The Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society Celebrates 70 Years

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society is very excited to finally celebrate the organization’s 70th anniversary. The organization stands as one of the oldest ongoing organizations on Sanibel and Captiva. “We had plans of celebrating our 70th anniversary in a timely manner in early 2023, but Hurricane Ian put us on a different timeline,” explained Phyllis Gresham, out-going President of the San-Cap Audubon Society. “We are very proud to represent such a long-standing organization and are excited to celebrate with valued San-Cap Audubon affiliates and the community,” expressed Gresham.

In the early 1950’s, a gentleman by the name of B.K. “Ben” Boyce recognized that Sanibel and Captiva had a population that had a strong awareness and appreciation for conservation engendered by “Ding” Darling’s local influence. In 1953, Boyce organized the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society chapter and was elected as its first president. Many past presidents have been staunch local conservation influencers. Name recognition of these past presidents will be on display at the celebration. Since the chapter’s inception, San-Cap Audubon has been involved in local conservation efforts and collaborations including conducting guided bird walks, hosting speakers series, funding scholarships, conducting Christmas bird counts and assisting other local conservation efforts. Achievements include posting bird crossing signs and lowering speed limits on the Causeway and San-Cap Road, establishing the Vegetation Committee, starting native plant walks, and advocating for land conservation. The organization is proud to celebrate the chapter’s resonating conservation efforts by avian loving individuals.

Board members of San-Cap Audubon will be celebrating the anniversary from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Community House in the Founder’s Room. The entire communities of Sanibel and Captiva are invited. Complimentary cake, cookies and refreshments will be served. “We are excited to host the community and celebrate with those who share the common mentality for the love of birds and their conservation,” exclaimed Gresham.