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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
September 14, 2017
Hurricane Irma Strikes Refuge

Hurricane Irma struck a lighter blow (reported winds of up to 80 mph) than expected to Sanibel Island on September 10. Extensive vegetation damage on Wildlife Drive and Calusa Shell Mound Trail will keep the 
Refuge  cl osed for an undetermined length of time, reports Supervi sory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland. "It will take days with our limited staff, but it will make us stronger," she said.                                
Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland on Wildlife Drive the day after Irma hit.
Toni added that the storm seems to have had little impact on Refuge wildlife . "Hurricanes are a natural phenomenon, and wildlife has adapted," she said. "habitat and animals typically rebound quickly, and nature reconstructs in a hurricane's aftermath. However, research is showing that as storms continue to increase in intensity, it will affect wildlife's ability to bounce back."

She noted that the damage was much lighter and the recovery quicker at the Refuge and island than with Hurricane Charley in 2004. "That's thanks to the removal of Australian pines and other exotics after Charley," Toni said. "That's why it's so important to preserve mangroves and plant other  native vegetation built to weather hurricanes."

For updates on the Refuge's recovery progress, please monitor the official Refuge Facebook page.

CLICK HERE to read the News-Press' coverage and video of Refuge recovery.

Calusa Shell Mound Trail.
 
The Visitor & Education Center entrance archway survived without any damage.
Tarpon Bay Explorers sustained damage to two pontoon boats and will remain closed until further notice.

Sympathy to the Less Fortunate

Our hearts go out to all of those less fortunate than us in Hurricane Irma's aftermath. We are very fortunate to have been spared where others have suffered true devastation. We particularly send out sympathy and well wished to our colleagues in wounded refuges along Irma's path in Puerto Rice, the Florida Keys, and Florida Panther and Ten Thousand Islands national wildlife refuges in the Everglades. Staff from the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge reached out to us prior to Florida's hit to let us know they were spared and to wish us well. Good luck and safety to all.
  "Ding" Darling Days STILL On
October 15-21, 2017  

Even as our thoughts and prayers stay with hurricane victims throug hout Flor i d a and the Caribbean, we look forward to recovery and be tter times. To that  end, the Refuge plans to keep its annual "Ding" Darling Days eco-festival on track for October 15-21. CLICK HERE for a calendar and other details. See you there!

Did you know? Mangroves have the potential to reduce wave and wind energy by 50%-75%. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuges is 
ho
Juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron photo provided by Al Hoffacker.
me to one of  the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves not only 'anchor' an island down (and prevent erosion) during storms and high waves, but they also provide a safe place to shelter for many different species of wildlife. Natural and wild places are critical for communities to recover after a hurricane so that flooding can be absorbed by nature. 
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Thank you for caring about your Refuge and what it provides for our wildlife and the nearly one million annual visitors.  We are blessed to have you as members of our "Ding" family.

Sincerely,
Birgit Miller, Executive Director

"Ding" On The Wing composed by Chelle Koster Walton.  Designed by Sarah Lathrop. 

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