Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife
Our Mission
Dedicated to Protection, Preservation and Education
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is a volunteer organization whose purpose is to preserve and enhance the habitats of protected wildlife species and to educate the community about Cape Coral’s wildlife resources.
Founded in 2001, we now have approximately 500 members and an engaged group of volunteers, board of directors and committees operating our unique events and programs. | About Us
Volunteer hours in 2026
Who to Contact
If you came here to report a wildlife or habitat issue, please start here.
Actions Speak Louder than Words!
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is a non-profit membership organization that relies on donations and fundraisers to help protect our wildlife in Cape Coral, Florida. All members are volunteers, with no paid positions.
Join/Renew Membership
Help support wildlife in Cape Coral by becoming a member, or renewing your existing membership.
Donate to CCFW
Make a tax deductible donation to support Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and our mission to protect and educate.
Shop CCFW Merchandise
Get some unique apparel, wear your support for Cape Coral's wildlife and help further our mission by shopping CCFW merchandise.
Adopt an Owl
Adopt a Cape Coral Burrowing Owl to help fund burrow maintenance activities and other programs.
What’s at Stake
The Florida burrowing owl and gopher tortoise are designated a threatened species by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The designation of Threatened is given to species whose prospects of survival are in jeopardy—in this case due largely to habitat loss.
Research has shown that gopher tortoise populations in Cape Coral represent a self-sustaining viable conservation unit that call for preservation of the natural and vacant lands they currently occupy.
The gopher tortoise is considered a “keystone species” with more than 350 other species using their burrows for shelter. If the tortoise burrows disappear, the ecosystem of wildlife that relies on them, will collapse.
Cape Coral Wildlife Needs Our Help!
Our sister organization, the Cape Coral Wildlife Trust is rushing to acquire land for habitat preservation.
Make a Difference
Join the Burrow Maintenance Crew
Here is an important way to help working directly with wildlife. Supplied with City maps, weed wackers, safety equipment, and lots of enthusiasm this group of dedicated volunteers trim burrow with high weeds, install PVC pipes and perches on newly found burrows, repair and clean up existing burrows. They also have obtained GPS coordinates for every known burrow and submitted this information to the City of Cape Coral to be put in the City data base.
Dig a Starter Burrow
As Cape Coral grows, there will be less and less empty lots for the Burrowing Owls to call home, and loss of habitat is a primary reason why Burrowing Owl populations decline. Fortunately there is a solution to habitat loss that is working quite well. Homeowners are being encouraged to put "starter" burrows on their front lawns.
Visit the Butterfly House
The Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House is one of Cape Coral's top attractions and a labor of love for many CCFW volunteers.
Request a Speaker
CCFW volunteers are available to speak to students and civic associations about protecting Cape Coral's wildlife and habitats.
In the News
Urban Gopher Tortoises Find a Home in Cape Coral
As Cape Coral continues to grow, gopher tortoises are finding ways to survive alongside expanding neighborhoods. Their burrows support hundreds of other species, including burrowing owls, making their protection increasingly important to the future of Cape Coral’s wildlife.
Record Burrowing Owl Census Offers Hope Amid Rapid Development
Cape Coral’s 2026 Burrowing Owl Census recorded a record 7,828 owls, an encouraging milestone as development continues across the city. See what the latest count reveals about the population, ongoing habitat pressures, and the conservation efforts helping these iconic birds thrive.
8th Annual Ground Owl Day
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife for the 8th Annual Ground Owl Day on February 2, 2027, at Pelican Baseball Complex. See whether Athene spots her shadow and help celebrate Cape Coral’s official city bird.
25th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) for a fun-filled day as we celebrate the 25th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival Wildlife and Environmental Expo, a community event dedicated to Cape Coral’s iconic bird—the burrowing owl! This exciting festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for wildlife lovers, families, and everyone who cares about preserving our natural world.
State Insurance USA Supports Cape Coral Wildlife with Generous Donation
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is grateful to State Insurance USA for its generous $500 donation received in June. This meaningful contribution helps us continue our mission to protect local wildlife, preserve vital habitats, and provide environmental education to our community.
Wild About Wildlife
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife for Wild About Wildlife on October 3, 2026. Enjoy wildlife exhibits, educational activities, conservation partners, and family fun at the Cape Coral Library.
2026 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest Results
We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest! Nearly 100 photographs were submitted by amateur photographers from 13 states, showcasing the beauty, personality, and uniqueness of Cape Coral’s iconic burrowing owls.
Volunteer of the Month – May 2026
Lynn Delahanty We are excited to highlight our volunteer for the month of May, Lynn Delahanty. Lynn took on the important role of leading CCFW’s Merchandise Team last year. Merchandise sales are a vital source of funding for our organization and help connect wildlife...
The Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House at Rotary Park is a popular attraction
Featured in the Cape Coral Breeze, the Butterfly House at Rotary Park is a small space with a big impact on conservation, education, and visitors worldwide.
Volunteer of the Month – April 2026
Zoe Malca CCFW is proud to recognize Zoe as our April Volunteer of the Month for her incredible work on our first Wild About Wildlife event. This youth-focused event, held in November 2025, began as Zoe’s idea. Zoe developed the overall framework for the event, which...
2026 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest
Capture Cape Coral’s iconic burrowing owl and enter the 2026 Photo Contest. Open to amateur photographers, May 1 to May 17. Winners announced May 30.
Join CCFW in Celebrating 25 Years of Wildlife Conservation
Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife as they celebrate 25 years of conservation, education, and community impact at a special anniversary event on April 24.
