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CHNEP Conservation Lands Workshop

The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP) is pleased to host its second conservation lands workshop for everyone interested in stewardship of conservation lands. The CHNEP is hosting this program to help its partners in their efforts to protect the natural environment of Florida from Venice to Bonita Springs to Winter Haven and fulfill the CHNEP management plan. Thanks to Mosaic, CF Industries, Charlotte County and the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center for sponsoring the workshop. The CHNEP is still seeking other sponsors.

Conservation lands increase the quality of life, enhance the tax base of adjacent private lands, provide essential habitat for native species, allow water to flow naturally on the surface and to aquifers — cleansing and storing water as it moves — and they protect human development as the mangroves did during Hurricane Charley.

http://www.floridarambler.com/southwest-florida-getaways/2012-charlotte-harbor-freedom-swim-4th-of-july/

http://www.floridarambler.com/southwest-florida-getaways/2012-charlotte-...

PUNTA GORDA — Plenty of people brave the heat for a traditional Fourth of July picnic.

But here’s an event that I would nominate as the coolest Florida Fourth activity: The 2013 Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim.

2009 Freedom Swim in Punta Gorda
2009 Freedom Swim in Punta Gorda, Photo courtesy Sun Herald.

Freedom Swim 2010
Michael P. Haymans, one of the founders of the Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim with participants in the 2010 event.

Punta Gorda and its two bridges over the Peace River
Punta Gorda and its two bridges over the Peace River

Twenty two years ago, it began when Michael Haymans, a Punta Gorda attorney, and friends decided to celebrate the Fourth of July by swimming the 1.5 mile distance across the Peace River. They weren’t athletes in training; they had heard stories about how in the 1940s, swimming across the river was a rite of passage for teens.

Francis P. Bailey, Jr. Passes

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

It is with sadness that The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum community reports today’s passing of Mr. Francis P. Bailey, Jr., of Sanibel, Florida. A past mayor of Sanibel and a quintessential leader of our island's community, Francis Bailey was, among his many leadership roles and commitments, a past board member and strong supporter of the Shell Museum. The Shell Museum as we know it could only exist thanks to Francis Baileys' generosity: with his late brothers John and Sam, he donated the land on which the Shell Museum was built. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Francis Bailey's wife June and his family. The Bailey family is planning a community celebration of the life of Francis Bailey on Sunday, June 16, 2013, on Sanibel. More details will be forthcoming.

Charlotte Harbor Nature Festival 2013

Charlotte Harbor Nature Festival Join us in 2013 on Saturday, November 23. Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Rd./SR 776 2.5 miles west of US 41 in Port Charlotte, Florida

National Fishing and Boating Week

National Fishing and Boating Week, a national celebration of fishing and boating, takes place June 1-9, 2013. National Fishing and Boating Week highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing in enhancing peoples' quality of life and preserving our country's natural beauty. It is the perfect time to get out on the water and experience boating and fishing!

Hit the Water

Hit the waterThe best way to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week is to get out on the water! Fun, stress-relieving activities, fishing and boating are some of the best ways to unwind.

During National Fishing and Boating Week find a fishing and boating spot near you so you can hit the water. Learn to fish or improve your skills by checking out our how-to information. Share your big catch photos with our community, or talk with other anglers.

http://www.takemefishing.org/nfbw/

Bob Graham Center at UF to honor Environmental Activist Nathaniel Reed

A Floridian who has worked tirelessly to preserve the state’s natural resources, including the Everglades, has been named the inaugural Bob Graham Center Citizen of the Year. The Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida will honor Nathaniel Reed, its 2013 Citizen of the Year award winner, and two honorees at 6:30 p.m., June 11 at Shula’s Hotel and Golf Club in Miami Lakes.

The award was established to recognize Florida residents who have made a substantial contribution to enhancing the quality of life for Floridians. An external selection committee of leading citizens, drawn from various backgrounds in Florida, chose the 2013 award winner:

Nathaniel Reed vice chairman, Everglades Foundation; vice chairman, Florida Conservation Coalition

July 4th Celebrations - Ft. Myers

4th of July Freedom Fest – Downtown Fort Myers
July 4, 2013

Grab the kids and let fireworks spark summer fun in the Historic River District of Fort Myers. Listen to live music, eat local food and when the sun goes down, watch bursts of color light up the Southwest Florida sky.

Learn More

How to help the bird atlas: It’s easy!

How to atlas: It’s easy!

Before getting into details, you should realize how easy it is to contribute. If you happen to live in a priority block (one chance in six) keeping a yard list on a calendar is just what is needed. You have recorded date, place (your yard) and what you saw. If you go to a park, creek or other natural area, do you ever keep a list (even mentally) of what you saw? That is how you atlas. We provide the list and you just mark what you see.

If you participate in a Christmas Bird Count, this is much more pleasant. You don’t have to keep numbers; you only have to complete the survey once, cumulative over several mornings (not not necessarily in a single year); and you don’t have to do it all on one day – and it won’t be on a cold, rainy December day. Beaver along as often as you want and stop when you are tired. A CBC circle contains 176 sq miles, an atlas block only 10 miles, comprising the SE 1/6th of a USGS topographic map.

Daily Digest 5/27/2013

As you celebrate Memorial Day this weekend remember the real reason for the holiday is to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we may live free. Thank you to our troops, past and present, who fight tirelessly to defend freedom, liberty and justice for all.

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=vpaakvdab&v=001r1I1BK...

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