February 3, 2022

Harkeys’ Generous Support of Island Conservation

Sanibel residents Laurie and Bill Harkey recently made generous contributions to two island conservation nonprofits in a show of support for their programs and other efforts to protect wildlife. The couple donated $1 million each to DDWS ("Ding" Darling Wildlife Society) and CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife).

"Laurie and I have always been fans of the outdoors and wildlife, and this is a way to support public education and environmental and wildlife protection while we are still around to see the results,” said Bill Harkey, who served a 30-year career in the U.S. Army before retiring.

Having visited Sanibel since 2002, the Harkeys were hooked on the beauty and conservation ethic of the island. They became READ MORE

Photograph above: CROW’s Alison Hussey, donors Bill and Laurie Harkey, and DDWS’ Birgie Miller

A page from a Crossley guide identifying American Kestrels

Tomorrow, February 4: FREE Richard Crossley Lecture

As an internationally acclaimed birder, photographer, and prolific award-winning author of The Crossley ID Guide series, Richard Crossley is highly qualified to speak about “The Past, Present and Future of Conservation through Birding.” That is the topic of DDWS’ free lecture on Friday, February 4. It kicks off the 2022 Lecture Series and will take place at The Community House at 2173 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island starting at 10 a.m.

Born in Yorkshire, England, Crossley also lived in Japan and birded worldwide before settling down in his current home in Cape May, New Jersey. One of his latest books, Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul (co-authored with Sophie Crossley and Holly Merker – who speaks on February 11 - see below) connects us all to nature with a stronger appreciation and READ MORE

Lecture Sponsors

2022 Lecture Series Flyer

Artist-In-Residence Exhibition

With the recent reopening of the Visitor & Education Center, free art exhibitions have returned to the Refuge Auditorium. Currently, 2021 Artist in Residence Rachel Pierce exhibits her works inspired by the Refuge.

In the spirit of the Refuge's namesake--Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, artist and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist–DDWS hosts the Artist-in-Residence program, culminating in an exhibition of the artist’s work. The 2021 program featured Rachel, who was unable to mount an exhibition last year because coronavirus had caused the closing of the Center.

Her current showing of paintings runs through February 28 daily during normal Center hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Works are for sale through the Refuge Nature Store inside the Center, to benefit the Refuge.

Artists in residence at “Ding” Darling conduct free art activities for visitors and collaborate on outreach programs for underserved children in the greater community. DDWS soon will be releasing information about its 2022 guest Artist in Residence. Donate to support this important program.

Bejeweled Sprankle Feather Highlight of Go Wild Auction

For DDWS’ 40^th anniversary, island sculptor Jim Sprankle has worked collaboratively with The Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry of Sanibel Island to create a first-of-its-kind, carved-wood spoonbill feather with 18-carat gold and diamond accent. It will be the featured live auction item at the 10th annual Go Wild fundraiser on Wednesday, February 9, at READ MORE

Go Wild Auction

Silent auction items for Go Wild for “Ding” – The Year of the Anhinga, Soar for 40 More are flying in, promising great excitement, such as these two limited edition bicycles. Valued at $2,500 each, the both feature a unique design: One is a limited-edition Lilly Pulitzer; the other is a limited-edition Nirve Skull bike.

A LIVE auction highlight for the February 9 event includes an exclusive story-time event for six to the Refuge-owned Woodring Point and Woodring homestead. Check out all live auction items.

Buy your Go Wild tickets today – they’re almost sold out. Can’t make it to the gala event? Contact Birgie Miller at 239-292-0566 to place your silent and live auction bids remotely that evening or prior to the event.

Watch Dr. Joe’s Nature Can Heal Lecture and join in on the virtual Q&A on February 10.

Sign Up for Wellness Week Activities

Sign-up for activities for Wellness Week: Mind. Body. Heart., February 7-12, is now live. Part of our 40th anniversary celebration, the week includes Mindfulness Walks, Refuge Bootcamp, virtual and in-person meditation, beach yoga, lectures, art activities, and other events meant to connect participants with the healing proponents of nature.

What are the benefits of connecting to Nature?

Wheels for Academic Achievement

The Refuge and DDWS last week awarded 25 bicycles to students of Tice Elementary School who “jumped the bucket” (aka increased academic scores by one or more levels) in science, math, and language arts between August and December 2021. All students with improved scores were entered into a drawing for 25 bikes donated, along with helmets and bike locks, by DDWS and other partners.

