Environmental Council Blog

Developer's use of nature earns recognition

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:19:00-0400

The National Association of Home Builders has cited Bonita Bay Group as an example of a developer using nature to enhance the lifestyles of its communities in two of its national publications.

The article, published in the online Nation's Building News and the current issue of Sales + Marketing Ideas magazine, shares information about the trails, bike paths, neighborhood parks, gardens and paddling trails that help residents connect with nature in their own backyards.

You can read the whole story at this link:
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080831/NEWS0102/808310353/1004/ACC

Bonita Springs will not fight eagle nest ruling

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:58:00-0400

A pair of Bonita Springs eagles will soon have new neighbors: residents of Bonita Bay's latest development. The Bonita Springs City Council decided Wednesday not to appeal a state decision allowing construction near a historic eagle's nest. "I think it may be a little late in the game," said Mayor Ben Nelson. The decision ends more than a year of appeals between the city and Bonita Bay, which plans to build homes within 300 feet of the nest.

To read more go to: http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080824/NEWS0102/808240367/1075

Satellite irrigation program at Mediterra saving water, money

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:56:00-0400

A satellite-controlled irrigation system at Mediterra is showing promising results, using up to 80 percent less water than conventional irrigation and saving money on household water bills. The project, launched last year, is comparing the amount of water used by Toro Irrigation's weather-based IntelliSense system to traditional timer-controlled irrigation in the Lucarno villa neighborhood at Mediterra.

Just seven months into the 18-month pilot study, the Toro system has saved 1.23 million gallons of water on seven test properties compared to seven similarly sized and landscaped control sites, according to Dennis Cafaro, general manager of Resource Conservation Systems, a Bonita Bay Group company that provides non-potable water to master-planned communities.

You can read the whole story at this link: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/aug/23/satellite-irrigation-program-mediterra-saving-wate/

Eagle Rehabilitation

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:37:00-0400

A bald eagle whose broken wing was successfully treated at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was released into the wild Thursday at Mediterra, the Bonita Bay Group development in which the injured bird was found. The release comes after a dramatic rescue Feb. 7 by the Conservancy and Mediterra employees and residents and almost five months of recovery at the rehabilitation center. Now, almost five months after the bird's ordeal began, it is healthy and free to resume its normal life. Bonita Bay Group is developing Mediterra with the same commitment to meticulous planning, environmental stewardship, integrity and attention to detail that is evident at its flagship community, Bonita Bay.

What is Earth Day?

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:05:00-0400

Earth Day is a Birthday!! Just like a birthday is a special day to celebrate a person, Earth Day is a special day that celebrates the Earth. Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970, in San Francisco, California. Every year, America and over 100 different countries join together in the celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd. Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide. On Earth Day, we remember to appreciate nature and learn ways to protect our environment. Find ways that you can help keep the planet clean and help protect our environment!

The Right Environment

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:19:00-0400

We are custodians of the land and the community. We care about the environment.

Be knowledgeable about conservation efforts by BBG and your community. Discuss them with customers who express interest.
Remember that many of nature's creatures can be found in our communities and that this is their home too. Be aware of any endangered species within your community, and your role in protecting them.
Practice personal environmental stewardship by recycling and conserving water whenever possible. Do your part every little bit helps.

Mulching helps save WATER!

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:17:00-0400

Mulch is a protective covering, usually of organic matter such as leaves, shredded wood or pine straw, placed around plants. Mulch can significantly reduce the moisture evaporation from the soil because it reduces the soil's exposure to wind. The insulating quality of mulch aids in keeping soil cooler in the summer. For more information visit; www.gomulch.com.

6th Annual Birdfest

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:40:00-0400

Birdfest is the kickoff of a two-month-long celebration of birds in Lee County Parks and Conservation 20/20 Preserves. The islands of Lakes Park will be teeming with anhinga, great egrets, little blue herons, tricolored herons and white ibis at various stages of mating, nest building, and raising young. Canoe tours, guided land tours, tips on nature photography and backyard habitat will be offered, 7:30a.m.-noon, free admission. Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr., south Ft. Myers. Birdpatrol.org

Site to See

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:49:00-0400

The Orange River was one of Florida's first rivers to be officially meandered by state surveyors documenting navigable waterways. In pioneer days it was commercially important as a shipping lane for the citrus industry, from which its name was derived. These days the Orange is known for the power plant effluent that attracts manatees, snook, and tarpon to its unnaturally warm waters.

