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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
March 29, 2018
In This Issue

Refuge funding continues to decline; private philanthropic support helps fill in the gaps. Thank you for your support.

Click the logo to learn more about our 45/82 Society and leaving "Ding" Darling in your estate.
Liam Sites, age 14, is a Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 62 in Erie Colorado.  He visited "Ding" Darling this week and joined the free Birds & Wildlife program where he then worked with one of "Ding"'s volunteers to complete his Bird Merit Badge.  
TODAY: March 29  Estate Planning 101
Jack Thomas

Representatives from local legal and financial advisory firms team up once again with the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society today, Thursday, March 29, for a free Estate Planning 101 panel presentation in the Visitor & Education Center from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and donuts provided by DDWS.

Wills, trusts, and estate planning attorney Janet M. Strickland, along with  Jack Thomas and Trevor Swartz, managing directors and partners at  HighTower Advisors/Thomas and Swartz Wealth Management   will present information and answer questions
Janet Strickland
about the importance of estate planning, how  new tax laws affect it, and how to get started with the process.
"The success of our first free 'class' provided a valuable public service and gave attendees insights, guidance, and tools to help 
Trevor Swartz
them plan their estate or develop questions for their own advisors and family members," said DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller. "This one, too, will provide a means to take that first step for those who haven't already done so and may feel overwhelmed with the process and the new tax laws."   Attendance is free but limited on a first-come basis. Attendees need not be members of DDWS or intending to include it in their will.  For more information, contact DDWS at 239-472-1100 ext. 4.
Lecture TOMORROW 
March 30: Florida's Living Beaches
Blair and Dawn Witherington

Professional naturalists and Florida natives Blair and Dawn Witherington have authored five books on natural history topics. On Friday, March 30, the husband-wife team will be presenting two free programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., part of the
Thank you to our 2018 Lecture Series Sponsor
  2018 "Ding" Darling Lecture Series  at the Refuge. The Witherington's recently released second edition of Florida's Living Beaches: A Guide for the Curious Beachcomber updates the first edition, which was widely praised by those who enjoy exploring the nature of beaches. The new edition of the comprehensive guide has READ MORE
Birgie Withdraws Resignation
 
As a result of concern expressed about Birgie Miller's decision to resign from her eight-year post as Executive Director of the"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, she had been encouraged to reconsider her resignation. "Birgie has played such a major role in DDWS' growing support for the Refuge over the years" said DDWS President Mike Baldwin. "With a number of long-range land acquisition, fundraising, education, and improvement projects in the works, the DDWS Board was therefore pleased when she recently asked that her resignation be rescinded and, as a result, very supportive of her continuing her productive work for the Society."
 
"I knew how difficult it was going to be for me to leave the job I love so much at 'Ding' Darling," said Birgie. "After long conversations and much soul-searching, I realized the change I was grasping for in my life was right here - helping to make positive change an ongoing reality at the Refuge.  I am pleased to announce that I will continue to be a part of what has become true family to me.  I look forward to continuing to make a difference with the team we have assembled and am so appreciative of the Board's faith in  me".
 
The recognition event previously planned in the Visitor Center at 4:30 on Thursday April 5 has been cancelled.

Friday Lecture, April 6: Coral Restoration
Erinn Muller has a close relationship with coral reefs.

Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world and worth more than $6 billion to the state of Florida. Corals, however, are dying at an unprecedented rate because of global and local threats such as climate change, ocean acidification, and disease outbreaks. Mote Marine Laboratory scientist Dr. Erinn M. Muller aims to understand how these threats are impacting reefs around the world and identify corals that are resilient to the stressors. On Friday, April 6, she will be presenting two free programs titled "Coral Restoration" at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., part of the 2018 "Ding" Darling Lecture Series  at the Refuge. Dr. Muller hopes to use her research READ MORE

Sponsor of the 2018 "Ding" Darling Lecture Series
Lecture Seating Policy
Seating for the lectures is limited and available on a first-come basis. Early arrivals can save one extra seat each with personal items and then may explore the Visitor & Education Center or Indigo Trail before the lecture starts. Saved seats must be filled 15 minutes before lecture time.

Click to view or print a  lecture series calendar flyer .
Saturday, March 31: FREE Youth Fishing Derby

The Sanibel Island Fishing Club  free Youth Fishing Derby on Sanibel Island Causeway Park, Island A (closest to the mainland) takes place on March 31. Registration for youth ages 15 and younger opens at 8:30 a.m., with fishing from 9 to 11 and awards at 11:15. Participants must hook and reel in their catches. Bring your own pole if you can; "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society will be providing free use of a limited number of  loaners.
Wednesday, April 4: 
STRAWS Film
The documentary STRAWS wraps up the sixth annual free "Ding" Darling Wednesday Film Series  on April 4, at 1 p.m. in the Visitor & Education Center auditorium. An official selection for film festivals around the world, STRAWS is a 30-minute documentary about plastic straw litter and how we can make a sea of change - one straw at a time. It points out that U.S. 
consumption of straws in a single day
Watch the Trailer here
on of straws in a single day 
could circle the earth 2.5 times. With colorful straw history animation and segments  narrated by Oscar winner Tim Robbins, STRAWS , which premiered in April 2017, leaves audiences with READ MORE                     

