Join Us for Gopher Tortoise Day in Cape Coral on April 10!

Thursday, April 10, 2025

9:00am – 11:00am

Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) and the City of Cape Coral’s Parks and Recreation Department as we celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day on Thursday, April 10, 2025! This event will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Joe Coviello Park and Gator Trails Park, where our team will share insights and experiences related to gopher tortoise conservation efforts right here in Cape Coral.

Designated by the Gopher Tortoise Council and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gopher Tortoise Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about this threatened keystone species and the vital role it plays in Florida’s ecosystems.

Gopher tortoises are Florida’s only native tortoise species. Known for their burrows, which can extend more than 30 feet in length, these tortoises provide essential shelter for over 350 other species, including the beloved burrowing owl. Although they typically weigh 8 to 10 pounds and live 40 to 60 years, their survival is increasingly threatened by habitat loss.

In Cape Coral, gopher tortoises can still be found in scattered populations, from small groups on vacant lots to areas with clusters of 10 to 40 burrows. To protect these habitats, CCFW volunteers actively monitor and mark burrows throughout the city and oversee conservation on several Cape Coral Wildlife Trust properties. These actions help prevent accidental damage and promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.

We invite the community to stop by, learn more about gopher tortoise conservation, and discover how you can support ongoing efforts. Whether by donating land, contributing funds, or volunteering, your involvement makes a difference.

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to preserve and enhance the habitats of protected wildlife species and to educate the community about Cape Coral’s wildlife resources.