Former Resident’s Land Donation Provides Sanctuary for Cape Coral’s Threatened Burrowing Owls Amid Rapid Development

In a heartfelt act of conservation, Alexandra Fasulo, a former Cape Coral resident and advocate for wildlife preservation, has donated her 10,000-square-foot lot to the Cape Coral Wildlife Trust (CCWT). This land will serve as a sanctuary for the threatened Florida burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia floridana), providing a vital refuge amidst Cape Coral’s rapid urban development.  Fasulo, who recently moved from Florida to upstate New York to establish an experimental aeroponics farm, is a freelance social media content creator, author and entrepreneur dedicated to protecting the environment. 

Cape Coral, one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, has experienced significant population growth in recent years. This surge has fueled a construction boom, with the city issuing 4,388 building permits in 2021 alone—nearly double the 2,464 permits issued in 2020.  While this growth benefits the local economy, it poses severe threats to wildlife, particularly the burrowing owl. Listed as threatened in 2016, these small, sandy-colored owls—North America’s only ground-nesting bird of prey—are losing their habitats at an alarming rate.

“Watching the rapid development and seeing the impact on Cape Coral’s beloved burrowing owls moved me deeply,” said Fasulo. “When I realized that this piece of land could provide a permanent safe haven for these remarkable creatures, donating it felt like the right thing to do. I hope this inspires others to consider how they, too, can help protect our wildlife.”  Click here to listen to Alexandra tell the story of her donation.

Standing about 9 inches tall, burrowing owls rely on sandy soils and open spaces for their burrows. As construction accelerates, owls are being forced to nest dangerously close to roads, leading to fatal vehicle collisions. Additionally, the widespread use of rodenticides poisons their food sources, and pesticides further degrade their fragile ecosystems.

Community-Led Conservation Efforts

The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW), an all-volunteer organization established in 2001, works tirelessly to combat these challenges. Partnering with its sister organization Cape Coral Wildlife Trust (CCWT), CCFW works to acquire land for wildlife habitats and enlists local residents to dig starter burrows, monitor existing sites, and install protective markers. Cape Coral is home to the largest population of burrowing owls east of the Mississippi, with over 5000 owls documented this year. 

“Alexandra’s donation exemplifies the proactive efforts we need to ensure these owls continue to have a place in Cape Coral,” said Cheryl Anderson, President of CCWT.  Every donated lot represents a step toward preserving the biodiversity that makes this city unique.”

How to Get Involved

CCFW encourages others to take action to protect Cape Coral’s burrowing owls and other threatened species, including gopher tortoises and bald eagles. Land donations play a critical role in creating long-term solutions.  Both CCFW and CCWT are IRS approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and donations to them may provide a tax benefit depending on the donor’s situation.

• Donate Land: Donation of land may provide a significant tax benefit.
• Volunteer: Assist with burrow maintenance, habitat restoration, or CCFW’s annual events like the Burrowing Owl Festival.
• Donate: Financial contributions directly support land acquisition, wildlife protection, and educational initiatives.

To learn more, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org or call 239-980-2593