Coffee & Conservation

Join us for monthly gatherings on environmental stewardship

Join us for Coffee & Conservation, a monthly gathering where we explore environmental stewardship and community engagement. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, conservation advocates, and those looking to make a positive impact. Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned local, this series offers a welcoming space to connect and learn.

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Learn, connect, & take action

Welcome to Coffee & Conservation, a monthly event series dedicated to bringing our community together to learn, connect, and take action for our environment. Organized by SUP Englewood and hosted at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce. Each month we feature expert speakers from local nonprofits who share insights on conservation topics that impact our beautiful coastal ecosystems.

Join us each month to enjoy coffee and pastries from Dearborn Coffeehouse & Bakery as we gather to protect and preserve our waterways and wildlife. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals, explore topics like manatee and tarpon conservation, seagrass preservation, and more, and discover how you can help make a difference.

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Monthly event Topics

Each month, we dive into a new conservation topic with insights from local experts. Explore the upcoming schedule below and RSVP to reserve your spot.

November Coffee & Conservation – Featuring JoEllen Wilson, M.S.

Date: November 18, 2025
Topic: Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative

We’re excited to welcome back JoEllen K. Wilson, M.S. of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) for our November Coffee & Conservation session! JoEllen will share the latest updates from the Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative, including research from new study sites on the Cape Haze Peninsula and Coral Creek, as well as ongoing restoration efforts throughout Charlotte Harbor.

About the Talk:
Tarpon are one of Florida’s most iconic fish, but their survival depends on healthy mangrove backwater wetlands that serve as nurseries for juveniles. Sadly, Florida has already lost nearly 50% of its mangroves, threatening tarpon populations. BTT’s Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative works to map, protect, and restore these critical habitats, ensuring the next generation of tarpon can thrive.

JoEllen will highlight how degraded wetlands are being restored, how habitats are integrated into fisheries management plans, and what BTT’s science-based conservation efforts mean for the future of tarpon in Charlotte Harbor and beyond.

About the Speaker:
JoEllen K. Wilson is BTT’s Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Program Manager and a proud Punta Gorda native. She has been with BTT since 2009 and oversees juvenile tarpon habitat research from South Carolina to the Florida Keys. Her work includes mapping juvenile tarpon habitats, leading restoration projects, and engaging the public in habitat protection. JoEllen holds degrees from the University of North Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, and the University of Florida.

About Bonefish & Tarpon Trust:
BTT is dedicated to conserving bonefish, tarpon, permit, and their habitats across the southeastern U.S., Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. Their mission is driven by science, education, and advocacy, with initiatives such as the Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative and projects like the Rookery Bay Restoration Project helping to secure healthy fisheries for the future.

🌱 All donations from this event will directly support Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.
👉 Learn more at BTT.org/juvenile-tarpon

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Special Edition: Coffee & Conservation – Vertical Oyster Gardening Workshop

Tuesday December 9 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Don Pedro Island State Park, 8450 Placida Rd, Placida, FL
Admission: $3 per vehicle (payable at park entrance via QR code)

A Hands-On Outdoor Experience

This month’s Coffee & Conservation is a little different. Instead of gathering indoors, we’re taking conservation back to where it all begins — the water. Join us for an interactive, outdoor workshop at Don Pedro Island State Park where participants will roll up their sleeves and build their own Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG).

These simple but powerful structures help filter and restore water quality in our local estuaries, one oyster at a time. Together, we’ll learn how oysters improve Charlotte Harbor’s health — and how your personal VOG can make a measurable difference right from your own dock or seawall.

Led by Ashley Cook, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Our guest speaker, Ashley Cook, brings global conservation experience to this local effort. A lifelong Floridian and environmental scientist, Ashley has served with the Peace Corps in Senegal, led wildlife programs in Costa Rica and Thailand, and now manages conservation projects for CHEC’s Alligator Creek Preserve in Punta Gorda.

Learn more about CHEC’s work at checflorida.org.

Give the Gift of a Vertical Oyster Garden

This holiday season, attendees can choose to build and take home their own Vertical Oyster Garden or donate one to support local restoration initiatives.

About This Special Edition

We’re closing out the year with a hands-on Coffee & Conservation experience!
Join us outdoors at Don Pedro Island State Park for a morning that blends coffee, community, and coastal restoration.

Under the guidance of Ashley Cook from the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), participants will learn how oysters help clean and restore our waterways — then get to build their own Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) to take home or donate toward local water quality projects.

