THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!  The Annual Beach Cleanup on September 17 ^th was very successful! There were 33 volunteers helping—some existing Friends and some new friends! We collected 644 cigarette butts (compared to over 2,000 in 1994) and 142 pounds of trash in 48 garbage bags. Volunteers cleaned beaches from the northern Collier County line (Access) south to Wiggins Pass and in the Preserve along the trails, roadways, boardwalks, and parking areas. A big thank you to Steve Emma, Deborah Pannone, and Margaret Winn for helping organize and tally everything and to the 33 folks who braved the heat to pick up trash! Most unusual item found was an upper denture plate (still in good condition with just a bit of sand), which we turned in to the Ranger Office.  

 Last but certainly not least, below is information on a special opportunity for the Docents and Board Members to go on a swamp walk on October 29. There is only room for 15, so be sure to get your reservation to me ASAP…first sign-up, first go. Thank you Jim and Ginny Burke for arranging this!