“Hats off to Tice Elementary students for an impressive show of improvement!” said Supervisory Refuge Ranger, who led the Bikes for Achievement program at the Refuge, part of its Urban Outreach initiative. “Hats off, also, to the amazing leadership at Tice Elementary and to the Refuge WoW team, whose visits school administration credits for sparking students’ love of learning. And last, but nowhere least, thank you to all of the donors who supported DDWS’ fundraising drive specially earmarked for this program.”

The Refuge and Tice Elementary presented the bikes on January 27. DDWS provided Southern SnoBalls snow cones for the entire student body to encourage students and reward them for their hard work. Another 25 bikes purchased by DDWS donors will be awarded to student achievers at the end of the school year.

Tice Elementary Vice Principal Katie Reimenschneider describes the Bike Challenge.

Friday, February 11: Free Ornitherapy Lecture

Learn why getting your daily dose of ornitherapy is just what the doctor ordered at a lecture by author, art therapist, and environmental educator Holly Merker at her upcoming free lecture on Friday, February 11.

“Ornitherapy: How a Deeper Experience with Nature Can Enrich Your Mind, Body, and Soul” will take place at The Community House at 2173 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island starting at 10 a.m.

As part of DDWS’ 40th Anniversary Wellness Week: Mind. Body. Heart. and DDWS’ 2022 Lecture Series, Merker’s presentation explores a mindful approach to the observation of birds and how READ MORE

Lecture Sponsors

Lecture Series Flyer

A Day at the Refuge

Classically trained pianist and musicologist Erik Entwistle was moved to create an original composition while riding his bike through the Refuge. Erik, a Sanibel resident, has devoted much of his performing and scholarly career to the music of Czech composers, and his A Day at the Refuge composition reflects his specialized studies and writings. Intern Christina Hester created the video to accompany Erik’s beautiful music.

“I was inspired by 'Ding' Darling when I wrote the piece, and now your team has created this wonderful short film for the benefit of the Refuge,” said Erik. “I hope people who view it will be inspired and reminded of how special a place ‘Ding’ Darling is, and I love the idea that my music will play a role in helping deliver that message.”

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 3: Introductory Birding the Refuge Tour, 8:30 a.m.
Today, February 3: Bailey Tract Walk, 9 a.m.
Today, February 3: Gators & Crocs Talk, 1:30 p.m.
Friday, February 4: Indigo Trail Tour, 9:30 a.m.
Friday, February 4: Birds of the Refuge Walk, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 5: Biking the Refuge Tour, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 5: Beach Exploration, 10 a.m.
Saturday, February 5: Birds of the Refuge Talk, 1:30 p.m.
Monday, February 7: Beach Walk, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, February 8: Advanced Birding, 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, February 8: Biking the Refuge Tour, 9:30 a.m.
See the Wellness Week Collection for more programs

Photograph: Volunteer Joyce Cimaglia leads Walking Trees & Nurseries Tours most Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Memorial & Honor Gifts

Donors made these gifts to DDWS in honor and memory of friends and families during January 2022. Thank you to everyone who supported the Refuge in this thoughtful and meaningful way. Make a memorial or honor donation here.

Refuge Spotlight - America's Best Kept Secret

Vieques National Wildlife Refuge

Location: 17,771 acres on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico

Totemic fauna: Green Sea Turtle, Coqui, Puerto Rican Woodpecker

Visitor tips:The refuge, accessible by boat, has hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails and also

contains beautiful beaches and important archeological and historic sites to explore.

Image courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

GOING GREEN (for those who missed this last week)

Easy Steps to Sustainability in 2022

Carry reusable shopping bags in your car. Place them in your front seat beside you, so you remember to take them into the store with you.
Bring your own coffee mug with you to coffee bars.
If you must use straws in your beverage, invest in steel or other resuable straws.
Carry reusable containers when you eat out to package your leftovers.
Dispose of plastic bags responsibly. Most home recycling services cannot recycle them, and they often end up clogging operations. Take them to plastic bag recycling bins frequently found at grocery stores, or place them with regular trash.

Photo by Al Hoffacker

Wildlife Sightings & Tides

Northern Cardinals sometimes hang out along Indigo Trail and Wildlife Drive. Only a few female North American songbirds sing, but the female Northern Cardinal does, and often while sitting on its nest. This may give the male information about when to bring food to the nest. A mated pair shares song phrases, but the female may sing a longer and slightly more complex song than the male.

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.