Why It’s Different

Unlike our usual sit-down sessions, this event takes place outside in nature. You’ll be working directly with materials, learning by doing, and helping improve Charlotte Harbor’s ecosystem one oyster at a time.

Please dress for the outdoors — closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hat, and bug spray are highly recommended. Seating is limited; bring a beach or camping chair if possible.

Event Details

Free admission; donations benefit CHEC

Park entry fee: $3 per vehicle

Complimentary coffee and pastries provided

Workshop tables and supplies provided

Great opportunity to “Give the Gift of a Vertical Oyster Garden” this holiday season

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December Coffee & Conservation – Featuring Rhonda Harvey

December 16, 2025
Rhonda Harvey
Keep Charlotte Beautiful

Speaker Bio:

Rhonda started with Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) as a volunteer in 2003. She was passionate about the environment and education, and she wanted to share the knowledge and experiences she would gain with her children and Girl Scout Troop. In 2007, she was hired part time to assist with KCB’s website, event planning, and reporting while continuing to work in the Charlotte County Public School System. In 2015, she was hired by Charlotte County to take over as Coordinator for Keep Charlotte Beautiful. Learn more on the Keep Charlotte Beautiful website.

Presentation:

Most people believe that we just do cleanups. We do but there is so much more. Our mission is to inspire and educate people to take action to improve and beautify Charlotte County with the goals of reducing waste, improving the quality of recycling, ending littering, and helping to green up our community. Education is the foundation of our programs and what makes what we do to care for our environment sustainable.

January Coffee & Conservation – Featuring Armando Ubeda

January 20, 2026
Armando Ubeda
Florida Sea Grant Program

Speaker Bio:

Armando J. Ubeda is the Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent of UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. His Extension program focuses on the FL Master Naturalist Program, Living Shorelines, Mangrove Best Management Practices, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Resource Conservation, Marine Debris prevention, and Water Quality/Quantity. He brings his experience and training to these courses from his time as a coral reef researcher in Nicaragua, from his time as a staff biologist at the Department of Shark Research at Mote Marine Laboratory in the USA, and from his former position as a Mesoamerican Program Manager for a conservation organization called LightHawk. Armando received his bachelor’s degree in marine sciences with a minor in chemistry from the University of Mobile’s Latin American campus and his master’s degree in marine resource management from Oregon State University. Ubeda has also completed postgraduate courses in marine ecology, crocodile ecology, and environmental impact assessment. Armando received a Fulbright scholarship and several other competitive scholarships like the Hatfield Marine Science Center’s Mamie Markham Research Award from Oregon State University, and he was a Global Fellow at the Duke University Marine Laboratory. Armando is also a Ph.D. student at the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department at the University of Florida, his research focuses on shark behavior and population structure.

Presentation: Mangroves

Join Armando J. Ubeda, Florida Sea Grant Agent, for a captivating look into the world of mangroves.

In this presentation, we’ll explore the unique ecology of mangrove ecosystems. You will learn about their unique adaptations and the diverse species that thrive alongside them and uncover why these coastal habitats are vital to both nature and human communities.

February Coffee & Conservation – Featuring Barbara Lockhart

February 17, 2026
Barbara Lockhart
North Port Conservancy

Speaker Bio:

Barbara is a University of Florida Master Naturalist with a Land Steward certification and a Florida Registered Paralegal with a concentration in real estate. Barbara moved to Charlotte County with her family at the age of 3 and grew up there. She later moved to North Port (Sarasota County) in 2002. In the years thereafter she started feeling extreme concern for the local natural environment when development began booming beyond anything she’d ever seen. This reality, coupled with the worst red tide disaster she could remember in the Summer of 2018, led Barbara to decide it was time to give back to the environment she grew up in. Neighborhood land conservation seemed to be the obvious (and possibly the only) answer to saving nature in the places she knew and loved across Sarasota/Charlotte Counties. After discussing her idea with like-minded colleagues, The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc. was launched in the Spring of 2020 and neighborhood land acquisition for protection in perpetuity began in Nort Port. Soon after the “And Surrounding Areas” was added to the entity’s name to allow for expansion into Charlotte County and other areas of Sarasota County.

Presentation:

Join Barbara Lockhart for an inspiring presentation on the importance of preserving neighborhood lands for nature. Barbara will share the story behind her organization’s mission to protect small natural parcels within developed areas and explain why these efforts are vital for both the environment and the community. Her presentation highlights how conserving local green spaces supports wildlife, reduces flooding by naturally absorbing stormwater, and helps filter water before it reaches our drainage systems. Barbara will also discuss how individuals can make a difference—whether through volunteering, supporting local conservation efforts, or creating more nature-friendly spaces in their own backyards.

