Fresh off the drawing board, the next phase of Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs. Dr. Wendy Arsenault, a semi-retired veterinary cardiologist, says she is eager to help plan improvements and expansions as chair of the board.
Arsenault has served on the board of the nonprofit Wonder Gardens since November 2022 before becoming chairman early this year to help negotiate a public-private partnership agreement with the city of Bonita Springs, which was approved in April.
“I wanted to do everything I could to move the partnership forward,” she said. “I’m glad I got to be a part of that, and now we have a clear path for the future.”
The agreement has paved the way for the next phase of improvements and fundraising for Wonder Gardens through the master plan. The plan includes fundraising and construction of a new animal care center that will help with accreditation with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Other plans include a raised canopy, event building, amphitheater, discovery zone, enhanced alligator exhibit and more. A long-planned otter exhibit is expected to be completed later this year.
Arsenault moved to Bonita Springs from upstate New York about 20 years ago. She founded Southwest Florida Veterinary Specialists in Bonita Springs, a practice she led from 2003-2019. Arsenault is also a member of the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs, where she serves on the board.
Other volunteer members of the Wonder Gardens Board of Directors include Eileen Tasso, secretary; Larry Vars, treasurer; Donna M. Flammang, immediate past president; Diane Ewing, Dr. Damien Lin, VMD; Angela Swanepoel; Dr. Alan White and Marjo White.
To learn more about the master plan and how you can support it, visit wondergardens.org/strategic-and-master-plans/.
The Hub at SWFL Inc. opens
SWFL Inc. recently announced that their new workspace, The Hub, is now open.
But it’s more than just a workspace, the developers say: “it’s a vibrant community dedicated to supporting, promoting and protecting businesses in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.”
The public is invited to the new office, located at 20041 South Tamiami Trail, Unit #3, Estero. It is open to the public from Monday to Thursday from 10am to 4pm.
“If you are looking for a space for your next meeting, workshop or presentation, The Hub is available for a full day rental for $250. Those interested in using our coworking space should check our online calendar in advance to to ensure that the Hub is not closed for a private event or room rental.”
More at swflinc.com.
Harry Chapin Food Bank named ‘Business of the Quarter’
Harry Chapin Food Bank, the largest food bank in Southwest Florida, has been named Business of the Quarter by the Greater Naples Chamber and the Collier Board of County Commissioners.
The award recognizes organizations that improve Collier County through financial, volunteer and active community involvement and help create a better quality of life for all citizens. Richard LeBer, CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank, accepted the award during the June 11 meeting of the Collier Board of County Commissioners.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Greater Naples Chamber and the Collier Board of County Commissioners,” said LeBer. “As the largest hunger relief organization in Southwest Florida, we want to work with community partners to ensure no one in Collier County goes hungry. This recognition is not only an important opportunity to raise awareness of the work of Harry Chapin Food Bank in Collier County, but also an opportunity to inform more community members about the work the food bank is doing to alleviate hunger throughout the Southwest -Florida to end.
Harry Chapin Food Bank has been supporting members of the Collier County community for more than 30 years. In 2023, the food bank distributed nearly 12 million pounds of food in Collier County.
Audubon Florida releases ‘State of the Everglades’
Twice a year, Audubon Florida Everglades produces a report on “restoration, research and policy issues” affecting the River of Grass.
“We celebrate successes,” said Kelly Cox, Esq., director of Everglades Policy. “This year, new projects are lined up for congressional approval, including the all-important Western Everglades Restoration Project.”
Cox explains that historic levels of funding continue to flow in from the state and federal government to support restoration work. In addition, a new national conservation unit will connect four million acres of habitat across the Everglades footprint, and ground has been broken on the Stormwater Treatment Area of the Everglades Agricultural Area.
“The ecosystem is responding. Our iconic American flamingos brought in by Hurricane Idalia in 2023 remain in Everglades National Park thanks to available food and quality habitat – a bright pink indication of the success of our conservation efforts in the Everglades.”
Topics covered in the report include:
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Storage solutions north of Lake Okeechobee needed to reduce discharges
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The new Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area will extend over four million hectares
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Audubon celebrates the ribbon cutting of the EAA Stormwater Treatment Area
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What you need to know about Cape Sable shore sparrows
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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is celebrating 70 years by looking back and preparing for the next 70
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State of the Slough
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More than 100 flamingos counted in Florida’s February census
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Update from the Stork
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Everglades Coalition Conference with Audubon Science and Policy Leadership
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Audubon leads Big Cypress Basin Tour
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State budget provides high levels of funding for Everglades
More information can be found at fl.audubon.org. Download a copy of the report at https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/o7mUCZ6G2ViQBymB2Sz9wu1?domain=fl.audubon.org.
Naples Trust Company celebrates 15th anniversary
Billie Ann Porter, president of The Naples Trust Company, recently announced that they are celebrating the company’s 15th anniversary serving the Naples-Marco Island and Bonita Springs communities.
Naples Trust, a division of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, opened in June 2009.
“Our entire team is deeply grateful for the trust our clients, professional advisors and community organizations have shown through the close relationships we have built and the work we have accomplished together over the past 15 years,” said Porter. “We have exciting plans ahead. It has been an honor for us to serve this community and we will continue to do so for years to come.”
Naples Trust helps families and business owners sell their businesses and works with multi-generational family members on their financial planning and wealth transfer strategies. They also work with local professionals for the benefit of their clients and support the community through sponsorship and involvement.
More Now you know: Estero’s response to FEMA, Sunshine Ace block party; Bonita’s fourth plans
And ‘With a heavy heart’: Fort Myers Beach’s iconic waterfront bar and restaurant for sale
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Now You Know: Wonder Gardens, the next phase
