What We Do
What We Do
The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center “CHEC,” a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, has been providing environmental education, recreation, environmental research, and conservation lands management services to the citizens and visitors of the greater Charlotte Harbor area since 1987.
Find out how you can get involved with CHEC and our programs.
David J. Abderhalden
Executive Director
dave@checflorida.org
Ashley Cook
Director of Conservation
Alligator Creek Preserve, Punta Gorda
ashley@checflorida.org
Jenifer Welch
Business Manager
Alligator Creek Preserve, Punta Gorda
jenifer@checflorida.org
Olivia Bechdel
Somer Bednar
Kayla Lewis
Environmental Education for All
From ages 1 to 100, CHEC seeks to foster greater awareness and appreciation of Wild Florida.
For decades, CHEC has partnered with the Charlotte County Public School System to provide free field trips for every 2nd and 4th grade student. These special field trips offer hands-on learning opportunities from seagrass wading adventures, hiking expeditions, and boating excursions.
All are created to dive deeper into the wondrous happenings of life in each of Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems and the vital role that we play in protecting them.
Recreation
Providing Access to Green Spaces
Alligator Creek Preserve is uniquely located within the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, the 3rd largest preserve in the State of Florida. Encompassing nearly 46,000 acres, the preserve is home to many different ecosystems, plants, and wildlife, some of which are threatened or endangered.
Cedar Point Environmental Park located in Englewood, Florida, is an important component of the Charlotte County Parks & Natural Resources Division Park System. Located on one of the last remaining large tracts of undeveloped land on Lemon Bay, its 115 acres of pine flatwoods, mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and wetlands, offers special and distinct coastal ecosystems to explore and enjoy.
Combined, both locations offer a total of over 8 miles of hiking trails for visitors to experience and explore, providing free access to vast green spaces and highlighting the natural beauty of the true “Wild Florida”. Our winding trails are preserved for wildlife and visitors to explore for many years to come.
Community-Based Conservation
CHEC pairs its environmental education initiates with hands-on conservation efforts through various projects and programs. These include a Butterfly Sanctuary, utilized to increase pollinator populations and a Vertical Oyster Gardening initiative to help restore oyster populations and improve water quality in Charlotte Harbor.
Our Animal Neighbors program helps bridge the gap between people and wildlife, replacing fear with understanding through myth-busting facts, safety tips, and practical guidance. These programs provide useful learning tools to help our community protect and conserve our unique southwest Florida ecosystems.
Our Sponsors & Donors