March Coffee & Conservation – Featuring Ashley Cook

March 17, 2026

Ashley Cook
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Animal Neighbors

Speaker Bio:

Growing up in Cape Coral, Florida, Ashley has always been a lover of all things in nature. That love drove her to study Environmental Science and achieve a Bachelor of Science from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Since then, she has traveled and worked on multiple continents holding positions ranging from an Agroforestry Specialist for the Peace Corps in Senegal West Africa, sea turtle conservation and wildlife sanctuary eﬀorts in Costa Rica, and teaching English as a second language in Thailand. Returning home from these adventures, Ashley brought that love back to the beautiful state of Florida to serve as the Park Manager of Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center’s Alligator Creek Preserve in Punta Gorda. She is currently leading a variety of conservation projects that focus on protecting, preserving, and restoring our unique Florida ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them.

Presentation:

Animal Neighbors: Animal Neighbors is an engaging program that helps bridge the gap between humans and local wildlife. Inspired by the growing encounters understanding. Through myth-busting facts, safety tips, and practical guidance, the program empowers our community to safely and peacefully coexist with the wildlife that shares our neighborhoods.

April Coffee & Conservation – Featuring Carol Leonard & Carol McCoy

April 21, 2026
Carol Leonard & Carol McCoy
Coastal Wildlife Club
Sea Turtles

Speaker Bio:

Two Turtle Ladies 2025

Both Carol Leonard and Carol McCoy are part of the Coastal Wildlife Club Turtle Patrol and on the CWC Board of Directors. An entirely volunteer organization based in Englewood, CWC is responsible for sea turtle nest monitoring on all of Manasota Key and on a small portion of Knight Island. Together, both Carols organize and implement CWC outreach activities. Both are members of the International Sea Turtle Society (ISTS). Both travel extensively here and abroad, sometimes specifically to see sea turtles and learn more about them.

Carol McCoy moved to Englewood in 2016 after a career in Information Technology. A conservationist for as long as she can remember, Carol then pursued her dream to volunteer full-time in conservation.

A sea turtle patroller since 2017, she is responsible for the organization’s social media and manages its Crab Trap Removal Program. A member of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN), Carol also manages CWC’s response in stranding incidents.

Carol loves turtles of all kinds. She is co-chair of the Outreach Committee for the Gopher Tortoise Council and, as an Advanced Florida Master Naturalist, she enjoys teaching others about Florida’s unique ecosystems and wildlife.

Carol Leonard moved to Englewood in 1980 to take a position at Lemon Bay High where she taught Marine Science, Biology, Honors Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology. She developed and piloted the Charlotte County Public Schools’ West County Environmental Education Program which since 1994 has brought elementary students to Cedar Point and Lemon Bay.

A sea turtle patroller since 1997, Carol serves CWC as both Secretary and Treasurer and, in recent years, has organized orientation and training of new volunteers.

Since retiring from formal education in 2011 Carol continues to share her experience and mentorship at local, statewide and national meetings, workshops and conferences.

Presentation:

Of the seven species, 6 have been recorded nesting in Florida with 4 locally on our beaches with the 2024 Leatherback turtle nest being the first ever recorded here.

FYI A few Hawksbills nest in very southern Florida (Keys) each year (none recorded in FL in 2024) and a few Olive Ridley’s have been recorded in recent years.

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Coffee & Conservation Newsletter

Join our community of local conservation leaders! Sign up for our Coffee & Conservation newsletter to get early updates on upcoming talks, behind-the-scenes event insights, and exclusive invites to take action where it matters most. No spam—just stories and events that matter to our coastal community.

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watch & learn from previous events

October Coffee & Conservation – Featuring Carol McCoy

We’re excited to welcome back Carol McCoy of the Coastal Wildlife Club for our October Coffee & Conservation session! Carol will be sharing her expertise on gopher tortoise. Florida’s fascinating keystone species and learn about the ways we can help conserve their habitat and future.

