Swamp Cat Brewery, SCCF Partner For Pints & Propagules

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s Coastal Watch program is thrilled to partner with Swamp Cat Brewery to host an exclusive Adopt-A-Mangrove event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Patrons of the brewery will have the chance to take home their very own mangrove propagule to nurture until the mangrove is old enough to be planted at an SCCF restoration site next spring.

“We are so excited to host this event at an off-island location to get even more participation in this amazing program,” said Coastal Watch Director Kealy Pfau.

“While Mangrove Mamas and Propagule Papas are essential to our restoration efforts, another goal of this program is to educate people about the importance of mangroves through this hands-on experience,” said Pfau.

An integral part of our environment, mangroves:
• Are a vital source of energy
• Provide a nursery habitat for juvenile fish
• Serve as nesting habitat for wading birds
• Stabilize shorelines by reducing erosion
• Provide water quality management
• Are a buffer against storm damage

An underlying goal of the event is to instill a deeper understanding and appreciation of mangroves in Southwest Florida.

“I am currently fostering 10 mangroves at Swamp Cat Brewing Company from SCCF,” says brewery owner Jennie Gutierrez.

“I have so many customers who comment on our baby mangroves. They are interested in adopting and fostering one also, so we thought, why not host an event for anyone interested in getting involved,” said Gutierrez.

The event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Swamp Cat Brewery, 1943 Fowler St., Fort Myers. Coastal Watch staff provide all the resources necessary to care for your mangrove. Be sure to stop by to grab a pint and a propagule.

Founded in 1967, SCCF’s mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems through its focus on Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration, Water Quality Research, Policy and Advocacy, Sea Turtles and Shorebirds, Native Landscaping, Habitat and Wildlife Management, and Environmental Education.