When I first heard about Alexandra Fasulo’s donation of a 10,000-square-foot lot to the Cape Coral Wildlife Trust, I felt a rush of gratitude and hope. I’ve lived in Cape Coral for 15 years, and in that time, I’ve fallen in love with our city’s burrowing owls. Knowing that someone cared enough to donate land—giving these threatened birds a safe place to live—filled me with inspiration. It’s not just a gift for the owls; it’s a gift for all of us who treasure seeing these tiny creatures in our neighborhoods.

Cape Coral’s burrowing owls are more than just wildlife; they’re part of the city’s heart. If you’ve ever spotted one of their sandy-colored heads poking up from a burrow, or watched their fuzzy chicks take their first wobbly steps outside, you know exactly what I mean. But as Cape Coral has grown, the open lots these owls depend on have been disappearing. Watching that change has been heartbreaking. Alexandra’s land donation, though, is a bright spot—a reminder that we can all make a difference.

Cape Coral’s Rapid Growth and Its Impact on Wildlife

It’s no secret that Cape Coral is growing fast. When I first moved here, many of the lots in my neighborhood were empty, and most of them had burrows. Back then, it felt like the owls were everywhere. Over time, though, I’ve watched those empty lots transform into houses. On the one hand, it’s exciting to see the city thriving, but on the other, it’s bittersweet—because with every new house, another owl family is displaced.

Cape Coral is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. In 2021 alone, over 4,300 building permits were issued—nearly double the number from the year before. While this boom has brought economic opportunities, it’s also taken a toll on local wildlife. Burrowing owls, in particular, have been hard hit. These little birds need open, sandy spaces for their burrows, and as those spaces disappear, their survival becomes increasingly precarious.

Alexandra Fasulo’s Remarkable Act of Kindness

Alexandra Fasulo, a former Cape Coral resident, saw this struggle and decided to act. Now living in Upstate New York, Alexandra has always had a soft spot for Cape Coral’s wildlife. When she realized she owned a vacant lot in the city, she saw an opportunity to make a real difference. Instead of selling it, she donated the land to the Cape Coral Wildlife Trust (CCWT), ensuring it would become a permanent refuge for burrowing owls.

“When I realized that this piece of land could provide a permanent safe haven for these remarkable creatures, donating it felt like the right thing to do,” Alexandra said. “I hope this inspires others to consider how they, too, can help protect our wildlife.” Watch Alexandra’s inspiring video below as shares why it was important to her to make this donation.

It’s incredible to think about how one piece of land can have such a lasting impact. By turning her lot into a sanctuary, Alexandra has given these threatened owls a place to dig their burrows, raise their chicks, and live without fear of being displaced. It’s a powerful reminder that even small actions can create big changes.

Watch Alexandra’s heartfelt video below, where she shares the personal reasons behind her generous land donation. In her own words, she explains what motivated her to take action to protect Cape Coral’s beloved burrowing owls and why preserving their habitats is so important to her. Her story is not only inspiring but also a reminder of the powerful impact one person can have on the future of our local wildlife

 

Read more about Alexandra Fasulo’s inspiration for donating her lot to Cape Coral Wildlife Trust here.

Why Land Donations Matter

Alexandra’s donation isn’t just inspiring—it’s a vital step in protecting Cape Coral’s wildlife. The Cape Coral Wildlife Trust (CCWT), working closely with Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW), focuses on acquiring land to create safe habitats for burrowing owls and other species like gopher tortoises and bald eagles. Each donated lot serves as a critical refuge, safeguarding Cape Coral’s biodiversity against the pressures of urban development.

For donors, land donations come with significant benefits:

• Tax Deduction: Donations are tax-deductible, allowing donors to claim a charitable deduction based on the property’s fair market value.
• Leaving a Legacy: Donating land ensures that it remains a haven for wildlife, offering peace of mind that your contribution will have a lasting impact.
• Preserving Biodiversity: Each protected lot helps create a network of habitats that support the city’s threatened species.

An Emotional Connection to Our Owls

For me, burrowing owls have always been more than just birds—they’re part of what makes Cape Coral feel like home. Some of my favorite memories with my kids involve going out for evening walks, spotting owl burrows, and naming the owls we found. We’d get so excited when we’d see new chicks, their downy feathers making them look like little cotton balls with legs.

That emotional connection is why Alexandra’s donation feels so powerful. She didn’t just give a piece of land—she gave a future to a species that so many of us hold dear. Her generosity reminds us that Cape Coral’s wildlife is worth protecting, not just for the animals themselves but for the joy they bring to our lives.

A Call to Action: Lets Protect Our Owls

Cape Coral’s burrowing owls are more than just a threatened species—they’re a symbol of what makes our city unique. Watching them lose their habitats has been difficult, but stories like Alexandra Fasulo’s remind us that it’s not too late to make a difference.

Her donation shows us what’s possible when we take action, whether it’s donating land, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. As Cape Coral continues to grow, it’s up to all of us to ensure that our wildlife has a place to call home.

The next time you see a burrowing owl, take a moment to appreciate just how special these little birds are. And if you’re inspired by Alexandra’s story, consider how you can help protect them. Together, we can ensure that Cape Coral’s burrowing owls have a bright future.

How You Can Help

Alexandra’s story is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference. While not everyone can donate land, there are plenty of ways to support Cape Coral’s burrowing owls and other wildlife:

• Donate Land: If you own a vacant lot in Cape Coral, consider donating it to the Cape Coral Wildlife Trust. Not only will you be helping wildlife, but you may also qualify for tax benefits.
• Financial Contributions: Donations of any size help fund land acquisitions, habitat restoration, and educational programs. Every dollar makes a difference.
• Volunteer: The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) is always looking for volunteers to help with projects like burrow maintenance, habitat restoration, and events like the annual Burrowing Owl Festival.
• Spread Awareness: Share stories like Alexandra’s to inspire others to get involved.

 

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife: Who They Are and What They Do

Established in 2001, Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) is a passionate, all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the habitats of Cape Coral’s protected wildlife species from burrowing owls and gopher tortoises to bald eagles and scrub jays while educating the community about the city’s unique natural resources. From monitoring burrows to organizing educational events, CCFW plays a vital role in protecting the city’s burrowing owl population and other wildlife.

Because CCFW is run entirely by volunteers, every dollar donated goes directly to supporting its mission. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law and because no fees are paid to professional fundraisers or solicitors, ensuring that 100% of each donation is used to make a difference for Cape Coral’s wildlife.

Key initiatives include:

• Burrow Maintenance: Volunteers help monitor and maintain burrows, ensuring they remain safe and undisturbed.
• Educational Programs: CCFW hosts workshops, school presentations, and community events like the annual Burrowing Owl Festival to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
• Starter Burrows: CCFW encourages residents to build starter burrows in their yards, providing displaced owls with safe and secure nesting spaces. You can find out how to build a starter burrow here.
• Land Acquisition: Through partnerships with the Cape Coral Wildlife Trust, CCFW secures land to create permanent sanctuaries for wildlife.

The dedication of CCFW’s volunteers and the generosity of its supporters make these initiatives possible, helping to protect Cape Coral’s wildlife for generations to come. Community involvement is at the heart of CCFW’s success, and every contribution—whether time, money, or land—goes directly toward preserving the city’s natural heritage.

For more information, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org or call 239-980-2593.

The post A Gift for Cape Coral’s Burrowing Owls: How One Woman is Making a Difference first appeared on 365 Things to do in Southwest Florida.

The post A Gift for Cape Coral’s Burrowing Owls: How One Woman is Making a Difference appeared first on 365 Things to do in Southwest Florida.

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