February 24, 2022

TODAY, February 24: Amy Matsumoto Urich

Following last year’s publication of the first book ever to chronicle the life and work of legendary Southwest Florida artist Ikki Matsumoto, Amy Matsumoto Urich addresses “The Captivating Art and Times of My Father, Ikki Matsumoto” at a free, in-person DDWS lecture. It will take place today, February 24, at The Community House at 2173 Periwinkle Way starting at 10 a.m.

Ikki, his wife Polly, and daughter Amy – all artists – moved to Sanibel Island in the mid-1970s and quickly got involved in the community.

“I grew up in the midst of art and creativity,” said Urich, whose Japanese-born father worked in commercial art, newspaper advertising design, and textbook illustration before moving to Sanibel. Her most recent efforts resulted in the publication of Captivated: The Art of Ikki Matsumoto by Steve Saari. Following her lecture, Urich will be signing READ MORE

Photograph: Young Amy at an exhibition with her artist parents

Lecture Sponsor: Bill & Laurie Harkey

Wednesday, March 2: Next Film Series Discussion

The documentary The Biggest Little Farm chronicles the eight-year journey of one couple as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature. Part of the 10th annual “Ding” Darling Film Series, it airs virtually for viewers to watch before its March 2 Zoom discussion.

Featuring breathtaking cinematography, captivating animals, and an urgent message to heed Mother Nature’s call, The Biggest Little Farm provides us all a vital blueprint for better living and a healthier planet.

DDWS hosts the season’s free film showing, and John MacLennan sponsors it. Pre-registration for the film and its follow-up discussion is currently open and will be required by, at latest, March 1, depending upon availability. (Registrations are limited to 200 for each film.)

Films will be available to viewers on various platforms to watch at a timeframe and link assigned via email. The discussion at 5 p.m. on March 2 allows visitors to gain more from their documentary-viewing experience by listening to other people's points of view and analyzing what they just watched.

See the calendar of film discussions, below. Early registration is recommended.

March 2 - Biggest Little Farm

March 16 - Salmon Forest

April 6 - Last Green Thread & Chasing Ghosts

April 13 - Troubled Waters: A Turtle's Tale

To learn about sponsorship opportunities for the film series, contact Sierra Hoisington at 239-472-1100 ext. 233.

2022 Lecture Series flyer

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

Friday, March 4: Four-Fifths a Grizzly Lecture

“Do unto ecosystems as you would have them do unto you,” is the motto of wildlife biologist and writer Douglas Chadwick. He will speak about his philosophy and new book Four Fifths a Grizzly: A New Perspective on Nature that Just Might Save Us All at his upcoming free DDWS lecture on Friday, March 4. It takes place at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 2050 Periwinkle Way, starting at 10 a.m.

Chadwick has written 14 books and more than 200 articles, including National Geographic coverage that spans 35 years. In what has been called his career-capping book, Four-Fifths a Grizzly presents an engaging series of personal essays that illustrate the interconnectedness of nature, advocating READ MORE

Lecture Sponsors

2022 Lecture Series flyer

March 31: Project Refuge Luncheon

In 2019, DDWS introduced Project Refuge: A Couture Fashion Show Using Trash as part of its celebration of the Refuge 75th anniversary. This year, on March 31, it brings back the luncheon and runway competition for DDWS' 40th anniversary.

“It was such a huge success in raising Refuge support, as well as awareness about recycling and the threat of trash to our wildlife,” said Birgie Miller, DDWS Executive Director. “The fashion ensembles created from repurposed materials were out of this world!”

A limited number of tickets for the luncheon, to be held at The Community House at 2173 Periwinkle Way, have gone on sale. The tickets are $150 each and available only by advance purchase online. The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes emcee commentary by artist Rachel Pierce and a contest judging, along with lunch.

“We have 20 design teams registered to participate in the show,” said DDWS Development Officer April Boehnen, event organizer. “Expect creations fashioned out of everything from recycled plastic to disposable face masks, plastic caps and vinyl event banners on the ‘trashion’ runway.”

“All profits will directly benefit the Refuge’s education and water-quality research programs,” said Birgie. “It’s a fun and entertaining way to make a difference while enjoying lunch with friends and like-minded conservationists.” THANK YOU to our sponsors! Sponsors are still needed, and if you are interested in being a part of this unique event call April at 239.472.1100 ext 4 or visit our sponsor page.

Photograph: A Project Refuge team at work creating from repurposed materials

Local School "Pocket Refuges

This year’s Environmental Education Grant program has created “Pocket Refuges” at eight Lee County district schools to teach students about the importance of pollinators and the habitat that sustains them. Working with district Environmental Education Resource Susan Hassett, DDWS has distributed $1,500 to each of the schools to buy supplies for native pollinator gardens from a menu of native plants, bird houses, trail cameras, solar-powered fountains, and other enhancements. Schools submitted proposals for creating their gardens and maintaining them for two years.

“Besides teaching kids the importance of pollinators, the ‘Pocket Refuges’ are being used as mini field trips outside the classroom, where teachers can address different class subjects in an experiential way,” said Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland, who helped coordinate the project.

Free Season Refuge Programs

Following the new protocol for free Winter Refuge Programs, staff and volunteers are offering a revolving schedule of programs through April 16. The schedule changes weekly according to staffing availability. All programs take place outdoors with a limit of 10 participants. Please wear a mask when unable to maintain a safe distance of six feet from one another.

