Our project and the community
Our plan to create this nature preserve/bird sanctuary is one of community pride. Marco Island has been long advertised as not only a great beach destination but also one of a great place to see wildlife including Shore Birds, Bald Eagles, Dolphins, Manatees, as well as other native animal and bird species.
Our efforts to keep this 11.6 acre parcel of land at 665 Tigertail Court as a nature preserve and home of a pair of nesting bald eagles is one that provides great value to not only our current generation but for those generations to come. It is important that we as Citizens and Stewarts of this Island’s future understand that development of every piece of green space on the Island it not in the best interest of the Island long term, and in fact could have a negative effect on the main source of financial stability (Tourism). The people that visit Marco Island or come here as seasonal residents are not here because we have beautiful buildings, but because they can enjoy the natural environment such as beaches, garden areas, fishing, water sports, and yes the nature that surrounds us. The traffic at the site of this nature preserve project has been increasing over the last 4 years due to our work in public awareness in saving this wonderful resource. There are more than 50 documented species of birds that frequent the property during the year which brings bird lovers form all around the world.
This nature preserve/bird sanctuary project when completed will be a great example of wildlife preservation and an ECO system cohabitating with an urban Marco Island community. The preserve will be a place where all Marco Island citizens and visitors alike will be able to interact and enjoy a quiet and peaceful visit to the preserve free of charge.
The Eagle Sanctuary Foundation is dedicated to educating the public and especially the younger generations how important it is to live in harmony with nature even in an urban setting. While visiting our sanctuary they will not only have a chance to interact with nature but observe a nesting pair of American Bald Eagles our national symbol at the same time.
Right now the Eagles nest is active with eaglets and every day the bicycle, foot, and car traffic to the site is increasing. As reviewed in the Wall Street Journal article last summer Marco Island has the natural land and beach areas like the Tigertail area that continues to draw the interest of travelers around the world.
Now that we have successfully signed a purchase agreement for the sanctuary property from the Collier County School District we can proceed with the fund raising phase of the project. Our plans currently include the ongoing protection of the natural environment and a small Educational/Visitor Center which will serve as a resource for all collier county students and visitors alike to interact with the Eagle Sanctuary’s history and the bird and wildlife population. The sanctuary will be a great example of wildlife preservation and an ECO system cohabitating with an urban Marco Island community.
Our plan is to offer students from the collier county school district an opportunity to create activity areas within the nature center, their individual school, or community parks. This will provide them with a hands on interaction with our SW Florida ECO system by planting and study projects which include SW Florida native plants and trees. This approach will show how wildlife thrive if the eco system is protected. Our thoughts are to work with the different schools and have them submit the type of project their students would be interested in to the foundation. Each year these projects will be considered and a number will be selected and funded by the foundation. The students and their teachers could then work with our Environmental Specialist and the Eagle Sanctuary Docent to plan and execute their project.
The Eagle Sanctuary Foundation is dedicated to educating the public and especially the younger generations how important it is to live in harmony with nature even in an urban setting. Many visitors come to Marco Island to observe the natural beautiful of our beaches and wildlife that resides here. While visiting our sanctuary they will not only have a chance to interact with nature but observe a nesting pair of American Bald Eagles our national symbol at the same time.