Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife
Our Mission
Dedicated to Protection, Preservation and Education
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is a volunteer organization whose purpose is to preserve and enhance the habitats of protected wildlife species and to educate the community about Cape Coral’s wildlife resources.
Founded in 2001, we now have approximately 500 members and an engaged group of volunteers, board of directors and committees operating our unique events and programs. | About Us
Volunteer hours this year
Who to Contact
If you came here to report a wildlife or habitat issue, please start here.
Actions Speak Louder than Words!
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is a non-profit membership organization that relies on donations and fundraisers to help protect our wildlife in Cape Coral, Florida. All members are volunteers, with no paid positions.
Join/Renew Membership
Help support wildlife in Cape Coral by becoming a member, or renewing your existing membership.
Donate to CCFW
Make a tax deductible donation to support Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and our mission to protect and educate.
Shop CCFW Merchandise
Get some unique apparel, wear your support for Cape Coral's wildlife and help further our mission by shopping CCFW merchandise.
Adopt an Owl
Adopt a Cape Coral Burrowing Owl to help fund burrow maintenance activities and other programs.
What’s at Stake
The Florida burrowing owl and gopher tortoise are designated a threatened species by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The designation of Threatened is given to species whose prospects of survival are in jeopardy—in this case due largely to habitat loss.
Research has shown that gopher tortoise populations in Cape Coral represent a self-sustaining viable conservation unit that call for preservation of the natural and vacant lands they currently occupy.
The gopher tortoise is considered a “keystone species” with more than 350 other species using their burrows for shelter. If the tortoise burrows disappear, the ecosystem of wildlife that relies on them, will collapse.
Make a Difference
Join the Burrow Maintenance Crew
Here is an important way to help working directly with wildlife. Supplied with City maps, weed wackers, safety equipment, and lots of enthusiasm this group of dedicated volunteers trim burrow with high weeds, install PVC pipes and perches on newly found burrows, repair and clean up existing burrows. They also have obtained GPS coordinates for every known burrow and submitted this information to the City of Cape Coral to be put in the City data base.
Dig a Starter Burrow
As Cape Coral grows, there will be less and less empty lots for the Burrowing Owls to call home, and loss of habitat is a primary reason why Burrowing Owl populations decline. Fortunately there is a solution to habitat loss that is working quite well. Homeowners are being encouraged to put "starter" burrows on their front lawns.
Visit the Butterfly House
The Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House is one of Cape Coral's top attractions and a labor of love for many CCFW volunteers.
Request a Speaker
CCFW volunteers are available to speak to students and civic associations about protecting Cape Coral's wildlife and habitats.
In the News
2026 Ground Owl Day
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife will hold its 8th Annual Ground Owl Day on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM
Special Appreciation: Rich and Amy Jackson from Water Medic of Cape Coral
CCFW is pleased to honor Rich and Amy Jackson from Water Medic of Cape Coral!! For the past 20 years, Water Medic has generously donated used PVC pipes to CCFW — an incredible contribution that has helped us mark owl and gopher tortoise burrows and build T-perches for...
Volunteer of the Month – October 2025
Joanne Gruber It is our pleasure to introduce our volunteer for the month of October, Joanne Gruber. Joanne has been a member of the Friends of Wildlife for over 12 years, filling in at numerous spots such as membership, merchandise and worked at dozens of community...
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife for a hands-on Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) Workshop
Join CCFW on Nov 22 for a hands-on Vertical Oyster Garden workshop using recycled shells to help restore SWFL waters. Hosted by Calusa Waterkeeper. $25 donation covers materials. Space limited to 30—reserve your spot today!
Wild About Wildlife: A CCFW Youth Experience
Join CCFW for Wild About Wildlife: A CCFW Youth Experience—a fun, hands-on day for kids and teens to explore Southwest Florida’s wildlife through interactive exhibits and crafts. Free event, open to all ages!
Join Us For a Guided Nature Walk at CREW Marsh Trails
Explore Southwest Florida’s wildlife on a guided walk at CREW Marsh Trails, November 14, 2025. Free and open to the public.
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife for the Swamp Buggy Ecotour at Historic Babcock Ranch
Join CCFW on Oct 31 for a 90-minute Swamp Buggy Ecotour at Babcock Ranch. Explore wildlife, history, and Florida’s natural beauty.
Volunteer of the Month – September 2025
Ariane Ochoa It is a great privilege to introduce to you our September volunteer of the month, Ariane Ochoa. This summer, Ariane along with her mom Paula, developed an engaging workshop that explores how conservation and environmental education can offer career...
Renew the Wonder: Updates on Wonder Gardens’ Master Plan
Join CCFW on Oct 14 for Renew the Wonder, an update on Wonder Gardens’ Master Plan with Michelle Stromberg Ohlhaber at Rotary Park, Cape Coral.
Beverly Saltonstall: Champion for Cape Coral’s Burrowing Owls
Beverly Saltonstall shares her journey from nurse to wildlife advocate, championing Cape Coral’s burrowing owls through education and action.
Wildlife, Work, and Inclusion: CCFW’s New Program Inspires Youth with Disabilities
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife launches a new program combining conservation, career pathways, and inclusion for youth with disabilities.
Centimark Foundation Supports CCFW’s Mission to Protect Wildlife
CCFW is proud to announce the receipt of a generous $1,000 donation from the Centimark Foundation in support of local wildlife preservation efforts.