2018 Film Series Sponsor
                                              
 


Junior Duck Stamp Judging
 
On Thursday, March 22, the Refuge hosted the  Florida Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Contest, as it does every year. Judges reviewed 2,110 entries from students across the state. They included Refuge Biologist Jeremy Conrad, past Florida JDS winner John Brennan, local artist Nancy Tome, and Refuge volunteer and photographer Jim Bennight. Anna Grace Swanson, 15, from Titusville took Best of Show with her pair of Blue-winged Teals. Her art will advance to the Federal JDS Contest, and she will appear at Conservation Art Day during  "Ding" Darling Days in October.
Photography Exhibit

Bird photographer David Jeffrey is exhibiting 30 bird images in the Visitor & Education Center Auditorium through April 30, 2018. On Thursday, April 5 , DDWS will host a free "Meet the Artist" reception from 10 a.m. to noon.

David, a talented amateur photographer who winters on Captiva Island, became seriously interested in bird photography in 2010, upon retiring from a career in finance. The self-taught photographer took inspiration from Arthur Morris, author of The Art of Bird Photography .
Black Skimmer by David Jeffrey

"I feel a deep connection with the birds I photograph," said David, who lives in Massachusetts, but photographs regularly at the Refuge. "I am particularly pleased if the bird is catching food, trying to attract a mate, building a nest, feeding its young, or trying to frighten off a potential rival.... I am also fond of the portrait-like quality of one or two birds expressing absolute peace. I feel that peace when I photograph them."

The public is welcome to view David's images, about half of which he shot at "Ding" Darling, during regular Visitor & Education Center hours, daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.






Take a Hike!
Nature Store Volunteer Irene Raber "models" one of our new hand-carved walking sticks made in Texas. Irene bought one for decoration in her home.

Our latest style of hardwood walking sticks come in three sizes and carries the "Ding" Darling logo. Hand-carved in the U.S. and rubber tipped, they are as sturdy and practical as they are beautiful. Cost ranges from $29.99 to $32.99.

Stop in and pick up your walking stick today. Or contact Store Manager  Jeanne Walsh at 239-472-1100 ext. 241 for more information about mail-ordering these and other  featured products


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.

In each issue of "Ding" on the Wing, we showcase one of more than 560 refuges in the
U.S.A.
 

Location:  15,978 acres in Smyrna, Delaware
Images courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Totemic fauna:  Bald Eagle, Canada Goose, Diamondback Terrapin

Fun for the Family : 12-mile wildlife drive, five walking trails, three observation towers.

Visitor's tips: Four-fifths of the refuge is tidal salt marsh. Check to see if roads are closed due to weather or hunting seasons.
Bald Eagle

Diamondback Terrapin
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 Go Green web page.

The Last Straw
Next week's Film Series (Wed. April 4) documentary, STRAWS, addresses the danger plastic straws pose to the environment. Rarely recycled, the straws end up in oceans and other wildlife habitat where they threaten the lives of sea turtles, birds, fish, and even humans. At restaurants and bars, request your drinks without straws. If you must use a straw, carry reusable or compostable straws with you. Click here for a selection of bamboo, glass, and metal straws and cleaning brushes.

Reduce Plastic in Your Life  
"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 transitioned to compostable plates, cups, and flatware for event use.

Click here to see this week's wildlife sightings

Easter means Spring is finally here, and new hatchlings as well! This Green Heron chick was born at the Bailey Tract, and will be out of the nest in just a few weeks.

Thanks to Rebecca Clemens for the photo.







Those aren't the three Muskrat-eers, they're River Otters! The trio was spotted last week romping around the Bailey Tract.

Thanks to Rebecca Clemens for the photo. 







This Anhinga's eyes might be bigger than its stomach.. although later photographic evidence shows it was able to flip the fish up and swallow it whole! 

Thanks to Steve Gresham for the photo.




T o see more wildlife photos like these, click on our social media links:

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If you have taken any beautiful, interesting, or just plain goofy photos taken at the Refuge, send them to Philanthropic Coordinator,  Carrie Alexander, for a chance to be featured in upcoming newsletters.
Estate Planning 101 - March 29, 2018

Free Winter Programs - Through April 8, 2018

Biweekly Wednesday Film Series - Through  April 4, 2018

Birgie Celebration - April 5, 2018

Friday Lecture Series - January 19-April 13, 2018  

Earth Day at the Refuge - April 21, 2018


Free Summer Programs - June 4 - August 6, 2018

30th Annual "Ding" Darling Days - October 12-14, 2018 

Volunteer Holiday Luncheon - December 14, 2018

Volunteer Awards Luncheon - February 8, 2019

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 Sierra Hoisington and Amanda Brooks

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