Name: ☕ Coffee & Conservation: The Gopher Tortoise — A Species in Decline
Start: 2025-10-21T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-10-21T10:30:00-04:00
Location: Englewood Chamber

$\u2615 Coffee & Conservation: The Gopher Tortoise \u2014 A Species in Decline$

📅 Tuesday, October 21 | 🕘 9:00 AM | 📍 Englewood Chamber Community Peter O. Mason Room
We’re excited to welcome back Carol McCoy for this month’s Coffee & Conservation — a community education morning focused on one of Florida’s most remarkable reptiles: the gopher tortoise.
Native to the southeastern U.S., gopher tortoises are a keystone species that dig deep burrows in sandy uplands — creating shelter for more than 350 other species. But these gentle diggers are facing serious threats from habitat loss, development, and environmental stress. Their survival is closely tied to the health of our entire upland ecosystem.
Join us to learn:
What makes the gopher tortoise so vital to Florida’s environment
How their burrows benefit countless other species
The causes of their population decline and what’s being done to help
Practical ways we as a community can support their protection

Carol McCoy is a Director with the Coastal Wildlife Club and the lead sea turtle permit holder for Don Pedro Island. Since relocating to Englewood in 2016, she has dedicated her time to local conservation, stranding response, derelict trap removal, and environmental education. Carol is also a certified Advanced Florida Master Naturalist and a passionate advocate for Florida’s unique coastal and upland habitats.
☕ Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
💚 This event is free to attend, but donations are encouraged — all proceeds go directly to The Gopher Tortoise Council, supporting habitat protection and public education efforts.
Come early, bring your questions, and stay for meaningful conversation with like-minded nature lovers.
Seating is limited, so RSVP today to secure your spot! Let’s work together to preserve the natural beauty of our community for generations to come.
SUP Englewood
📞 Contact: Nicole Killian at 941-265-2925
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: supenglewood.com/coffee-conservation/