provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation Environmental Policy Department is looking for community members passionate about Everglades restoration and improving local water quality to attend Everglades Action Day 2025.

Everglades Action Day is an annual advocacy event organized by the Everglades Coalition in honor of legendary environmental activist Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ birthday in Tallahassee.

“The primary goal of this two-day, one-night trip is communicating the importance of Everglades conservation and restoration with lawmakers during their annual legislative session,” said SCCF Policy Associate Allie Pecenka.

Participants will attend pre-scheduled meetings with the senators and representatives serving their district to advocate for full Everglades funding, protection, restoration, and supporting legislation.

“Water quality in Lee County and the surrounding barrier islands remains dependent on a healthy Everglades system, and our communities benefit greatly from legislative action that ensures that,” Pecenka said.

Participants will attend meetings as teams, led by team leaders from SCCF and other partner organizations belonging to the Everglades Coalition, such as the Tropical Audubon Society and Florida Oceanographic Society.

Registration is free, along with chartered east and west coast buses to the state capitol, with a local west coast pickup in Fort Myers. Personal costs for attendees include a one-night stay at the hotel in Tallahassee and meals throughout the overnight trip. Registration closes on March 21, 2025.

“This is a unique opportunity for well-seasoned advocates, along with interested members of the public and students, to speak up for the Everglades by taking a front seat in the legislative process. No experience with political advocacy or navigating the Florida capitol is required, and participants will receive expert advocacy training prior to attending this trip,” Pecenka said. “Participants will also have the opportunity to network with leaders and like-minded advocates, including attendees from NGOs, tribal partners, scientists, students, and passionate citizens from across the state.”

Sponsor a Student’s Attendance

If you cannot attend Everglades Action Day but want to support its mission, consider sponsoring a student’s attendance. For $250, the full cost of attendance can be covered for a student passionate about a future in environmental advocacy, but limited by financial barriers.

For more information on sponsorships, visit this link or email info@evergladescoalition.org. For more information on Everglades Action Day 2025, reach out to apecenka@sccf.org.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to advocate for the Everglades, Sanibel, and Captiva’s water quality in the Florida capitol.

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