The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has launched the Bailey Water Institute, a new initiative that will serve as a central resource for water quality education and advocacy in Southwest Florida. Our 10AM guest on the terrace at Margaritaville is SCCF’s Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis.
The Institute’s first phase debuts with a new website, sccfbaileywater.org, a hub for SCCF’s ongoing water quality work, educational tools, community events, and advocacy opportunities.
Drawing on the work and research of SCCF’s Policy department and Marine Laboratory, the Bailey Water Institute bridges water quality science, education and advocacy to protect and improve the waters of Southwest Florida and beyond. Its goal is to build a community of informed, engaged water advocates — now and into the future.
“SCCF is grateful for funding from the Orndorff Foundation for the Sam and Francis Bailey Center for Clean Water Education, which made the creation of the Bailey Water Institute possible. Joe and JoAnne Orndorff understand the vital connection between the Baileys and water quality, and we are proud to further that legacy,” said SCCF CEO James Evans. “As early pioneers, business leaders and civic leaders, Sam and Francis Bailey had their finger on the pulse of community life on Sanibel, realizing early on that our tourism-based economy and the quality of life of island residents and business owners were inextricably linked to the quality of our coastal waters.”
Connecting local businesses with water quality advocacy is a primary focus of the Bailey Water Institute. After the website launch, the Institute will distribute printed educational materials — including brochures, rack cards, and postcards — to local businesses to grow its network of advocates and connect the community with its resources. Businesses interested in getting involved can share their contact information at surveymonkey.com/r/sccfbwi.
The website launch marks the first phase of an evolving initiative. Additional tools, educational materials, and opportunities for community engagement will be added as they are developed.