INFO FOR MEDIA

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is pleased to serve as a resource for members of the media. Please contact the Marketing and Communication staff to request an interview with one of our many environmental experts.

Media Contacts

• Catherine Bergerson | Communications & Marketing Director
  catherineb@conservancy.org | Office: 239.403.4216 | Cell: 239.851.2095
  
  
• Greg Willette | Marketing & Digital Media
  gregw@conservancy.org | Cell: 239.470.2201
  
  
• Holly Boldrin | Public Relations Director, Priority Marketing
  holly@prioritymarketing.com | 239.267.2638

Environmental Experts – Media Resources

Executive Office

• Robert Moher - President and CEO

Environmental Science

• Kathy Worley - Director Environmental Science & Biologist  - Mangroves, non-native/exotic plants expert
  
  
• Dave Addison - Senior Biologist  - Loggerhead sea turtle
  
  
• Jeff Schmid, Ph.D. - Research Manager – Kemp’s ridley sea turtle
  
  
• Ian Bartoszek - Biologist  - Gopher Tortious, Neon-native animals (exotic fish, pythons)
  
  
• Melinda Schuman - Biologist  - Amphibians

Wildlife Rehabilitation

• Joanna Fitzgerald  - Director - von Arx Wildlife Hospital
  
  
• PJ Deitschel, DVM - Veterinarian

Environmetal Policy

• Nicole Johnson - Director of Environmental Policy

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

• Conservancy of Southwest Florida was founded in 1964 as a small grassroots advocacy group.  Today the Conservancy employs more than 60 full-time staff and is supported by more than 60 volunteers and 25 interns each year.
  
  
• We are an environmental preservation organization headquartered in Naples, Florida.
  
  
• Focus on issues related to our water, land and wildlife in Southwest Florida’s 5-county area (Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades).
  
  
• Employ a team of environmental experts in the areas of policy & advocacy, science & research, wildlife protection & rehabilitation and education.
• The Conservancy is a 501 © (3) nonprofit

Our Headquarters

• The Nature Center is the gateway to our mission. It is open for individuals, families, school and community groups to learn about our native environment and conservation efforts. 
  
  
• The Nature Center operations include a variety of self-guided experiences along with daily programs led by environmental experts including guided electric boat tours and guided kayak tours along the Gordon River.
  
  
• The von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Nature Center treats more than 3,800 injured and/or orphaned native animals each year. This fully-equipped wildlife hospital employs a full-time veterinarian. 

• A 5-year, $20 million campus renovation completed in 2014 meets or exceeds sustainable building certification standards (LEED).  
  
  
• The Conservancy Nature Center campus serves as a resource for individuals or corporations to learn how to incorporate sustainable building practices.

Resources

• Core programs and operations, $8 million annually, are funded by the generosity of our 6,000 supporting member and donor families, individuals, foundations, grants and corporations.
  
  
• 100 percent of funds support local initiatives.

Offsite Programs

• Guided nature cruises through Rookery Bay aboard the Good Fortune II
  
  
• Guided Nature Walks at Briggs Boardwalk and Clam Pass

• School Field Trips

Connect

1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, Florida 34102 | 239-262-0304 | www.conservancy.org

Nature Center Location