Stand Up Paddle Board & Kayak with SUP Englewood

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 at 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 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 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: 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.

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.

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.

Event Details

  • 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.

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