Life on a barrier island comes with distinct environmental responsibilities, and P.I.E. supports programs that help island homeowners understand these unique aspects, fostering better stewardship of our land. What we do with our properties affects everyone living on or near these beautiful islands.
Together, we can safeguard this fragile paradise and protect the unique natural resources and wildlife habitats that make our islands so special.
Bocilla Islands Conservancy Inc. is a public, non-profit, and non-political organization that focuses on the long-term preservation of open, undeveloped spaces and natural habitats across the Bocilla Islands Chain, which comprises Don Pedro Island, Knight Island, Little Gasparilla Island, and Thornton Key. We are passionate about collaborating with the residents of the Bocilla Islands to protect the remarkable beauty and integrity of our cherished islands for future generations.
As part of our commitment to environmental education, we offer a free series of educational programs featuring special guests who discuss vital topics about coastal habitats and seagrass initiatives in Lemon Bay. This initiative not only engages island members but also welcomes non-members, providing a platform for everyone to learn about the rich ecosystems that surround us. Our annual fundraising events serve to support our mission while expressing heartfelt gratitude to the donors and volunteers who have significantly influenced the success of the conservancy. We invite everyone to become a member of our organization and join us in our efforts to safeguard our natural heritage.
The Island Lecture Series is a fun social gathering to meet, mingle and learn. It is brought to you by Bocilla Islands Conservancy (BICI). It is an opportunity to explore interesting topics that highlight our islands unique environment, the importance of land conservation & other interests of our island community.
One of the most notable programs led by our conservancy is the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Team (GTCT). Under the guidance of Linda, this dedicated team responds to calls regarding gopher tortoise injuries, mortalities, excavations, and ensures the protection of their burrows during construction and outdoor events such as Art in the Palms. Notably, the services provided by the GTCT to island residents are entirely free of charge. We strive to expedite the permitting process from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for homeowners, saving them hundreds of dollars by offering the same relocation services that specialists typically charge for.
The GTCT is an esteemed volunteer team authorized to collaborate with FWC’s wildlife biologist, Matt Singer, and has held the Florida State gopher tortoise agent permit since 2006. This certification empowers our team to advise and conduct activities related to gopher tortoise conservation throughout the state. In that pivotal year, GTCT members trained with Mr. Ashton, the FWC wildlife biologist, to become certified gopher tortoise relocation specialists, enhancing our capacity to protect and preserve this vital species within our community.
Join us in our mission to protect the unique wildlife and natural landscapes of the Bocilla Islands Chain. Together, we can create a lasting impact on our environment while fostering a closer connection to the beautiful ecosystems that enrich our lives.
More Facts
Brought to you by Coastal Wildlife Club
The Coastal Wildlife Club’s primary responsibility as turtle patrollers is to monitor, document, and report on sea turtle activity for the state of Florida. From mid-April through October, each day from about dawn, CWC patrollers walk the Gulf beaches, primarily on Manasota Key, looking for evidence of sea turtle activity from the previous night. A secondary but also important responsibility is outreach.
Patrollers walk on assigned days and on assigned zones, or beach sections, most about a half-mile long. Most patrollers walk in pairs or in small groups.
Early in the season, we look for wide, vehicle-like tracks in the sand left by female sea turtles that crawl onto the beaches in search of suitable nest locations. Later on we also look for tiny tracks left by little hatchlings.
Of the seven species of sea turtles world-wide, three nest on Florida’s beaches. The predominant nester here is the loggerhead. Greens nest here in increasing numbers. Kemp’s ridleys, the smallest and rarest of the sea turtles, nest in Florida in very small numbers. Loggerheads and green sea turtles usually nest at night. In contrast, Kemp’s Ridleys nest during the day, particularly very windy days.
Brought to you by Bocilla Islands Conservancy
To report injured, sick or deceased island wildlife
Call: Erica (850) 758-5477
Michelle (727) 710-0747
Robby (813) 774-1513
Wildlife Center of Venice
(941) 484-9657 8am-6pm
(941) 416-4967 After 6pm
Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC): Weekdays 8-5pm
(850) 921-1030
Weekends & After 6pm
(888) 404-3922
Welcome to the Wildlife Rescue Team, brought to you by BICI, the Bocilla Islands Conservancy. If you find an animal in distress—whether sick, injured, or deceased—please use the contact numbers provided here. Start by calling the first number; if you are unable to reach them, try the second number. Our team consists of three dedicated individuals ready to assist.
Our Wildlife Rescue Team collaborates with various environmental partners on the island to ensure that animals receive the care they need. For instance, if an injured bird is spotted, they will contact the Wildlife Center of Venice. Similarly, if a gopher tortoise is in trouble, they will connect with our Gopher Tortoise Conservation Team through BICI.
Always exercise caution when encountering wild animals. It’s advisable to consult someone with experience before attempting to approach an animal to ensure your safety. Knowing your location is also important, as it helps rescue teams reach the animal quickly.
Together, we can make a difference! We encourage everyone to slow down on the roads to protect gopher tortoises and be mindful of fishing lines while out fishing to prevent leaving harmful debris behind. If you see a sick animal in need of help, please don’t hesitate to seek assistance—every act of care counts. Thank you for supporting our efforts to protect the wildlife on the Bocilla Islands!
A Program with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Given the gopher tortoise’s statewide range and the fact that more than half of the land in Florida is privately owned, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Gopher Tortoise Program recognizes the critical role that private property owners play in conserving the gopher tortoise and has developed a Gopher Tortoise Friendly Yard Recognition Program to recognize and honor private landowners in Florida for their contribution.
The purpose of the Gopher Tortoise Friendly Yard Recognition Program is to recognize and encourage private landowners to enhance habitat quality and take steps to protect the gopher tortoise and its burrow. Importantly, protection of the gopher tortoise and its burrow will benefit many other species that use the tortoise’s burrow for shelter and foraging and nesting habitat. A secondary benefit is an increased awareness among the general public of the contribution private landowners make to the conservation of gopher tortoises in Florida. This program will assess the habitat improvements the landowner has made to provide forage, protect the tortoise and its burrow, and control invasive species.
While membership is not mandatory, your support directly contributes to the programs and initiatives that help preserve and improve island life.
For Our Environment
PIE supports local conservation efforts, coordinates annual beach access clean-ups, and ensures our island gardens and private beach easements are well-maintained.
For Island Fun
Our PIE Social committee organizes beloved island events, such as the New Year’s Day Golf Cart Parade, Palm Palooza, Sand Castle Content—and we’re always looking for new ways to bring people together!
For Our Community
We keep residents informed with news updates, manage the Island Action Fund to address civic issues, and administrate the Island Kids Scholarship Fund, providing educational support to local students.
PIE exists to support you and your island lifestyle, and we rely on your support in return. For just $50 per year, your household membership helps fund essential programs, events, and advocacy efforts.
