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 in the last year
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
Photos of Florida’s Fight to Protect Threatened Burrowing Owls
Cape Coral, Florida, a city experiencing unprecedented growth. While great for their economy, the economic boom is disastrous for wildlife, especially species that thrive in open, treeless areas. In particular, the burrowing owl population is suffering as its habitat shrinks.
Volunteer of the Month – October 2023
Dorothy Browning Our October Volunteer of the Month is a highly dedicated and respected person instilled with patience and cheerfulness, offering her help when needed. Not only does our volunteer answer our website emails, she also does burrow maintenance, GPS, helps...
Cape Coral residents protest proposed Redfish Pointe development of homes, shops, hotel
As rain hit Rotary Park on Wednesday morning, around 100 Cape Coral residents came and marched, armed with wet signs with many saying they were there to “stop a future crime.”
Volunteer of the Month – September 2023
Jim Collier
Thousands of bees found dead at Cape Coral home
One local Cape Coral beekeeper woke up to thousands of dead bees on his property…and he blames pesticides for killing them.
Op-Ed: Cape Coral should fix, update Chiquita Lock
Since Hurricane Ian, the lock has been broken open, allowing pollutants to flow freely into the Caloosahatchee estuary. While the city wants to remove the lock, we should not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Instead, the lock should be updated so it can continue to protect the Caloosahatchee estuary without impacting manatees and boaters.
The Owls Have It
Cape Coral, Florida, is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, its population up nearly 98 percent to more than 204,000 since 2000. Construction is booming, a plus for the economy but disastrous for area wildlife—especially ground-nesting burrowing owls.
Residents sound off over proposed changes in Cape Coral neighborhood
Originally published WINK-TV by Justin KaseThere has been mixed feedback from viewers about the proposed changes and upgrades to Jaycee Park in Cape Coral. Cape Coral City Council held a vote on Wednesday to move forward with hiring a design firm, which will focus on...
Butterfly House Visitor Saves Tonka the Tortoise
May 1, 2023, in the Butterfly House, Tonka the African Sulcata tortoise (who lives in the Butterfly House) decided to munch on a piece of plastic. Cheryl A. pulled some out of her mouth, but she had a bunch still in there. I tried to get the remaining plastic, but...
A look back at Harriet the Eagle’s final, chaotic season in Southwest Florida
Originally published in the News-Pres, by Samantha NeelyFrom massive hurricanes to missing matriarchs, this season for the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam has been one for the books. The livestream has showcased the lives of longtime local icon, Harriet the Eagle, and her...
Cape Coral landscaper caught mowing over burrow
Cape Coral, Florida, is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, its population up nearly 98 percent to more than 204,000 since 2000. Construction is booming, a plus for the economy but disastrous for area wildlife—especially ground-nesting burrowing owls.
2023 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest
Adult CategoryFirst PlaceSecond PlaceThird PlaceT-Third PlaceAdult Honorable MentionYouth CategoryAwards