We Did It: Matching Donations Toward 8.5-acre Land Acquisition

An outpouring of gifts and pledges these past few weeks have helped us reach our urgent $550,000 shortfall toward the purchase of an 8.5-acre Sanibel Island acquisition to add to Refuge habitat landholdings. Because of steeply rising property values and costs, DDWS was faced with an end-of-January deadline to raise the final $550,000 toward an acquisition it has been working toward for several years. Thanks to island residents Don and Joan Sherman for their generous matching challenge, the amount needed to purchase the land was achieved and 100% of all the gifts received for this challenge will go toward this acquisition.Thank you. . . Thank you!

The number one priority was to secure the purchase price for this land which was accomplished. There will be significant restoration projects for this property, and for those individuals interested in making year end gifts and helping with the overall restoration of this property, they are being accepted with open arms!

Adjacent to current Refuge property, the land in question holds a six-acre lake that directly feeds into fragile Tarpon Bay. Its preservation not only means protecting vital wildlife habitat, but also buffering Refuge water quality against the catastrophic red tide and blue-green algae events it has experienced in the past. The anticipated date for closing on the property is January 22. Those interested in helping with the property restoration can make a gift online and mention "restoration" in the comment section. Via mail: PO Box 565; Sanibel FL 33957. Gifts via stock transfer, IRA distributions or other avenues, call Birgie Miller at 239.292.0566 or by email.

“We could not have done this without the generosity and strong conservation ethic of islanders and the greater ‘Ding’ support community from around the world,” said DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller. “Thanks to their contributions, large and small, it is our hope that another crucial slice of Sanibel will be saved by the end of January!

Welcome New Urban Ranger

The Refuge welcomed Urban Ranger Janet Sokoloski late last month as part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Urban Outreach initiative to expand the mission of national wildlife refuges into the community, especially to low-income neighborhoods that don’t typically have the resources to interact with refuge wildlife and conservation ethics.

“At ‘Ding’ Darling, we have led the FWS movement for urban outreach through various programs, most notably our WoW, Wildlife on Wheels interactive mobile classroom,” said Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland, who heads up the Refuge’s outreach efforts. “WoW has received rave reviews and lots of love from our local Title 1 schools such as Tice Elementary, where we recently concentrated efforts. Federal budget cuts have challenged staff in keeping WoW fully functioning, but the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society has helped make it possible by funding the construction of WoW and its staffing. With Janet now coming aboard as a federally supported member of the team, it’s a huge relief and asset to our mission.”

Janet comes to Sanibel from READ MORE

Annual Meeting

The "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Annual Meeting took place Wednesday, December 1, at The Community House on Sanibel. The membership elected two new board members - Nancy Felker and Stuart Sargeant - and reelected Sarah Ashton, Barb Bluedorn, David Jeffrey, and Dick Levinson. Stay tuned for more information about our newest board members and our annual report in next week's "Ding" on the Wing.

New Officers

Following the DDWS annual meeting, the Board of Directors met to elect officers for 2022. They include President Sarah Ashton, Vice President Wendy Kindig, Secretary Robin Kirk, and (not pictured) Treasurer Bill Valerian. 

December 4: Wild Daze Rollout

As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, DDWS rolls out its exclusive, limited-edition Wild Daze Ale on December 4, with island events to follow throughout the month. The launch event starts at 4 p.m. at Fort Myers Brewing Co. in Fort Myers with food trucks, music, trivia games, and other special goings-on. The address to join the "Wild" team on Saturday is 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr #28, Fort Myers, FL 33913.

The exclusive brew – a smooth and light-bodied golden ale with a subtle hint of sweetness – will be available for a limited time of around six months after its rollout, depending upon how long supplies last. Look for Wild Daze Ale at Bailey’s, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, and The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market.

Mark your calendar for these rollout events at Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel Island:

• December 8 tasting, 2-6 p.m.
• December 9 tasting, 2-6 p.m.
• December 18 tasting with WoW mobile experience, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• December 19 tasting with WoW mobile experience, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

New Resident Volunteers

The Refuge Resident Volunteer Program puts volunteers to work in exchange for an RV parking spot and utilities. Dave Pihanich and Joyce Cimaglia recently joined the seasonal team to help out in maintenance and visitor services. 

The couple hails from Livingston, Texas, but considers Pottstown, Pennsylvania, their hometown. Dave worked in maintenance in public schools and Joyce was an elementary school teacher. During their travels as resident volunteers, they have worked at Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, Florida; Balcones National Wildlife Refuge in Marble Falls, Texas; and Table Rock Lake Dewey Short Visitor Center in Branson, Missouri. 

“We truly can’t pick a favorite place as each one has its own unique qualities that make them all wonderful places to volunteer and visit,” said Joyce. “We wanted to volunteer here ever since we met Toni Westland at ‘Ding’ Darling Day in 2020. At the Refuge, we know we are going to love all of the dedicated staff members and volunteers who make this such a special place. We also know we’re going to love the outdoor experiences -- birdwatching, fishing, kayaking, and bicycling. We are so thankful to be volunteering here and look forward to a wonderful time.”

Lecture Sponsorships

Thanks to all of our sponsors who have signed up to support our 2022 Lecture Series – see below.

Sponsorships remain for one lecture -- March 18 – Author Jack Davis, The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America's Bird available for $1,000 to $3,000.

Please contact April Boehnen at 239-472-1100 ext. 4 for more information about becoming a lecture sponsor. Benefits include heavy brand exposure, an opportunity to enjoy a complimentary lunch with the speaker for up to four guests, and reserved seating at the first-come lecture. 

2022 Refuge Wish List

Wondering what to get your favorite wildlife refuge for the holidays and year-end giving? We’ve got just the list with a few unique ideas for designated giving. Membership donations and annual gifts are essential for the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society to continue its support of Refuge conservation and education efforts at the Refuge. To learn more, contact Sierra Hoisington at 239-472-1100 ext. 4. Or simply donate online and earmark your donation by naming your wish-list gift in the comments.