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Keep Collier Beautiful and the Coconut Coast Organization of Realtors have partnered to host a beach cleanup at Barefoot Beach.
The event is from 9 until 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 8. Community volunteers of all ages are invited to register.
“Barefoot Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Southwest Florida and keeping it clean is something every member of our community can be proud of,” said Meighan Harris, CCOR Chief Executive Officer. “This is also the perfect timing as this cleanup initiative will be held after the 4th of July festivities, which sometimes lead to litter on the beach. We're excited to bring our realtors and neighbors together for this effort — because the health of our environment and the strength of our community go hand in hand.”
Volunteers simply need to show up at Barefoot Beach and check in at the CCOR tent, where committee members will be on hand to welcome participants and distribute cleanup supplies. Volunteers are encouraged to bring friends, family, and coworkers for a fun and meaningful morning outdoors. Pre-registered students are eligible for volunteer service hours.
Interested volunteers must register in advance at keepcollierbeautiful.com to ensure enough supplies are allocated. For any inquiries about the cleanup event and potential partnerships, please contact Keep Collier Beautiful at [email protected].
CROW volunteer orientation set for Aug. 14
Whether it’s supporting wildlife rescue efforts, assisting with educational programs, or helping visitors find the perfect wildlife-themed gift, volunteers at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife make a meaningful impact.
The wildlife hospital and education nonprofit will hold its next volunteer orientation from 3 until 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 14.
CROW has an immediate need for volunteers to assist in its Visitor Education Center gift shop, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (10 a.m. until 1 p.m.). Additional volunteer opportunities include, but aren’t limited to, transporting injured animals, cleaning enclosures, doing laundry, assisting with educational programs, helping with animal releases, and general maintenance.
Volunteers must be 18 or older. Orientation is required for all volunteers and includes an overview of CROW, available volunteer roles, and a tour of the Wildlife Hospital. CROW is located at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel Island.
For more information, call (239) 472-3644 ext. 229 or visit https://crowclinic.org/get-involved/volunteer.
Bears in your area? Follow these tips from FWC
Young black bears may be seen in unexpected areas this time of year as they leave their mothers’ home ranges in search of new locations of their own.
In response, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is sharing reminders on how to be “BearWise.”
“You might be surprised where you’ll find juvenile bears this time of year,” said Mike Orlando, FWC bear management program coordinator. “Wherever you see them, give them plenty of space and don’t approach or feed them so they’re encouraged to leave the area on their own.”
Follow these tips:
- Never feed or approach bears.
- Secure food, garbage and recycling.
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
- Never leave pet food outdoors.
- Clean and store grills and smokers.
- Alert neighbors to bear activity.
Seeing a bear in a neighborhood is not necessarily cause for alarm. However, it is important that people secure food attractants to prevent bears from lingering in the area. Generally, if a bear cannot find food and is given space, it will move on.
By the way, it is also illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that attracts them.
Having conflicts with bears? Call the FWC regional office closest to you. To find the phone number for your region, go to MyFWC.com/Contact, and click on “Contact Regional Offices.”
Duck stamp
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with the U.S. Postal Service, Ducks Unlimited and Bass Pro Shops, unveiled the 2026-2027 Federal Duck Stamp on June 26, at Bass Pro Shops in St. Augustine.
This year’s stamp features buffleheads painted by the seven-time winner of the artist competition, Jim Hautman.
Since 1934, purchases of the Federal Duck Stamp have directly contributed to the conservation of waterfowl populations in the United States. Over $1.3 billion has been raised from the sale of the Federal Duck Stamp, and 98% of every dollar has been directly invested in waterfowl habitat preservation, land acquisition, wetland protection and more.
“Following Father’s Day, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of getting families outdoors and connected with nature,” said Chris Wynn, North Central Regional Director. “The Federal Duck Stamp Program has helped conserve more than 6 million acres of habitat nationwide, demonstrating what’s possible when hunters, conservationists, agencies and partners come together around a shared conservation mission. By investing in habitat conservation today, we are ensuring future generations have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and carry on our rich outdoor traditions for years to come.”
Live, work or play in Bonita Springs, Estero or North Naples? If so and you have something you’d like featured in Now You Know, send your information to [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Now You Know: Beach cleanup; volunteers needed at CROW
