Zebra Longwing, the state butterfly

The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife invites all residents and visitors to open their eyes to the fascinating and beautiful natural world right outside their door! The burrowing owls and gopher tortoises in the ground, blue jays and eagles in the sky, stingrays and manatees in the canals are waiting to be noticed.

Whether you are looking out a window, sitting in your backyard or walking/bicycling around the neighborhood, you will find it easy to enjoy these Earth Day Every Day activities:

1. Look for and record the address of owl and gopher tortoise burrows which are not marked. Contact Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife with your information at 239-980-2593 or “http://www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org”>www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org Remember not to get closer than 10 feet.

2. Make a list of the mammal, bird and butterfly species in your yard. See how many you can find of each. Check online resources such as “All About Birds,” “Come to Cape Coral: Florida Wildlife,” Florida Butterflies – www.floridasnature.com for help with identification.

3. Plan a butterfly garden. Visit www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/butterfly-gardening.html

4. Observe whether nearby canals are clear or cloudy. Keep a diary each day for a month with your observations.

5. Listen to the wildlife around you at different times of the day. Keep a diary and find out what animal you are hearing.

Please submit your Earth Day Every Day records/lists/photos to the Cape Friends of Wildlife as soon as possible to our website. www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org

CCFW will try to feature as many of the submissions as possible on its Facebook page: ccfw cape coral friends of wildlife