In the News & Local Events

Going out on a linb for wildlife
Although small in number, the group that met Saturday to discuss Marco Island’s wildlife concerns was packed with a powerhouse of naturalists. All 15 participants agreed on one major point: There is less wildlife on the island and the presence of diverse species is shrinking. “I thought about contacting the Audubon Society I’m so worried about it,” said Eileen Ward, co-owner of Greensward of Marco, Inc., a lawn maintenance and landscaping company and columnist for the Marco Eagle. Ward said she was disturbed by how many animal and bird species have disappeared. She cited the disappearance, or near disappearance of quail, rat snakes and bobcats as evidence that animal populations are changing. Nancy Richie, environmental specialist for the City of Marco Island, said the trend was not just local. “I participated in the Christmas bird count and nationally birds are dying,” she said at the meeting. “It’s the loss of habitat. Older condos want to cut down canopy trees and plant palm trees. Palm trees are nice, but the loss of canopy trees means the elimination of habitat for birds.” One of the meeting’s organizers and advocate, Julie Ross, said she was initiating the group because she wanted to see real conservation on the island. She is currently carrying out genetic studies on Marco Island’s gopher tortoises. She explained the gopher tortoise population on the island is hardy, but worries the next generation won’t be so lucky. As empty lots build out, she said, young tortoises lose precious habitat. One lot in the estates district is home to 10 tortoise burrows. Mary Nelson, Marco Island’s “Turtle Lady,” applauded the move to raise awareness and help protect species. “I think people care on Marco Islandand this group can prove that we care,” she said. Co-organizer and meeting host, Brian McLaren, moved to Marco Island last June after visiting it for more than 50 years. In his home state of Maryland he participated in a longtime study of bog turtles while volunteering with the Department of Natural Resources. Later, he helped form the Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society, dedicated to the care, preservation, conservation and study of the species. “We organized landowners who saw what they had was something very precious and wanted to take this (conservation) seriously,” he said. The grassroots Marco Island group agreed that education, awareness and action were needed to enlighten landowners. After brainstorming issues, joining an existing 501(c)3, or creating a new one was deemed a necessary first step. A precursor would be coming up with an appropriate name for the organization. Other actions discussed included newcomer education information, a “how-to” remove species safely manual for landscapers, a website for residents to obtain information, a review of nearby communities that have conservation programs and methods for compiling research and data. “Landscaping ordinances on Marco have not changed in the last 20 years,” said Richie. “We should consider lobbying for changes that will protect habitats.” As an example, the group explored how the quail population might have been saved if lots were allowed to remain undisturbed rather than cleared and mowed. The burrowing owl, another protected species, will decline as development grows. Richie explained how some homes have been built while protecting burrowing animals. However, if landowners decide to remove protected species prior to building, they can expect a hefty bill, Ward said. “The average price to remove a tortoise burrow, not including permits and consultants, is $1,000 to $3,000,” she said. A building lot on Indian Hill required the removal of 19 active burrows. Marco Islander Virginia Reed attended the meeting to express her fondness for wildlife and her desire to see it protected. “I never go out a day in my yard that I don’t see two or three gopher tortoises,” she said. She hoped the group would be passionate in working to protect what she enjoys. Lindsay Addison of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve said her organization would help wherever possible. Harriett Tax, next year’s program chair for Friends of Tigertail, said she would take Saturday’s information back to her group and see if others wanted to participate.