Friday Paddle: Lee County Park & Recreation is offering a new, one-way paddling tour on the Orange River, from Buckingham Road downstream to Manatee Park. A short paddling clinic at 8:30am will be followed by a caravan to the launch point four miles up the river, for a three-hour paddle back to the park. Only $35.00.

More info: Call 690-5030

February: Florida Hiking Trails Month

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:47:00-0400

It is not too late to celebrate Florida Hiking Trails Month, in fact we are entering the best time of the year to hike in Florida; the trails are the driest and mosquitoes are the scarcest.

Black Island Trail
Bowditch Point Regional Park Walking Trails
Buckingham Community Park Trails
Catfish Creek Trail
Cayo Costa State Park Hiking Trails
Estero Bay Preserve State Park Hiking Trails
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve
Gasparilla Island State Park Hiking Trails
Koreshan State Historic Site Hiking Trails
Little Pine Island High Marsh Trail
Lovers Key State Park Hiking Trails
North Colonial Linear Park
Old Datsun Trail
Three Oaks Park Walking Path

Alligator Amblers

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:44:00-0400

One of the youngest chapters of the Florida Trail Association, the Alligator Amblers bring together hikers in Charlotte, Collier, and Lee Counties with outdoor recreation activities in our region and around the state. The chapter offers a diverse slate of activities, from explorations of trails through-out the three-county region to in-the-field photography, workshops and getaway weekends to other parts of the state for education and water-based recreation. For more information, contact Chapter Chair:

Carlos Schomaker - 239 415 7795 - cschomaker@juno.com

Everglades Restoration Money at Risk

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:40:00-0400

The New York Times features a story about the Everglades Restoration program in its online edition today. President Bush may veto a funding bill for the restoration project as early as today. You can read the whole story at this link: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/02/us/02everglades.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

November Wildlife Tips

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:22:00-0400

Did you know?

Bald eagles begin their nesting season in November.
This is the peak month for roadkills of black bears.
Florida manatees start to head south to warm water sites when temperatures drop and seasonal manatee speed zones change on Florida's waterways.
Blooms to watch for include wild poinsettia, whipcord or scaleleaf aster, pineland heliotype, glades lobelia, and sometimes scrub skullcap will have a late run of flowers.

Hats Off to Model Employee for "Doing the Right Thing"

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:21:00-0400

William Thomas, Community Patrol Manager at Mediterra rescued a bald eagle that was found shot in North Naples and sent it to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC), weighing only 4 pounds, half the weight of a normal bald eagle. The bald eagle was treated for a severely fractured right leg due to a gunshot wound, but was unable to recover from its injury and is now at rest. William Thomas, "Did the Right Thing" by transporting the bald eagle to the WRC. If an injured animal is found please do not hesitate to bring it into the WRC or call 239.262.CARE. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was built to handle 500 animals per year and is currently treating over 2,400 annually, releasing almost half back into their native habitats. Annual operating expenses exceed $250,000, so donations are always appreciated. To learn more about the conservancy visit www.conservancy.org.

Kirk Kirkland Recipient of 2007 Green Start Academy

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:20:00-0400

Shadow Wood Country Club's Kirk Kirkland was selected as a recipient for the 2007 Green Start Academy. Kirk was selected as one of approximately 50 recipients, from a total applicant pool of nearly 1000 individuals. Selection was based on completing one of several essay topics, as well as recommendations from the individual's supervisor. Kirk's essay, "A Typical Day on the Golf Course", was both insightful and very well written. The Green Start Academy is a two-day educational and networking event which took place September 27th-28th in North Carolina at the Bayer Environmental Science Training and Development Center in Clayton and John Deere's Turf Care factory in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. Green Start Academy offers an opportunity for assistants to further their careers by learning about best management practices and innovative products, meeting industry experts and networking with peers.