What is The State of Our Water?

Calusa Waterkeeper has invited Michele Arquette-Palermo of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to be its guest speaker at its quarterly State of Our Water meeting to discuss the connection between environmental health and economic prosperity, and why safeguarding our waters is an urgent community responsibility.  

The event will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Calusa Nature Center’s historic Iona House.  

Michele studied Biology/Ecology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and additionally holds a M.S. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Michele’s career has focused on collaboratively working with stakeholders to advance scientific knowledge, education and stewardship of natural communities and water resources. In 2022, Michele moved to Southwest Florida to join the policy team at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and in May of 2024 she was elevated to Chief Program Officer. 

Additionally, Calusa Waterkeeper Joseph Cavanaugh will be discussing the Influence of Climate Change on Stormwater Runoff to the Caloosahatchee River. This talk will provide an overview and exploration into how runoff efficiency is impacted by climate change such as more frequent and intense downpours increasing stormwater runoff and overwhelming stormwater and wastewater systems. Local development pressures also exacerbate this issue by reducing wetlands and their natural pollutant filtration processes. This discussion is part of 2025 Florida Climate Week, taking place October 6-12, 2025, and made possible by support from the VoLo Foundation. 

The CWK Ranger Zone Leaders will also contribute to the State of Our Water Address, providing brief updates on recent happenings and the health of our local waterways in various areas of Calusa Waterkeeper’s work area. These Ranger groups currently focus on the Tidal Caloosahatchee, Freshwater Caloosahatchee, Pine Island Sound / Matlacha Pass, and Estero Bay zones.