The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay.
The Conservancy is a grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region. Partnering with like-minded organizations, the Conservancy works to manage growth and protect area waters, land and wildlife. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida promotes sound environmental policies and practices based on solid scientific research while providing environmental education to residents and visitors. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals each year and releases about half back into their native habitats.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Conservancy Nature Center are located in Naples, Florida at 1450 Merrihue Drive, off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14th Avenue North. For information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, call 239-262-0304 or www.conservancy.org.
Throughout each year, about 50 internships are provided to college student and grads through the Conservancy's Conservation Associate Program. The following are some of the internships during each year: Environmental Policy, Land Acquisition, Discovery Center Aquarist/Interpreter, Education Naturalists, and Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, Science Research, Summer Camp, Sea Turtle Research. Positions are available on a rotating basis. Applicants must be minimum senior in college or recent graduate with background in biology, conservation, wildlife, research, teaching, environmental education/science, marine, or related fields.