About the Speaker Carol McCoy serves as a Director on the Board of Coastal Wildlife Club, Inc. (CWC), a volunteer nonprofit organization that monitors sea turtle nesting beaches on Manasota Key and Don Pedro/Knight/Palm Island. As the principal marine turtle permit holder for Don Pedro Island, she manages the nesting beach program there. After a career in Information Technology, Carol and her husband moved to Englewood in 2016, where she pursued her dream of full-time conservation volunteer work. She manages CWC’s communications and social media, coordinates the Nesting APP among patrollers and state agency staff, and initiated the CWC Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program six years ago. As part of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN), Carol responds to most stranding incidents from Punta Gorda to Englewood. She also enjoys providing educational programs at schools, clubs, and community events. Carol travels extensively to experience different cultures and often visits turtle-related sites. She enjoys sharing Florida’s unique ecosystems and wildlife with others as a UF/IFAS Advanced Florida Master Naturalist.

Program: The Gopher Tortoise – A Species in Decline This month’s presentation will spotlight the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a keystone species currently facing a significant decline due to habitat loss, human encroachment, and environmental changes. Native to the southeastern United States, this tortoise relies on sandy soils for burrowing—shelters that also provide refuge for over 350 other species. Urban development, agriculture, and road construction have fragmented its natural habitat, leading to population decreases. Conservation efforts are essential to protect the gopher tortoise and the diverse ecosystems it supports. Attendees will learn about the gopher tortoise—an icon of the uplands—its threats, current conservation initiatives, and ways community members can help safeguard its future.

Carol’s dedication to protecting turtles and gopher tortoises inspires us all to take action in our own backyards. This session is a chance to learn more about these gentle reptiles and discover practical ways to support their conservation.

☕ Come for the coffee, stay for the conservation.
💚 All donations from this event will directly support The Gopher Tortoise Council.

September 16, 2025 – Horseshoe Crab Monitoring Program

Speaker: Armando J. Ubeda, University of Florida, Sea Grant Program
Armando Ubeda, a Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent, will present on shark behavior and conservation, sharing insights from his research on sustainable fisheries, marine resource conservation, and his extensive background in marine science and ecology. Start the new year by exploring one of nature’s most fascinating predators and discovering what we can do—right here in our community—to ensure their future.

Topic Highlight: Horseshoe Crabs

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries courtesy of The Dearborn Coffeehouse & Bakery while learning how you can support local conservation efforts.

Speaker Spotlight: Armando J. Ubeda

Armando J. Ubeda serves as the Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent at UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. His work supports marine resource conservation, living shorelines, sustainable fisheries, water quality initiatives, and more. With experience as a coral reef researcher in Nicaragua, a biologist at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Shark Research Department, and a conservation program manager in the Mesoamerican region, Armando brings a broad, hands-on perspective to protecting coastal ecosystems.

He holds a bachelor’s in marine sciences, a master’s in marine resource management, and has completed graduate-level studies in marine ecology, crocodile ecology, and environmental impact assessment. A Fulbright scholar and recipient of multiple marine science research awards, Armando is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Florida, with a focus on shark behavior and population structure.

Learn more about Florida Sea Grant:
https://www.flseagrant.org

August 19, 2025 – Captains for Clean Water Co-Founder Captain Chris Wittman

Speaker: Captain Chris Wittman: A fourth-generation Florida native, Captain Chris Wittman, co-founded Captains For Clean Water after witnessing the consequences of Florida’s water mismanagement. His extensive experience as a fishing and hunting guide, nationally renowned tournament angler, on-camera host and TV show producer allows him to engage leading brands and personalities across the industry and identify opportunities to expand the organization’s reach.

Protecting Florida’s Waters: Why Clean Water Matters and How We Can All Make a Difference
Florida’s waters are the lifeblood of our environment, economy, and way of life—but they’re under constant threat from pollution, mismanagement, and special interests. In this talk, Captains For Clean Water will break down the root causes of our state’s water crises, the critical importance of Everglades restoration, and how collective action—from everyday citizens to business leaders—can drive real, lasting change. Learn why clean water is everyone’s fight, and how you can be part of the solution.

July 15, 2025 – Red Tide

Speaker: Katherine “Kate” Rose, University of Florida, Sea Grant Program
Kate Rose will discuss nutrient runoff, red tide algal blooms. Learn how you can participate in this vital program to protect Florida’s seagrass ecosystems.

The objective is to bring the community together to learn about local conservation efforts and engage with experts in conservation.

Learn More About Kate: Katherine “Kate” Rose has served as the UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent for Charlotte County since January of 2022. Although she grew up in New Jersey, Kate has been connected to Florida all her life. Kate completed her first open water dive in Key Largo and is a double gator, earning both her bachelor’s and her master’s from the University of Florida. She has experience with sponge restoration, disease ecology, finfish aquaculture and crustacean fisheries, but her present role focuses on scienHfic outreach and communication. Kate’s established programs currently include the Florida Master Naturalist Program, Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch and Eyes on Seagrass.

