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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn about gopher tortoises and local conservation efforts during this special community event hosted by Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and Parks & Recreation.
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.
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.
Join CCFW at Rotary Park on March 15 for the Tortoise Trot! Bring your tortoise (under 20 lbs) for a fun race that raises awareness for gopher tortoise conservation.
Beth Finn will present an inspiring overview of the history and mission of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and Calusa Waterkeeper for a Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop on Dec 7, 2024, to learn how oysters help restore water quality and marine habitats. Limited spots available!
Please join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) at their next general meeting where Brittnay Laster, MSc; Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) will discuss sea turtles!
Hooked Island Grill will host a fun Cape Coral Paint for a Cause event to support Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and manatee conservation.
The grant is the first of its kind and will provide up to $900,000 for purchase of land in Cape Coral for burrowing owl habitat.
Your vote is your voice. Prepare to vote in the August 20, 2024 primary election by learning about the candidates.
The results have been tallied – the number of burrowing owls counted during the 6th annual census on May 18, 2024 in Cape Coral is 5098! This is a fantastic result demonstrating that Cape Coral’s official city bird is thriving in our city! 884 more owls were counted than in 2023, attributable to conservation efforts by the city, many members of the community and Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) to protect this threatened species which is such an iconic symbol of Cape Coral.
Wine & Canvas will be hosting a fun paint and sip event at Stevie Tomato’s Cape Coral location and $5 per registered person will be donated to Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife.
On May 18, 2024 from 7 am – 12 pm volunteers will be conducting the Cape Coral Owl Census. If you’re driving around town between those hours, you may see this sign on many vehicles.
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) wants the community to be aware that Lee County has joined with many municipalities in officially proclaiming April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day. The purpose of Gopher Tortoise Day is to to raise awareness of this threatened species and conservation efforts to protect them.