FGCU grad shaping coastal conservation through island foundation
- Rick Weber
- Alumni
- Contributors: James Greco, Photography | Chris Noonan, Video
6 – minute read
It isn’t easy being James Evans these days.
As chief executive officer of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Evans is responsible for carrying out the nonprofit’s mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. That can be a daunting task, especially with the rapid rate of development, loss of coastal wetlands and increasing threats to wildlife habitat and aquatic ecosystems.
But the two-time Florida Gulf Coast University graduate considers it much more exciting and rewarding than daunting to carry out a mission that will have such a lasting impact on our wildlife, our local communities and future generations.
“Southwest Florida holds a special place in my heart, and I want to be sure that my son Ben and future generations have the same opportunities that I had to experience the unique ecosystems and wildlife that exist here and nowhere else on Earth,” he says.
“I am very concerned about the future of Southwest Florida and the quality of life that we can expect if we don’t do a better job of planning for the future. Based on the extent and type of development that is occurring, it is hard to see a future where future generations will be able to experience the world-class fisheries, natural beaches and diversity of wildlife that past generations have been able to enjoy.
“Southwest Florida is experiencing rapid growth that is resulting in urban sprawl and high-density developments throughout our region. Housing developments and the infrastructure needed to support this growth are devouring our wetlands and are having a direct impact on our watersheds and coastal waters. If we don’t do a better job of planning for future growth and minimizing impacts on our natural environment, there will be nothing left for those that come after us.”
Advocating for sustainability
If that sounds serious, well, it is. With more than 25 years of experience working in South Florida ecosystems — and expertise in water quality, environmental policy, marine biology, estuarine ecology and environmental restoration — his work has never been more important.
Evans believes our quality of life and tourism-based economy are inextricably linked to water quality. He’s adamant that as our population grows, our communities must grow in a way that will protect water quality and habitat for wildlife.
“Our elected leaders need to consider the unintended consequences of unbridled development and implement policies that will better protect our coastal ecosystems to ensure the long-term sustainability of our region,” says Evans. “The only way to protect our natural areas from development is for public or private entities to acquire the land for conservation, or for state and local governments to embrace smart-growth policies that will minimize the impact of future development on our ecosystems.”
Since its founding in 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has acquired more than 2,100 acres of land — including over 1,800 acres on Sanibel Island. Through its conservation partnership with the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the City of Sanibel, the SCCF has been successful in preserving more than 70% of Sanibel’s land.
“Our work serves as a model for other communities in the region and demonstrates the ecological and economic benefits of conservation,” Evans says.
Impact of FGCU mentors
Evans’ dedication to that work has garnered accolades including the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce 2022 Citizen of the Year. He was also recognized as one of Gulfshore Life magazine’s Men and Women of the Year in 2024.
His passion for conservation was ignited in childhood. Evans grew up on a small family farm in northeast Ohio, where he spent most of his time outdoors. Hiking in the woods, traversing the valleys, fishing the creeks that surrounded his childhood home — plus trips to Florida to visit his grandparents — shaped his love for the natural world. His determination and leadership skills likely were forged in the U.S. Army, where he rose to sergeant.
In fall 1997, Evans found his way to newly opened FGCU, which was established with a foundation of environmental sustainability. Although his time at FGCU predates The Water School, founded in 2019, he says he was in the right place at the right time. Evans recalls a collection of powerful professors and impactful mentors: Greg Tolley, Win Everham, Mike Savarese, Bill Hammond and Peter Blaze Corcoran.
“It would be difficult to find anyone in Southwest Florida who is more passionate about and dedicated to preserving our environment,” Tolley said of his former student and master’s advisee. “I am grateful that our paths continue to cross long after our time together at FGCU.”
For Evans, the experience earning his bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and master’s in environmental science at FGCU helped raise him to another level.
“My time at FGCU provided the foundation for my understanding of Florida’s unique ecosystems, including the importance of our natural systems and potential threats to their long-term sustainability,” he says. “It also provided me with the scientific tools, leadership skills and relationships that I needed to accomplish my goals.”
So where does Evans go from here?
“I see my career continuing with SCCF well into the future,” he says. “I have spent the past 25 years of my career working on Sanibel and Captiva islands, focused on preserving and enhancing wildlife habitat and water quality in the surrounding waters. As a biologist, I find it extremely rewarding to work in a community that has embraced conservation as community value and has been able to preserve more than 70% of its land area.
“Our community’s work on coastal resilience issues offers us an opportunity to become a national model for resilience and sustainability. It would be hard to find a better place to advance my career than where I am right now.”