News
Special Appreciation: Rich and Amy Jackson from Water Medic of Cape Coral
CCFW is pleased to honor Rich and Amy Jackson from Water Medic of Cape Coral!! For the past 20 years, Water Medic has generously donated used PVC pipes to CCFW — an incredible contribution that has helped us mark owl and gopher tortoise burrows and build T-perches for...
Volunteer of the Month – October 2025
Joanne Gruber It is our pleasure to introduce our volunteer for the month of October, Joanne Gruber. Joanne has been a member of the Friends of Wildlife for over 12 years, filling in at numerous spots such as membership, merchandise and worked at dozens of community...
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife for a hands-on Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) Workshop
Join CCFW on Nov 22 for a hands-on Vertical Oyster Garden workshop using recycled shells to help restore SWFL waters. Hosted by Calusa Waterkeeper. $25 donation covers materials. Space limited to 30—reserve your spot today!
Wild About Wildlife: A CCFW Youth Experience
Join CCFW for Wild About Wildlife: A CCFW Youth Experience—a fun, hands-on day for kids and teens to explore Southwest Florida’s wildlife through interactive exhibits, crafts, and live animal encounters. Free event, open to all ages!
Join Us For a Guided Nature Walk at CREW Marsh Trails
Explore Southwest Florida’s wildlife on a guided walk at CREW Marsh Trails, November 14, 2025. Free and open to the public.
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife for the Swamp Buggy Ecotour at Historic Babcock Ranch
Join CCFW on Oct 31 for a 90-minute Swamp Buggy Ecotour at Babcock Ranch. Explore wildlife, history, and Florida’s natural beauty.
Volunteer of the Month – September 2025
Ariane Ochoa It is a great privilege to introduce to you our September volunteer of the month, Ariane Ochoa. This summer, Ariane along with her mom Paula, developed an engaging workshop that explores how conservation and environmental education can offer career...
Renew the Wonder: Updates on Wonder Gardens’ Master Plan
Join CCFW on Oct 14 for Renew the Wonder, an update on Wonder Gardens’ Master Plan with Michelle Stromberg Ohlhaber at Rotary Park, Cape Coral.
Beverly Saltonstall: Champion for Cape Coral’s Burrowing Owls
Beverly Saltonstall shares her journey from nurse to wildlife advocate, championing Cape Coral’s burrowing owls through education and action.
Wildlife, Work, and Inclusion: CCFW’s New Program Inspires Youth with Disabilities
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife launches a new program combining conservation, career pathways, and inclusion for youth with disabilities.
Centimark Foundation Supports CCFW’s Mission to Protect Wildlife
CCFW is proud to announce the receipt of a generous $1,000 donation from the Centimark Foundation in support of local wildlife preservation efforts.
Population boom for Burrowing owls in Cape Coral: Annual census shows big gains for bird
The Burrowing owl population is thriving and growing on Cape Coral. The results for 2025 Cape Coral Burrowing Owl Census were announced on Aug. 6. When the counting concluded during the weekend of May 17–18, a total of 7,008 owls were recorded.
Collaborative Conservation Yields Positive Outcomes for Burrowing Owls in Cape Coral
The Burrowing owl population is thriving and growing on Cape Coral. The results for 2025 Cape Coral Burrowing Owl Census were announced on Aug. 6. When the counting concluded during the weekend of May 17–18, a total of 7,008 owls were recorded.
LCEC Grant Helps Boost Burrowing Owl Education in Cape Coral
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is proud to announce the receipt of a generous $2,795 grant from LCEC. This funding will go directly toward the production of updated burrowing owl educational brochures and informative signage across the city. These materials will help...
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.