provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) has awarded a $5,000 grant through its Community Impact Fund to support the Roots in Resilience Pocket Park project near the intersection of Casa Ybel Road and Periwinkle Way on Sanibel.
The grant will help advance the creation of a green space featuring native trees and vegetation, contributing to ongoing efforts to restore Sanibel’s natural beauty and strengthen the island’s environmental resilience following Hurricanes Ian and Milton.
Roots in Resilience is a community-driven initiative led by Sanibel resident John Henshaw and Kate Sergeant, founder and co-owner of On Island, alongside a dedicated group of residents and community partners. The initiative was established to restore Sanibel’s native landscape and tree canopy after recent hurricanes caused significant damage to the island’s vegetation.
With a long-term vision of planting 50 native trees and complementary vegetation each year for the next 50 years, Roots in Resilience is working to bring back the shade, wildlife habitat, and natural beauty that define Sanibel. Native plantings also help manage stormwater and support a healthier, more resilient island ecosystem.
“This is exactly the kind of community-driven project our Community Impact Fund was created to support,” said Savannah Kelly, Director of Community Engagement at the Charitable Foundation of the Islands. “It brings people together around a shared vision, addresses a community need, and creates something that will benefit our islands for generations. We are proud to support John, Kate, and the many volunteers and partners who are working to restore Sanibel’s natural beauty.”
The initiative’s first major project focused on restoring the Causeway Boulevard corridor, the welcoming gateway to Sanibel, through the installation of native trees, shrubs, and groundcover selected for their ability to withstand the island’s coastal conditions. The pocket park represents another opportunity to extend that vision into the community.
Roots in Resilience is supported by a collaborative network of residents and organizations, including the City of Sanibel, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Charitable Foundation of the Islands, and other community partners. CFI also serves as a fiscal partner for the broader initiative, helping facilitate charitable contributions from individuals, foundations, and organizations.
CFI’s Community Impact Fund invests in projects that address emerging needs, strengthen community partnerships, and create lasting impact across Sanibel and Captiva. The $5,000 grant reflects the foundation’s commitment to supporting local solutions that enhance quality of life and preserve the natural character of the islands.
To learn more about Roots in Resilience or support its mission, visit www.rootsinresilience.org. To learn more about CFI’s Community Impact Fund, visit www.MyCFI.org
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