Lemon Bay honors Eva Furner at annual meeting
Wildflower project cited in volunteer service
The Lemon Bay Conservancy held its annual meeting on Jan. 26, bringing together board members, volunteers and supporters to reflect on recent milestones and share updates on the organization’s work across the region.
One of the most notable moments of the evening was the retirement of longtime board member Eva Furner, who officially stepped down from the board at the conclusion of the meeting after more than a decade of service. Since joining the board in 2012, Furner has played a central role in many of the Conservancy’s most impactful projects, including serving as chair of the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve Committee.
In that role, Furner helped lead the effort to secure and implement $1.4 million in grants from the Southwest Florida Water Management District and NOAA, which supported the transformation of the former Wildflower Golf Course into the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve that the community enjoys today. Although retiring from the board, Furner will continue to stay actively involved with Lemon Bay Conservancy as a volunteer.
Furner also delivered a well-attended presentation during the meeting on Lemon Bay Conservancy’s current initiative to support a local colony of burrowing owls. The talk drew a standing-room-only crowd and highlighted early successes, including the acquisition of key lots, installation of artificial burrows, ongoing monitoring and data collection and recent generous donations toward the group’s $100,000 fundraising goal.
The organization also shared that it continues its search for a new executive director and included a call for a donated used pickup truck to support field operations.
Looking ahead, the board invited the community to attend its annual Exploration Day Nature Festival on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve. The free event will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the restored preserve, featuring guided birding, nature walks, hands-on exhibits and educational booths from local environmental groups. “Cupcakes and the best grilled hot dogs around will be served,” said Conservancy board president Irene Slattery.
Those interested in supporting the local Burrowing Owl Habitat Protection initiative can visit lemonbayconservancy.org to donate and learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Community members considering major support are encouraged to contact LBC board member Mark Horan at markehoran@gmail.com to arrange a private visit to the owl colony site.
