SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis interviews Wildlife & Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz about prescribed burns on Sanibel. They discuss the history of prescribed burns on the island, the ecological reasoning for this practice in fire-dependent ecosystems, and how SCCF manages land through carefully considered prescribed burns. 

SCCF's Environmental Policy team unpacks the study of animal intelligence and how our understanding of animal cognition has vastly evolved in recent history.

They discuss how modern science has shaped this understanding and how policy is influenced as a result.

Listen to hear some incredible stories of intelligence across the animal kingdom. 

SCCF's Environmental Policy team discusses the significant impacts our roadways and associated vehicle strikes have on local wildlife populations. They are then joined by SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht, who shares recent data on vehicle strikes and why local species continue to be so impacted by our roadways. They also discuss individual and collective solutions to address the issue. 

In this episode, SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis interviews Andrew Shipotofsky, Meteorologist with WINK News Weather Authority. They discuss the upcoming transition from dry to wet season and how Southwest Florida may be impacted by a transition to an El Niño climate pattern. 

They also talk about the prolonged drought our region has experienced, its impact on hydrology and ecosystem health, and predictions for weather, climate, and hurricane patterns for the upcoming wet season.

Follow Andrew Shipotofsky's forecasting and reporting.

In this episode, the Environmental Policy team breaks down recent federal actions impacting the environment including oil drilling in the Gulf and other waters of the U.S., the recent Boundary Waters decision in Minnesota and a narrowly avoided attempt to alter the Endangered Species Act. Specifically highlighted is the use of emergency power declarations to sidestep bedrock environmental protection processes in the United States. 

SCCF's Environmental Policy team recaps Florida's 2026 legislative session, while chatting about what's in store for the multiple upcoming special sessions in Tallahassee.

They explain the positive and negative impacts of recently passed legislation on Southwest Florida's environment, while detailing unpassed bills SCCF will continue to monitor in future years.

Plus, stay tuned until the end of the episode for a new segment of Land. Water. Wildlife. where the team responds to comments from a recent social media post.

Send your comments and/or questions to [email protected] to be answered in a future episode.

SCCF Marine Lab Director Eric Milbrandt, Ph.D., joins Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis to discuss the ongoing lack of sufficient fresh water flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary.

Freshwater flows have been below the optimal ecological envelope since mid-October, with lasting impacts on habitats, species, and communities within and around the estuary. They talk about these impacts, the influence of water management decisions, and provide a forward-thinking look at how we can avoid similar dry season situations in the future. 

Take Action by asking the SFWMD to increase flows.

Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis provides updates on budget negotiations and the potential for a prolonged legislative session. He also discusses bills related to land use, agriculture, energy policy, and more.

Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis provides updates on bills moving through the legislative session, highlighting the widely publicized "Farm Bill" amendment, the Blue Ribbon Projects Bill, Nature-Based Solutions, and several other bills impacting Florida's land, water, and wildlife.

In this episode, SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis breaks down key developments from Week 4 of Florida’s legislative session. Matt walks through updates on major bills moving through the Capitol, including the Florida Farm Bill, proposed legislation affecting data centers, conservation lands, and other environmental priorities. Tune in for a clear, timely overview of what’s happening in Tallahassee and what it could mean for Florida’s natural resources.