Serving Our Communities

Volunteer Efforts

SCHEDA has always promoted community service as a part of our corporate commitment to the environment.  This began early in our corporate history with organizing hundreds of volunteers, and participating in volunteer plantings at habitat restoration projects that SCHEDA designed.  Our efforts have expanded over the years to include:

• removing nuisance and exotic species from natural areas;
• participating in coastal and river clean-ups;
• assisting local counties with their watch and monitoring programs during sea turtle nesting;
• participating in volunteer bird watches and counts; and
• giving classroom talks on various environmental topics.

Fundraising for Children’s Programs

SCHEDA staff members regularly plan fundraising to support environmental programs and children’s programs within our communities.  This past year, we raised funds to support a local elementary school whose curriculum focuses on environmental awareness and responsibility.  Our past fundraising efforts have included various types of activities such as:

• Organizing charitable lunch programs within our offices that employees can purchase instead of going out to lunch;
• Holding silent auctions; and
• Bake sales.

Environmental Research

Our scientists have completed research, or are involved in ongoing research associated with a variety of scientific topics including:

• Transplanting mature wetland trees as a viable mitigation construction option;
• Surveys for and protection of the threatened Eastern indigo snake;
• Gopher tortoise (Species of Special Concern) protection in the State of Florida;
• Fire effects on the Florida Everglades ecosystem; and
• Distribution and morphology of tree islands, an important ecosystem component in the Everglades.