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Please help the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society by taking this five-minute survey by July 22. We will be using the results to better understand how visitors, volunteers, donors, and board members perceive our organization. Thank you so much for your time.
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Your Backyard Nature
Whether you live on Sanibel Island or in a completely different environment in faraway places like Connecticut or New Mexico, we want to see what you're seeing in your habitat while you are staying safe at home. Thank you to Laila Walzer for sharing a backyard nature photo of baby American Robins in Mount Tremper, New York.
Please
email
your nature photos so we can share them in "Ding" on the Wing and by social media. Include details about the photographer and where the photo was taken.
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Enter Our 2020 Photo Contest
The contest, sponsored by the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, is held in conjunction with "Ding" Darling Day, October 18, 2020.
Click on the graphic to see it enlarged.
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Thanks so much to those who responded to our "invitation" on Tuesday when the baby shower began.
This year has been a difficult one for people across the globe. Our mental and physical health has been on the forefront of everyone's minds. When we're not worrying about that, we are missing celebrations such as weddings, graduations, birthday parties, family gatherings, and baby showers!
Here at "Ding" we wanted to do something about that. Besides missing milestone events and our "Ding" family, we are missing out on critical support due to COVID-19. Your support helps continue our mission of sustaining the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge's wildlife, research, and education. Join your "Ding" family in participating in our virtual and symbolic
"Ding" Baby Bird Shower!
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Virtual Summer Camp Runs Through July
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Last week's Exploration Wednesday visited the new "Ding" Darling Studio exhibit in the Visitor & Education Center. Although the Center is now closed, viewers can learn about the Refuge's namesake and do a scavenger hunt activity. Check your answers here. |
Those who participate by responding on summer camp Facebook posts three times this summer get a free prize.
Email
the Education Team for more information.
Did you miss a lesson? No worries,
all videos and activity sheets are
archived on the DDWS website.
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Tarpon Bay Explorers' paddling tours are a popular way to recreate with the family while social distancing from others. |
NEW THIS WEEK:
Tarpon Bay Explorers
has restructured its Sealife and Nature Cruises schedule. Currently, the tours depart every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11, 1:30, and 6. Keep current on developments via our
COVID-19 web page.
In the meantime, we urge you to #StayHome as much as possible, get out in nature when you can, and maintain social distance and mask guidelines when you must go out.
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It's All about the Mask
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Check out our three new mask designs: Peaceful Petal, Happy Swirls, and Calming Pebbles. These triple-layered fabric masks have adjustable ear
straps and a built-in pocket so you
can add
your own filter. Receive a
free fabric bag with the purchase of
these masks.
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Our special edition Sanibel Shells Mask is back in stock! And the wait for the special edition iconic Roseate Spoonbill mask is almost over. More are arriving by Monday, July 20.
Follow us on
Instagram
to be the first to know when they are back in stock.
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Personal Shopper
 Don't see what you're looking for online? Allow our staff to assist you in finding exactly what you want with a personalized shopping experience. By phone, we will guide you through our entire store inventory at a time that is convenient for you.
Email us
or leave us a voicemail message at 239-472-1100 ext. 241, and we will be in touch with you
promptly.
Now you can follow the latest available gifts by online order at our ShopDingDarling.com
Instagram page. Follow today to keep in the loop about products as they become available.
Remember, profits from all Nature Store sales go directly to the Refuge for educational programs and wildlife research.
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The DDWS staff has been busy bringing the healing sunshine and beauty of the Refuge to the public through 30-second social media videos. Follow on
Facebook
t
o see our #DailyDoseofDing, brief virtual visits to the Refuge for those who can't make it.
The posts have become a much-anticipated
feature, boosting Facebook numbers to more nearly 15,000 followers.
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Support Those Who Support Us
The island business community needs us now, more than ever. Each week, we are highlighting local businesses that have provided support for conservation efforts at the Refuge through the years. They have invested in the community and the Refuge, and we hope the community will do what they can to help them.
