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.
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.
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.
January 21, 2025 – Shark Conservation and Research
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: 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
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
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.
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.
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.
watch & learn from previous events
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
JoEllen Willson
November 19, 2024
Native Plant Society
Ava Lesseter
December 17, 2024
Topic: Native Plants
University of Florida
Armando Ubeada & Kate Rose
January 21, 2025 – Topic: sharks & February 18, 2025 – Topic: Sea grass
Coastal Wildlife Club
Carol Leonard
March 18, 2025
Sea Turtles
Lemon Bay Conservancy
Jane Collingswood
April 15, 2025
Topic: Oysters
Save the Manatee Club
Dr. Beth Brady
Rescheduled from October 15, 2024 – Date TBD