The University of Florida Sea Grant Program: Florida Sea Grant is a university-based program that supports research, education and extension to conserve coastal resources To learn more about the Sea Grant Program Click Here.

June 17, 2025 – Coexisting with Wildlife
Speaker: Speaker-Tammy Gerringer – Operations Manager
Tammy Gerringer serves as the Operations Manager at Peace River Wildlife Center, where she oversees the day-to-day functioning of the facility and ensures the smooth coordination of wildlife care, staff, and volunteers. With a background in organizational administration and a deep commitment to animal welfare, Tammy plays an important role in maintaining the center’s high standards of care and community engagement.

Topic Highlight: Coexisting with Wildlife – A Conversation with Peace River Wildlife Center

Join Tammy Gerringer, Operations Manager at the Peace River Wildlife Center, for an engaging presentation about the Center’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native Florida wildlife. Tammy will share insights on how we can live in harmony with the animals in our own backyards, offering practical tips for peaceful co-existence and everyday actions that support local conservation. She will also provide an exciting update on the future Peace River Wildlife Education Center, currently under construction on Henry Street in Punta Gorda—a new facility designed to expand the Center’s outreach, public education programs, and community impact.

May 20, 2025 – Manatee Research

Speaker: Dr. Beth Brady, is one of the most respected names in manatee science. She holds a Ph.D. in marine biology and has dedicated her career to researching manatee vocalizations, mother-calf communication, and using drone technology to assess the health of manatees in the wild. Her work helps inform protections for these animals at both local and national levels.

She’s published extensively, collaborated with leading research organizations, and brings a deep understanding of how we can all play a role in protecting manatees—whether we paddle, boat, or simply enjoy Florida’s waterways.

About Save the Manatee Club: Founded by Jimmy Buffett and Senator Bob Graham, this nonprofit has been at the forefront of manatee protection for over 40 years—advocating for public awareness, habitat preservation, responsible boating, and conservation policy. Their work is critical to the future of Florida’s gentle giants, and their Guardian Guide Program has helped local businesses like ours at SUP Englewood operate with greater care and responsibility on the water.

April 15, 2025 – Oyster Habitat Restoration

Speaker: Jane Collingswood, Lemon Bay Conservancy
Jane Collingswood will highlight the work of the Lemon Bay Conservancy in oyster restoration, detailing their initiatives to protect and restore the wildlife and natural habitats of Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, and surrounding watersheds.

March 18, 2025 – Sea Turtle Conservation

Speakers: Carol Leonard & Carol McCoy, Coastal Wildlife Club
Carol Leonard and Carol McCoy, experienced sea turtle patrollers and conservation educators, will discuss the Coastal Wildlife Club’s efforts in sea turtle nest monitoring and their Crab Trap Removal Program to protect marine wildlife.

February 18, 2025 – Seagrass Preservation

Speaker: Katherine “Kate” Rose, University of Florida, Sea Grant Program
Kate Rose will discuss the Eyes on Seagrass initiative, a citizen science project monitoring seagrass health to mitigate nutrient runoff, heat stress, and algal blooms. Learn how you can participate in this vital program to protect Florida’s seagrass ecosystems.

The objective is to bring the community together to learn about local conservation efforts and engage with experts in conservation.

Florida is not immune to global trends of seagrass loss. High nutrient and sediment inputs from land run off, heat stress, and algal blooms are driving declines in coverages statewide. Eyes on Seagrass is a participatory seagrass monitoring program that relies on volunteers to monitor seagrass status and foster a sense of stewardship in participants. Since the program originated in Charlotte County in 2019, it has expanded statewide to include the east and west coasts as well as the Panhandle.

Learn More About Kate: Katherine “Kate” Rose has served as the UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent for Charlotte County since January of 2022. Although she grew up in New Jersey, Kate has been connected to Florida all her life. Kate completed her first open water dive in Key Largo and is a double gator, earning both her bachelor’s and her master’s from the University of Florida. She has experience with sponge restoraHon, disease ecology, finfish aquaculture and crustacean fisheries, but her present role focuses on scienHfic outreach and communication. Kate’s established programs currently include the Florida Master Naturalist Program, Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch and Eyes on Seagrass, which she will be speaking on at this event.

