PUSCHEL PRESERVE ON SANIBEL ISLAND

Fast Facts

Structure -- One Haven solar shelter with battery backup and wheelchair access seating.

Place -- The Haven sits in the beautiful Puschel Preserve, on Sanibel Island in Southwest Florida.

Bigger Picture -- The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is protecting Southwest Florida’s natural ecosystems through a holistic approach to conservation that includes people, science, and education. Their Haven solar shelter is part of that vision: a practical, visible example of clean energy in action. By integrating renewable energy and storage, plus shade and places to plug in, at a nature preserve, SCCF is showing that environmental protection and innovation go hand in hand.

Spotlight Partners -- Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Haven is the perfect addition, providing much-needed shade, a place to rest, and a sustainable power source to the many pedestrians who pass by the preserve. Like our island ecosystems, the Haven has proven its resilience by withstanding multiple strong storms and hurricanes since its installation.

- Jeff Siwicke, SCCF Facilities Director

Project overview

The Puschel Preserve, protected and managed by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, is the first nature preserve to install a Haven solar shelter. It provides clean energy and shaded comfort in a beautiful natural setting.

Undefeated by Hurricanes

Shortly after installation, hurricanes Milton AND Helene arrived, bringing significant storm surges. Haven met the challenge. Its electrical system is elevated to stay safely above flood waters (which it did), and its stout structure and materials enabled it to withstand extreme weather. Haven is actually designed for Category 5 direct hits. 

No damage, no repairs needed. Resilient, like Sanibel Island itself.