Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation clears vegetation for gopher tortoises

SANIBEL, Fla. - Chery Day has found her calling in retirement, not by traveling the world, but by making a difference in her community.

She spends her time volunteering with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation to help creatures that many people never see.

"When I retired, I was different from everybody else. I didn't want to travel the world. I wanted to make a difference in my life, and I wanted to help people and things that couldn't help themselves," said Day.

Day finds fulfillment in her work, despite the physical labor involved.

"I get more out of this than I ever give, even though I'm digging roots," said Day.

Her efforts are focused on clearing vegetation to create a suitable habitat for gopher tortoises.

"By removing all of this vegetation, it gives the gophers, gopher tortoises a place to build a burrow. They like a flat spot that has open area, and as you can well tell, this area is overgrown, so we're trying to make it better for them," said Day.

WINK News joined Day and other volunteers as they worked on this habitat, rain or shine.

"Oh, I will say we weren't anticipating this much rain today. We are, we are kind of soaking," said Kealy Pfau, SCCF Coastal Watch Director.

Despite the rain, the team continued their efforts.

"They're state-threatened species," said Pfau.

Pfau explained the importance of gopher tortoises as a keystone species.

"400 animals rely on gopher tortoises, mostly for their burrows and the little homes that they make underground and that other animals can seek refuge and live in. And so you have a decrease in that population, other animals are going to feel that impact," said Pfau.

For Day, every plant removed is a victory.

"It's exciting to know that maybe I did something that saved the life of a tortoise and all the other things that benefit from having all of this removed," said Day.