Shoreline Renewal: A Member Commitment to Natural Restoration

Country club living is more than just the community within the walls. We advocate and organize for our members to impact the greater Fort Myers community. Our members have a deep commitment to the community around us, and that includes its natural habitats.

Members Contribute to Eagle Perch Island Restoration

At Gulf Harbour, the best compliment that we can pay our members is that they truly care about our community. That connection exists within and beyond the club’s walls, especially as we renew natural flora along the shoreline.

One specific example involves the restoration of Eagle Perch Island, part of the club’s private sanctuary. The Island is a vital barrier that protects the community's marina and clubhouse.

In June 2024, Gulf Harbour members partnered with Coastal Watch and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) to plant baby mangroves on the Island’s shoreline. The Gulf Harbour management team recruited 40 resident volunteers to plant 250 red mangroves, which serve as storm buffers by reducing wind and wave action in shallow shoreline areas.

Gulf Harbour member Ralph Vinci told Coastal Watch that the process was “actually tougher than I thought it was going to be,” but that “hopefully in a few years [the mangroves] will grow to be bigger ones and protect the Island from erosion.”

As a result of the community’s efforts, Eagle Perch Island reopened in September 2024 with new purpose–and an Audubon International recognition.

Maintaining Environmental Quality 

Gulf Harbour is certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf courses. To reach this certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in several areas, including:

• Environmental planning
• Wildlife and habitat management
• Outreach and education
• Chemical use reduction and safety
• Water conservation
• Water quality management

Additional Volunteering Opportunities

Gulf Harbour members can impact lives, both inside and outside the club. Members can volunteer to serve on the Board, join various committees and connect with other members who lead local charities.

Learn more about the Gulf Harbour community, and how you can discover your new waterfront family here.