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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
October 4, 2018
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Refuge funding continues to decline; private philanthropic support helps fill in the gaps. Thank you for your support.
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Click the logo to learn more about our 45/82 Society and leaving "Ding" Darling in your estate.
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Sunday, October 14: FREE Family Fun Day
Sunday Family Fun Day on October 14, 2018, will wind up the weekend-long "Ding" Darling Days October 12-14. The Refuge, "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, and Tarpon Bay Explorers have planned a free day packed with activities for all ages from 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New this year, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service displays a spread of its emergency-response vehicles for an interactive visitor experience outdoors. Inside, when it comes time to cool down, the Kidz Kool Zone in the Visitor & Education Center will include Animal Yoga, environmental puppet shows by Littleton Elementary School, face painting, and READ MORE
CLICK HERE for a full schedule of the weekend's activities.
See below for a list of our dedicated sponsors.
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Welcome New Director of Development
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Lynnae Messina
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Lynnae Messina recently stepped into the full-time position as Director Of Development for the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society. She, along with Development Officer Sierra Hoisington, work with Executive Director Birgie Miller in strengthening and enhancing overall development efforts.
A native of the Chicago area, Lynnae has lived in Lee County with her husband for four years and most recently served as assistant to the chief foundation officer for Lee Health Foundation in Fort Myers. She graduated READ MORE
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The Fall Issue of our quarterly
Society Pages
newsletter was sent to "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society members last week. You can also view an
online version
. If you are a member and did not receive your copy, or you wish to become a member, please contact
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Joey Garofano
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New Visitor Services Intern
Visitor Services Intern Joey Garofano arrived recently to help the Refuge with staffing shortages this fall, thanks to funding from the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society. Joey, a 2018 graduate from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, holds a bachelor's degree in youth programming and camp management, with an emphasis in environmental education and interpretation. Through May 2019, he will be assisting Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland in overseeing programs and amenities for the more than one million annual visitors
READ MORE
To learn about supporting the Refuge intern program, contact
Birgie Miller
at
239-472-1100 ext. 4.
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Sunday, November 4, 2018, marks the third annual
Sanibel Blues & Jazz Festival
behind Bailey's General Store, starting at noon. Presented by the Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club, it benefits "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, the Optimist Club and other island nonprofits. Once again, a great lineup of artists and food vendors promises one of the community's top annual events.
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Boy Scout Badge University
On November 17, the Refuge and "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society will host their first Merit Badge University for registered Boy Scouts of America. Scouts will have the opportunity to earn up to two out of six badge offerings that day. Cost is $20 for two classes, lunch, goodies, snacks, badge workbooks, and materials. Each class is limited to 15 scouts on a first-signup basis. Only a few spaces remain, so register today To register, call 239-472-1100 ext. 237. Click HERE to view the program's flyer.
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Deep gratitude goes to our 2018 sponsors, who make it possible to offer this educational event free to the public.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL SPONSOR
GREAT EGRET SPONSORS
GREAT BLUE HERON SPONSORS
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| Chicago Midwest Claims, Inc. |
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Columbus Day Closures
In observance of Columbus Day on Monday, October 8, the "Ding" Darling Visitor & Education Center and Refuge Administration
and "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society offices will be closed
. They will also close early at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 5. Note that Wildlife Drive and trails, Tarpon Bay Recreation Area and Tarpon Bay Explorers, and Bailey Tract will remain open for normal operating hours.
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Shades of Earth-Friendly
In keeping with our guidelines to stock products in our Refuge Nature Store that are, when possible, eco-friendly, socially responsible, and made in the U.S.A., we recently received delivery on this cool line of Blue Planet Eyeware sunglasses. Not only are they made from bamboo and recycled materials, the company donates a pair of corrective eyewear to those in need for every pair it sells. Prices vary.
Stop in and pick up your shades today. Or contact Store Manager
Ann-Marie Wildman
at 239-472-1100 ext. 241 for more information about mail-ordering these and other
featured products
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Remember, members of "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society receive a 10% discount at the Nature Store. Proceeds from all Nature Store sales go directly to the Refuge for educational programs and wildlife research.
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In each issue of "Ding" on the Wing, we showcase one of more than 560 refuges in the U.S.A.
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Images courtesy of U.S. Fish Wildlife Service |
Location: 5,944 acres; Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Totemic fauna: Canvasback, Greater Prairie Chicken, American Bison
Fun for the Family
: From mid-March through April, you can reserve a spot in a blind to watch the "booming" mating dance of the Greater Prairie Chicken.
Visitor's tip:
Wildlife viewing at Bisson Lake is especially good from May to June.
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| Greater Prairie Chicken |
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In each issue of "Ding" of the Wing, we share a quick tip on how you can turn your lifestyle greener. For more information on being environmentally aware, visit our
Shop Green
Did you know that in our Refuge Nature Store, we carry a number of items that can greatly reduce plastic in your life and in the environment it is severely damaging? Trade in plastic shopping bags for one of our fabric reusable bags. Our steel straws are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws, which now have been banned in restaurants on Sanibel Island. Bees Wraps take the place of one-time use plastic wrap. A complete line of reusable water bottles and coffee mugs make plastic drinking containers obsolete.
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The eco-conscious way to wrap leftover food
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Doing Our Part to Reduce Plastic
"Ding" Darling is committed to and has led the way on the islands in reducing the single-use plastic products that plague our planet and threaten wildlife. Thanks to DDWS' efforts, we have eliminated plastic shopping bags and one-time-use plastic water bottles in the Refuge Nature Store and at Tarpon Bay Explorers' gift shop. In recent years, the Refuge has also installed a filtered water refill station and DDWS has transitioned to compostable plates, cups, and flatware for event use. We have a no-straws policy.
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Click
HERE to see this week's wildlife sightings
This past week's sunsets have been absolutely breathtaking along Wildlife Drive. Hundreds of birds have been around taking a rest, bathing, and foraging for food before they go roost for the night. Roseate Spoonbills, Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and one single
Wood Stork
are just some species making a sunset appearance.
Remember - the Drive closes at 7 p.m.
T
o see more wildlife photos like this one, click on our social media links:
If you have taken any beautiful, interesting, or just plain goofy photos taken at the Refuge, send them to Development Officer,
Sierra Hoisington, for a chance to be featured in upcoming newsletters.
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Charles LeBuff Lecture: Protecting Sanibel and Captiva Islands: The Conservation Story - December 13, 2018
Volunteer Holiday Luncheon
- December 14, 2018
Free Winter Programs
- January 7-May 5, 2019
Woodring Homestead 100th Anniversary Exhibit Unveiling
- January 23, 2019
Volunteer Awards Luncheon
- February 8, 2019
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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 & Chris Gutierrez.
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