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
2025 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest Results
Today, we’re thrilled to unveil the winners of the 2025 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest! The response this year was incredible, with over 160 entries submitted, each capturing the unique charm and spirit of Cape Coral’s beloved burrowing owls.
Celebrating Lifelong Dedication: Judy and Gary Mitchell Honored with Lifetime Membership Award
At a recent Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) meeting, our Board was proud to make a heartfelt and long-overdue recognition. We are thrilled to announce that Judy and Gary Mitchell have been awarded Lifetime Memberships to CCFW in honor of their unwavering...
Join Us at the 2025 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest Awards Ceremony
Join us as we unveil the winning photographs that best capture Cape Coral’s official city bird—the charismatic Burrowing Owl. This annual contest showcases the talents of amateur photographers and celebrates the city’s commitment to wildlife conservation. The Grand Prize-winning photo will be featured on the official T-shirt for the 2026 Burrowing Owl Festival! This year, the contest drew an impressive 180 entries, reflecting the community’s deep appreciation for local wildlife and creative expression.
Volunteer of the Month – May 2025
Gary Mitchell Congratulations to our Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife Volunteer of the Month – Gary Mitchell! Gary's continued dedication and passion are greatly appreciated, and we are honored to name him our May Volunteer of the Month. Well done, Gary!
Captain Cathy Shares Dolphin Insights at Rotary Park
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife on May 13 for a free public meeting featuring Captain Cathy Madigan Eagle, the “Dolphin Whisperer,” as she shares insight on bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and more at Rotary Park in Cape Coral.
Volunteer of the Month – April 2025
Shirley Paine Congratulations to our Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife Volunteer of the Month – Shirley Paine! Shirley has been a dedicated member of our Wednesday maintenance crew for many years, consistently lending her time and energy to our mission. Alongside her...
2025 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest
Join CCFW’s 2025 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest! Snap a photo, win prizes, and be featured on the next festival T-shirt. Registration opens May 1st
You’re Invited to the Burrowing Owl Habitat Dedication Ceremony
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW), Cape Coral Wildlife Trust and the City of Cape Coral for a special Burrowing Owl Habitat Dedication Ceremony on Friday, April 18 at 9:00 a.m., located at 601 NW 4th Avenue, Cape Coral.
SAVING THE OWLS: Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife will come dig you a burrow for a burrowing owl
Discover how Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is helping protect burrowing owls by digging starter burrows for local residents. Learn how these owls naturally control pests and how you can support this unique conservation effort.
Join Us for Gopher Tortoise Day in Cape Coral on April 10!
Learn about gopher tortoises and local conservation efforts during this special community event hosted by Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and Parks & Recreation.
Explore Florida’s Wild Habitats with CREW at the Next Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife Meeting
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife on April 8 to hear Piper Jones from CREW explore Florida’s ecosystems, wildlife, and the importance of water flow.
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife Presents: Paint for a Cause
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife at Monarca’s for a fun Paint for a Cause event supporting wildlife conservation and the beloved Burrowing Owls.