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Pfeifer Realty Group: Known for their friendliness and strong community support, the staff at Pfeifer Realty have a reputation for professionalism and effectiveness. Whether you're in the market to buy or sell, stop in at their office at 1630 Periwinkle Way or call 239-472-0004.
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West Wind Inn/Normandie Seaside Cafe: The closest accommodations to "Ding" Darling, West Wind also boasts a stretch of quiet beach and a restaurant that is a locals' favorite. Normandie serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner indoors or poolside at 3345 West Gulf Drive. Call 239-472-1541.
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Hightower Fort Myers/Thomas & Swartz Wealth Management
: Jack E. Thomas and Trevor R. Swartz have clocked nearly 40 years combined in the financial services industry and are fully equipped to advise and manage your portfolio. In these uncertain times, put your future in their capable hands. Call 844-800-1115.
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Blast from the Past
As we approach the official
75th Refuge Anniversary
on December 1, 2020, we take a look back,
through historic photographs,
at the past three-quarters of a century that the Refuge has been in existence.
Started next door to "Ding" at the Sanibel Elementary School by art teacher Jaye Boswell, the Junior Duck Stamp competition went federal in 1994. The Florida contest judging takes place every year at "Ding" Darling, named for the man responsible for the Federal Duck Stamp program. This picture captures a moment during the 1996 judging. One of the judges that year (left center in the blue shirt) was the late Kip Koss, Darling's grandson. Across the table from him, then Supervisory Refuge Ranger Steve Alvarez shows him one of the entries. If you can identify anyone else in the picture, please
email
us.
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Going Green
Plastic-Free July
Every day should celebrate efforts to reduce our single-use plastic footprint. Plastic-Free July is a great time to improve no-plastic habits in your own life.
This
checklist
can help you get started on reducing your plastic use today.
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'America's Best-Kept Secret'
In each issue of "Ding" on the Wing, we showcase one of the more than 560 refuges across the U.S.A. that is open to the public.
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Images courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
Location:
11,556 acres in Stanton, Tennessee
Totemic Fauna:
Wood Duck, Blue-wing Teal, Mallard
Visitor's Tip:
Hatchie NWR hosts an annual youth fishing rodeo in June, when families can fish for free.
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| Wood Duck |
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Click
HERE to see this week's wildlife sightings.
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| Photo credit: David Jeffrey |
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Sometimes the sun just rises too early. This Snowy Egret seems to have the idea it can hide from the sun for just a few more minutes.
T
o see more wildlife photos click on our social media links:
If you have taken any beautiful, interesting, or just plain goofy photos at the Refuge, send them to Development Officer
Sierra Hoisington
, for a chance to be featured in upcoming newsletters.
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75th Anniversary Island "Spoonie" Island Scavenger Hunt Kick-off
- TBA
National Public Lands Day - September 26, 2020
75th Anniversary "Ding:" The Man, The Art, The Stories Exhibition Opening
- October TBA
75th Anniversary Proclamation at City Hall - November 3, 2020
Official 75th
Anniversary Celebration
- December 1, 2020
75th Anniversary Gala Celebration
- December 1, 2020
Clyde Butcher Book Signing - December TBA
National Bird Day - January 5, 2021
Lecture Series - January 29-March 19, 2021
Bi-Weekly Film Series - January-April, 2021
Volunteer Training
- January 14, 2021
2021 Annual Fundraiser - February 10, 2021
Earth Day at the Refuge
-
March 22, 2021
Artist-in-Residence Exhibition
- October 2021
Niki Butcher Photographic Exhibition - November 2021
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These are just snapshots of some of the things taking place at your Wildlife Refuge. Please check our
website to learn more!
Sincerely,
"Ding" On The Wing composed by Chelle Koster Walton. Designed by April Boehnen & Sierra Hoisington.
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