SUP Englewood is passionate about fostering a connection between the local community and the ecosystems that make Englewood special. Organized by SUP Englewood and supported by The Dearborn Coffeehouse & Bakery, the Coffee & Conservation series aims to educate and inspire locals to take part in conservation efforts. Each month, a different speaker will present on topics related to the preservation of our local waterways and wildlife.

January 21, 2025 – Shark Conservation and Research

Topic Highlight: Sharks

This January, join us for a deep dive into the world of sharks. Our guest, Armando Ubeda from the University of Florida Sea Grant Program, will shed light on their evolutionary history, crucial role in marine ecosystems, and the steps we can take to protect them moving forward. Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries courtesy of The Dearborn Coffeehouse & Bakery while learning how you can support local conservation efforts.

Speaker Spotlight: Armando J. Ubeda

Learn more about Florida Sea Grant:
https://www.flseagrant.org

December 17, 2024 – Native Plants

Speaker: Dr. Ava Lasseter, Florida Native Plant Society, Mangrove Chapter
Ava Lasseter will introduce the essential role of native plants in local ecosystems, covering how these plants support biodiversity and offer sustainable landscaping options for Florida’s coastal environment.

Ava Lasseter will focus on why native landscapes are important. She will highlight the benefits of a native landscape over a grass lawn, and then provide practical steps to getting started in your own yard.

Native Plant Society: Our mission is to champion native plants and their habitats. We do this through education and outreach programs, monthly meetings hosting a guest speaker, and holding our annual event Plant Native Day, coming up on March 1, 2025. To learn more about Native Plant Society and their work, visit The Mangrove Chapter, Native Plant Society.

Speaker Information:
Ava Lasseter is the president of the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. She has converted her grass lawn in South Venice to a wildflower meadow. Apart from planting for pollinators, Ava is a cultural anthropologist and works in fishery resource management.

November 19, 2024 – Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative

Speaker: JoEllen K. Wilson, M.S., Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
JoEllen Wilson will discuss the Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative, highlighting the importance of mangrove wetlands for tarpon nurseries, current restoration efforts in Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande, and BTT’s mission to conserve fisheries through education and advocacy.

JoEllen, a Punta Gorda native with extensive experience in fisheries management and habitat restoration, will share updates on ongoing restoration efforts in Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande. Attendees will gain insights into how degraded habitats are being restored, the mapping of juvenile tarpon habitats, and the importance of integrating these habitats into fisheries management plans.

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) is dedicated to conserving bonefish, tarpon, permit, and their habitats across the southeastern US, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. Their mission is driven by science-based conservation, education, and advocacy. Through initiatives like the Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative and restoration projects such as the Rookery Bay Restoration Project. BTT is working to ensure that vital habitats for species like juvenile tarpon are preserved and restored.

The Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative focuses on protecting and restoring mangrove backwater wetlands, which are essential nurseries for juvenile tarpon. Sadly, Florida has already lost around 50% of its mangroves, which continues to impact tarpon populations. BTT’s efforts aim to map and restore these habitats, ensuring juvenile tarpon can survive and thrive.

To learn more about Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and their work, visit BTT.org/juvenile-tarpon.

Speaker Information:
JoEllen K. Wilson, M.S., is BTT’s Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Program Manager. A native of Punta Gorda and a passionate advocate for the environment, JoEllen has been with BTT since 2009. Her work involves overseeing juvenile tarpon habitat research from South Carolina to the Florida Keys, mapping habitats, leading restoration projects, and educating the public about habitat protection. JoEllen holds degrees from the University of North Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, and the University of Florida.

During this November Coffee & Conservation, JoEllen will focus on habitat research and restoration efforts in Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande, highlighting how habitat degradation is being addressed through innovative restoration techniques.

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meeting room at the englewood chamber

When: 3rd Tuesday of each month, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Where: Englewood Chamber of Commerce
Address: 601 S Indiana Ave, Englewood, FL

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Don't Miss out

The event is free, but space is limited, so RSVP is required.
Donations of $5-10 are encouraged to support local conservation nonprofits.
Complimentary refreshments, including coffee and pastries, will be provided by The Dearborn Coffeehouse & Bakery.

Come join fellow conservation enthusiasts, eco-tour providers, outdoor businesses, and community members as we learn how to make a positive impact on our local environment.

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Featured Nonprofits

We are grateful for the partnership of local nonprofits, including Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Save the Manatee Club, Coastal Wildlife Club, and the Florida Native Plant Society. These organizations work tirelessly to protect our local marine life and habitats. Together, we’re building a community committed to conservation.