On the Refuge Eventbrite Page, you will find details of the week’s tours so you can pre-register. (Please remember to cancel your reservation if you are unable to make it.) Upcoming programs:

Today, February 24: Birding the Refuge Tour, 8:30 a.m.
Today, February 24: Bailey Tract Walk, 9 a.m.
Today, February 24: Gators & Crocs Talk, 1:30 p.m.
Friday, February 25: Mindfulness Walk at Bailey Tract, 8:30 a.m.
Friday, February 25: Indigo Trail Tour, 9:30 a.m.
Friday, February 25: Birds of the Refuge Walk, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 26: Mindfulness Walk at Bailey Tract, 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 26, Biking the Refuge Tour, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 26: Beach Exploration, 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 1, Advanced Birding the Refuge Tour, 8:30 a.m.

Ken Lloyd leads birding tours most Thursdays at 8:30 a.m.

Lori Lawrence Art Exhibition

Art exhibitions have returned to the auditorium in the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center. March 1 through April features the nature art of upstate New York artist Lori Lawrence. Face masks are required in the Center at all times.

Lori’s artist statement: “Throughout my career as an artist, I have roamed between figurative and abstract expression. This has always seemed natural for me. Movement, line, color, and love of whatever media I am working with are always present in my work. For me personally, it is so important to present the glory not the destruction. At this time even more than before, it feels like a calling out that is urgent.”

Schedule of upcoming exhibitions:

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

Jim Bennight Photography Exhibition - May 1-June 30, 2022

2022 Artist in Residence (TBA) Exhibition - September 1 to October 31, 2022

Niki Butcher Art Exhibition - November 15-December 31, 2022 (sponsored by Wayne & Linda Boyd)

Self-portrait

WoW at the Refuge

Haven’t had the chance to tour the WoW mobile outreach classroom? It will be open to the public for free touring at the Refuge the following dates and times:

Today, February 24, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Wednesday, March 23, 12 - 3 p.m.

Thursday, March 24, 12 - 3 p.m.

Friday, March 25, 9 a.m. -12 p.m.

WoW brings hands-on learning to a diverse audience.

February Biology Highlights

Art Refuge Biological Science Technician Avery Renshaw reports on Refuge biology activities for the month:

The team is constructing camera traps for Sanibel Island Rice Rats (SIRR), to be placed in the Refuge’s marsh habitats, for monitoring populations. The SIRR, a subspecies found only on Sanibel Island, is a state-designated threatened species in Florida, and it is a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act.
An invasive species contractor has started working at Refuge marsh units, removing woody vegetation that is encroaching on marsh habitat. The goal is to create better marsh habitat for the SIRR.
Bunche Beach and Wildlife Drive surveys continue. Snowy Plover and Wilson’s Plover nesting should be starting soon within our area, so be on the lookout. February 15 is the official Snowy Plover nesting season start date, but no Snowy Plover nests have been spotted yet on Refuge or Sanibel lands.

Photograph: University of FL technician Kathleen Carey holding a Sanibel Island Rice Rat

Retail Help Needed

The “Ding” Darling Nature Store team is looking for a new member. We are seeking an individual for a part-time, paid role, someone who will head our 2250 Periwinkle Way location for two days a week. Currently the biggest need is for Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Preferably, this will be a year-round position, however, we are flexible and can adjust the schedule to better suit a qualified individual. The staffer might also cover the flagship location inside the Visitor & Education Center at the Refuge on an as-needed basis. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the “Ding” team in a creative, hands-on role, please email Chris Galloway or call the store at 239-472-1100 ext. 241 for details.

Prescribed Burns

A U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fire team conducted a successful prescribed burn at the Refuge’s Legion Curve Unit on Sanibel-Captiva Road last Friday, February 18. Prescribed burns in the Refuge are implemented by a highly qualified and trained staff of interagency professional fire specialists. The primary reasons for conducting the burns are to remove the overaccumulation of vegetation, which acts as fire fuel, to protect our community, private property, and residents; and for ecological purposes aimed at mimicking a natural fire in the marsh habitat. See more information about prescribed burns.

Find Us on Tiktok

Get educated and entertained with Refuge videos on our new TikTok page @dingdarlingsociety. Find a range of posts from who “Ding” Darling is and a dancing Blue Goose to what’s hot in the Refuge Nature Store. Thanks to interns Christina Hester and Hayley Caylor for their creative contributions.

Refuge Spotlight - America's Best Kept Secret

Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge

Location: 200,000 acres of islands and open water north of Key West, Florida

Totemic fauna: Great White Heron, White-crowned Pigeon, Magnificent Frigatebird

Visitor tips: Begin your visit at the new center on Big Pine Key. Areas used for sensitive bird

nesting and sea turtle nesting may be restricted or prohibited.

Image courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

GOING GREEN

Wildlife Viewing Etiquette

NOAA’s guidelines for viewing wildlife

1. Keep your hands to yourself.

2. Report wildlife that seems abandoned or sick.

3. Keep pets at home or on a leash.

4. Hang back and enjoy the view.

5. Lend a hand with trash removal.

6. Keep your snacks to yourself.

7. Lead by example.

Learn about ethical wildlife viewing at the Refuge.

Photo by John R Rivers

Wildlife Sightings & Tides

Tricolored Herons can be found feeding on small fish down Wildlife Drive and at the Bailey Tract. From afar, it somcan be difficult to differentiate between a Tricolored Heron and a Little Blue Heron. One easy way to tell them apart is by looking at their bellies. Tricolored Herons have white undersides, whereas Little Blue Herons do not.

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 Assistant Jessica Barry for a chance to be featured in upcoming newsletters.