the Lois Poff of the town’s Community Development Department at 765-0202 ext. 139 or email her at Lois@fortMyersBeachFL.gov.