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December 30, 2021

Happy New Year!


As we welcome 2022 this weekend, we look back and ahead. Behind us, we bid farewell to a fruitful year for the Refuge and DDWS that included a successful land acquisition campaign, high praise for the WoW Wildlife on Wheels in its mission of taking field trips to the community while onsite visits were not possible, impressive response to our new Nature Store2 at 2250 Periwinkle Way, and heightened generosity and support when we needed it most. Read our Annual Report. Looking ahead, we see a bright future as we celebrate DDWS’ 40th anniversary and work hard to restore Refuge operations to their pre-COVID glory. Thanks to all our donors, sponsors, and friends for making “Ding” Darling synonymous with wildlife love and next-gen conservation.

Free Season Refuge Programs


Following the new protocol for free winter Refuge programs, staff and volunteers will be offering a revolving schedule of activities that will change weekly according to staffing availability. All programs take place outdoors with a limit of 10 participants. Please wear a mask when you are unable to maintain a safe distance of six feet from one another. 

 

In addition to guided Mindfulness Walks each week (see below), on the Refuge Eventbrite Page, you will find the week’s tours so you can pre-register. They include a brand-new tour this season. Walking Trees and Nurseries tours the mangrove ecosystem at the Wildlife Education Boardwalk on select dates. Other programs throughout the season will include Beach Walk at Gulfside City Beach Park (Perry Tract), Biking the Refuge, Birding the Refuge Caravan Tour, Common Birds of the Refuge (offered as either a hike or a Cross Dike Pavilion program), Bailey Tract, Indigo Trail, and Crocs and Gators Talk at Cross Dike Pavilion.

Donate Cash for Bikes - We're Halfway There!


Bikes for Achievement rewards select students at Tice Elementary, a Title 1 school in Fort Myers, for improved grades with a free bike next year. Our goal is to purchase 50 bikes, and so far we’ve received donations for 26. Donate online now until January 22, and specify “bikes” in the comment section. Note: We are seeking only cash donations ($100-$125 per bike) for this charitable request.

Mindfulness Walks at Bailey Tract


Join us for a peaceful morning of walking meditation at the Bailey Tract starting at 8:30 a.m. on the dates listed below. Together we will explore the concept of mindfulness, consider the various physical and mental benefits of time spent in nature, and take a mindful hike around Ani Marsh. Participation is limited for this free event, so please pre-register.

Upcoming Mindfulness Walks


·  Friday, December 31

·  Saturday, January 1

·  Wednesday, January 5

·  Saturday, January 8

·  Friday, January 21

·  Saturday, January 22

Year-End Giving - Two Days Left


As the end of the year approaches, people are thinking of meaningful ways to give back with tax deductible gifts by December 31. With your gift to the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, you are playing an important role in supporting our mission of protecting wildlife and its habitat, providing environmental education programming, and inspiring the public to conserve the priceless natural spaces found at the Refuge and beyond.

 

Donate here to make a difference today.

Refuge Holiday Hours


The Visitor & Education Center, including the Refuge Nature Store, and all administrative offices will be closed Friday, December 31, and Saturday, January 1, for New Year’s Eve and Day. Wildlife Drive closes Friday, as it does every week, but is open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. America’s Best Restroom at the Visitor Center remains open during regular Wildlife Drive hours. Tarpon Bay Explorers is open both days, regular hours. Nature Store2 at 2250 Periwinkle closes for New Year’s Day, but is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. December 31.

Remember, profits from all Nature Store sales go directly to the Refuge for educational programs, wildlife research, and overall conservation efforts.

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Lecture Series


The 18th annual “Ding” Darling Lecture Series will bring seven authors and wildlife and art experts to Sanibel Island from February 4 through March 25. Lectures will cover topics from Bald Eagles to ornitherapy and nature art. Five of the lectures this year are again scheduled at READ MORE


2022 Lecture Series Flyer

 

Thanks to all of our sponsors who are making the 2022 Lecture Series possible.

