National Public Lands Day

Accessibility Upgrade

The Refuge recently improved its accessibility for mobility-impaired visitors by adding automatic door openers to the "Ding" Darling Visitor & Education Center entrance. This augments a long list of accessibility efforts through the years at the Refuge, including a ramp and lift up to the Center, a ramp at the observation tower, closed captioning for the Center's orientation film, and handicap restrooms at the Center and Cross-Dike Pavilion. Most trails and Tarpon Bay Explorers tours are also handicapped-accessible.

Deadline for the annual "Ding" Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest is September 15. All entries must be submitted electronically. The contest, sponsored by the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, is held in conjunction with "Ding" Darling Days (www.dingdarlingdays.com), October 12-14, 2018. Complete contest rules READ MORE

Click HERE to enter and view past winning photographs.

Avian Research & Conservation Institute (ARCI) is back again with the goal to attach tracking devices to two post-breeding Mangrove Cuckoos. They have had good luck capturing birds, but unfortunately some of them had become underweight after nest-sitting and were too small for the satellite transmitters. The researchers have successfully attached a device to one cuckoo and are continuing their efforts for another.  

Dr. Ken Meyer, ARCI Executive Director, handles the Mangrove Cuckoo captured and fitted with a transmitter on August 13. Photo by ARCI's Amanda Powell

Mark your calendars for October 12-14, the dates for this year's 30 th annual "Ding" Darling Days  at the Refuge. "Because of increasing budget cuts and staff reductions, we are shortening this year's eco-festival from one week to three weekend days," reports Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland. "But, boy have we packed a lot of getting outdoors and getting wildlife-wise into those three days!"

The weekend kicks off with Friday's Get Outdoors Day, followed by Saturday's traditional Conservation Art Day. Sunday Family Fun Day will wind up the weekend with all-free activities for kids and adults to celebrate "Ding" Days' 30 th year.

Visit our event website for a calendar of events  and info on becoming a sponsor.

Click HERE  for a beautiful flyer/poster

Deep gratitude goes to our 2018 sponsors, who make it possible to offer this educational event free to the public. Please show your support of the businesses that support us - especially now as water issues have meant up to 50% drops in revenue for island merchants (including our own Refuge Nature Store).

Tarpon Bay Explorers , the Refuge's official recreation concession, made two announcements this week:

· During the month of September, it is extending a 25% discount on all rentals and tours to residents of Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties.

· Trip Advisor has awarded the outfitters a certificate of excellence for the eighth year in a row. Certificates of Excellence can only be earned by consistently receiving great reviews on the world's largest travel site. Congratulations to our deserving partners!

A letter from summer education intern Emily Schwartz:

Dear "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society & Donors:

I want to sincerely thank you for allowing this internship to be possible. Not only did I gain experience in a position I want to further explore in my future, but it will provide me with a chance to get future internships in this area of environmental careers.

Most young adults will never be able to say that they have worked for a National Wildlife Refuge, and now that I have, many more doors will open. My main job responsibility was working to develop and teach educational programs on wildlife and wetland ecology to school groups, camps, and visitors. I also helped to organize environmental awareness events, conduct trail hikes and beach walks, and assist in any other duties requested.

What is so unique about this job is that it has given me the opportunity to learn hands-on about the environment and Refuge operations -- activities that just can't be learned in a college classroom. Your donation helps make this internship possible, and I am very grateful for that. For the many people like me, and the people that will have this internship in the future, it is not simply a job; it is an integral part of our future.

Sincerely,

Emily Schwartz

You can point fingers at agriculture, factories, and politicians all you want, but just make sure no one can point the finger at you for causing our current water crisis due to pollutants that feed red tide. Help stop it right in your own back yard. It's against the law in most places in Lee County to use fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus during summer months, when rainfall is heaviest. These nutrients eventually run off into our waterways and contribute to the problem that belongs to us all. Think beyond summer, and move toward more earth-friendly gardens, using native vegetation that does not require fertilizing or excessive watering.