Richard Crossley Lecture "The Past, Present, and Future of Birding through Conservation"

Co-Sponsors: Anonymous, High Tower Fort Myers Thomas & Swartz Wealth Management


Holly Merker Lecture “Ornitherapy: How a Deeper Experience with Nature Can Enrich Your Mind, Body, and Soul". Co-Sponsors: Anonymous, Joseph & Michelle Blanda


Amy Urich Lecture “The Captivating Art and Times of My Father, Ikki Matsumoto”. Sponsor: Bill & Laurie Harkey


Doug Chadwick Lecture Four Fifths a Grizzly: A New Perspective on Nature that Just Might Save Us All". Co-Sponsors: Diane Esslinger, The Jenni & Kyle Foundation


David Allen Sibley Lecture "What It's Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing—What Birds Are Doing, and Why". Co-Sponsors: Stan & Connie Grayson, Drs. John & Wendy Kindig, High Tower Fort Myers Thomas & Swartz Wealth Management


Jack Davis Lecture "The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America's Bird" Co-Sponsors: In Appreciation of the DDWS Staff, Sonya Keene & John Moy, In Memory of Roddy West, Pat Appino


Stan Tekiela Lecture "Bird Nests: Amazingly Ingenious and Intricate" Co-Sponsors: Vortex Optics, A Fellow Minnesotan, The Jenni & Kyle Foundation

"Ding" Phone Wallpaper


Show your "Ding" support and love of nature on your devices. Visit our Instagram page and click on the Highlight Reels at the top of our page to screenshot fun Refuge-themed wallpaper to your smart phone. 

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Farewell Lynnae


So long and best wishes to Lynnae Messina, who has served as DDWS Associate Executive Director since summer 2018. She moves on to new opportunities, and though we will miss her smiling face and positive attitude, we wish the best for her.

2022 Refuge Wish List


Wondering what to get your favorite wildlife refuge for year-end giving? We’ve got just the list with a few unique ideas for designated giving. Membership donations and annual gifts are essential for the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society to continue its support of Refuge conservation and education efforts at the Refuge. To learn more, contact Sierra Hoisington at 239-472-1100 ext. 4. Or simply donate online and earmark your donation by naming your wish-list gift in the comments. 

Refuge Spotlight - 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.


Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge


Location: 25,162 acres; Jena, Louisiana


Totemic fauna: White-tailed Deer, Mallard, Glossy Ibis


Visitor tips: The Duck Lake Wildlife Drive provides 9 miles of wildlife viewing opportunities. Two hiking trails and an observation tower are available along the drive

Image courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

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Photo by Ted Fillette

Wildlife Sightings & Tides


It's a gathering of the Herons and Egrets! Seen here are a Reddish Egret and Tricolored Heron. These two species enjoy foraging in shallow water for their next meals. The best time to see foraging wading birds is during low tide. Check the link above to find out when low tide is on your next visit down Wildlife Drive.


Click HERE to see this week's wildlife sightings.

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.

Upcoming Events


Artist-in-Residence Exhibition – Through February 28, 2022


2022 Lecture SeriesFebruary 4-March 25, 2022


2022 Film Series (Virtual) – Dates TBD


Wellness Week at the Refuge - February 7-12, 2022


Go Wild for “Ding” – Year of the Anhinga, Soar for 40 More – February 9, 2022


Walk for ‘Ding’ Challenge – March 1-April 10, 2022


Lori Lawrence Art Exhibition – March 1 – April 30, 2022


Project Refuge: A Couture Fashion Show Using Trash - March 31, 2022


April No-Foolin’ Volunteer Appreciation Drive-Through - April 1, 2022


“Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival @ Lakes Park – April 24, 2022


10th Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament – May 13, 2022


Niki Butcher Art Exhibition - November 15-December 31, 2022

These are just snapshots of some of the things taking place at your Wildlife Refuge. Please check our website to learn more!

Sincerely, Birgit Miller, Executive Director


"Ding" On The Wing composed by Chelle Koster Walton. Designed by Christina Hester & Hayley Caylor.

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