March 16, 2023

Hurricane (and Related Environmental) Update

We consistently update our Resource Page and include a hurricane update each week in our "Ding" on the Wing. Call us with any Refuge questions at 239-292-0566.  Here is a printable pdf of resources. We are trying to keep it updated and hoping it helps. 

Here are a few NEW links: 

• TODAY: City of Sanibel Mobile Blood Drive - March 16, 2023
• TODAY  Lecture March 16 at SCCF Bailey Homestead Preserve pavilion at 4 p.m. to discuss Sanibel Plan Creation
• St. Patrick’s Day Lunch with corned beef & cabbage at Sanibel Community House March 17th 12 pm – 2 pm while supplies last. In collaboration with FISH and Operation BBQ
• Two disaster recovery centers will close in Lee County" article.
• All future in-person needs for FEMA or SBA will take place at Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Fort Myers
• Guidance provided through City of Sanibel on temporary signs and construction hours.
• "Insurers slashed Hurricane Ian payouts far below damage estimates, documents and insiders reveal" article
• "What if your Florida home is insured but you still weren’t really covered after Ian?" article
• "Sanibel’s Beloved Lighthouse Shines Again, Some Attractions Reopening — What You Need To Know"
• Sanibel Fire and Rescue District honored
• The POD Program distribution (furniture and household items) happens every Friday from 1-2 at FISH on Sanibel, 2430 Periwinkle. They are also accepting Easter donations now through April 3. FISH is also looking for someone with a forklift to help move items.
• News-Press: "I took a break from spring training in SWFL and found resilience where Hurricane Ian hit" article.
• "Tower Gallery reopens on Sanibel after Hurricane Ian" article.
• The latest Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce tool for finding island businesses back in operation after Hurricane Ian.
• News Press: "Sanibel Island's ‘Ding’ Darling announces reopening of Wildlife Drive" article
• As of Saturday, March 18, the Sanibel Public Library will be open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• "Florida residents need solutions before next hurricane" article
• "FEMA shares updated numbers regarding Hurricane Ian recovery in SWFL. Here's what we know"
• View Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper HERE
• Red Tide Status readings and daily sample maps can be found for our area by clicking HERE
• "Tracking red tide along the beaches of Southwest Florida" article
• "Did red tide contribute to 2 dead manatees washing ashore in Boca Grande?" article
• SCCF, others investigating how red tide impacts sea turtles
• "Lee County launches website to track post-Ian recovery progress" article
• "International treaty to protect world’s oceans will help SWFL" article
• "Red tide in Florida causing respiratory concerns" article
• "Naples Botanical Garden creates floral swale for parking lot runoff" article
• "New Senate bill passes to help workforce housing" article
• News-Press: "600-pound great white shark Rose pings off Sanibel, Cape Coral waters" article.
• "Venomous man o’ wars found washed up on Sanibel beach"
• "As Florida’s legislative session begins today, here are the water bills we’re watching"
• "La Niña is gone. What does that mean for Florida and hurricane season?" article
• "Lee joins Collier, Hendry in enacting county-wide burn ban; Cape Coral also limits fires"
• "Study: Increased wildfire risk could delay ozone layer's recovery" article.
• "FWC encourages safe water and boating practices in Florida" article.
• "The world needs more water flowing where it’s needed most" article.
• "Chamber of Southwest Florida to host panel discussion on 50% rule March 29" article.
• "Large seaweed blob floating toward Florida coast"
• "US Coastal Wetlands Are Rapidly Disappearing. Here’s What It’ll Take To Save Them" article.
• "New group SanCap Citizens for a Resilient Future looks to build back better on the barrier islands"
• News-Press: "Listen Now! Clean Water petition gives Florida glimmer of hope as waterways continue to suffer" article.
• Captiva Community Panel outlines revegetating rules
• Climate Change and impact on Florida trees
• "EPA proposes first standards to make drinking water safer from ‘forever chemicals" article
• "Homes in flood zones are overvalued by billions, study finds"
• "Growth UNLEASHED?" article
• "First look: HUD invests billions in equitable disaster recovery" article

ShopDingDarling.com

Remember, profits from all Nature Store sales go directly to the Refuge for educational programs, wildlife research, and overall conservation efforts.

Spotlight: Friends Rebuilding

As a regular feature, “Ding” on the Wing spotlights a business on the islands that has strongly supported the Refuge in the past and now needs us all to rally behind it as it navigates the long road to recovery.

The Island Sun, Sanibel and Captiva’s hometown newspaper, has long supported the Refuge and its events with in-kind advertising donations and coverage of all things “Ding.” It took a hard hit with Hurricane Ian. Not only did five feet of flood water demolish its office in Lime Tree Center on Sanibel, owner/publisher Lorin Arundel also suffered damage to her home, which prevents her from setting up temporary online operations at this point.

“We will reboot the Island Sun, hopefully in early summer,” she said. “Once we get our office back, I can get to work on new computer equipment, furnishings, etc. Fortunately, all data from hard drives was recovered. We are counting down the days to get back to work with our island friends. The Sun will shine again.”

Conservation scholarships help replenish our world with young wildlife ambassadors.

DDWS Conservation Scholarships Available. Application deadline soon

Application deadline is March 31 for 13 DDWS scholarships amounting to more than $20k. Ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each, the scholarships are available to high school seniors, college students, and graduate students in or from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties pursuing degrees in environmental-related studies. This year’s named scholarships include READ MORE

Refuge Programming & Events

The Visitor & Education Center and Wildlife Drive remain closed due to hurricane damage but will REOPEN on April 4th. Read DOTW for news of activities that are still being planned.

• “Ding” Darling Nature Wellness is partnering with Sanibel Rec Center for two weekly programs on Fridays and Saturdays. Please reserve your spot for Mindfulness Meditations and Guided Mindful Nature Walks. NOTE: Sanibel Rec membership is not required to participate in these programs.
• “Ding” Darling participates with fellow complex refuge Florida Panther NWR for Save the Panther Day on March 18 at refuge headquarters. Sign up on Eventbrite for guided hikes, swamp walks, swamp buggy tours, and presentations on bears, panthers, and camera trapping.
• Sounds of the Sand fundraiser at Bell Tower, 1 to 7 p.m. on March 25, benefits Refuge hurricane recovery and conservation. DDWS, Two Lane Lager, and Bell Tower partner for the free event.
• Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) hosts Get Inspired! SanCap Volunteer Expo at Sanibel's BIG ARTS on Thursday, March 30, Online registration is required.
• Deadline to apply for DDWS Scholarships for Environmental Studies is March 31.
• “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival once again visits Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Saturday, April 22, in concert with Earth Day.
• May 3-10, “Ding” Wellness Week precedes National Mental Health Awareness Week.
• The annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament takes place May 19. Registration is open. Only two spots remain. Thanks to our 2023 sponsors. To become a sponsor, contact April Boehnen.
• Nature Store pop up at the Rachel Pierce Art Gallery marketplace from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Refuge Cleanup with a Ranger takes place every Thursday in March at 9 a.m. Participation is limited; preregister on Eventbrite.

Photo caption: Give your mind a break every Friday from 12 to 12:30 with seated Mindfulness Meditation.

Karl and Sandy Greenbaum shared a beautiful photo of their "Ding" ornament to help keep the happy memories alive.

The Prindle Family showing off their #DingStrong merch in Ann Arbor, Michigan

WELLNESS TIP

As part of our Nature Wellness Program for 2023, watch here for tips and advice on how to center your mind and improve your wellbeing both outdoors and indoors.



30-Day Challenge

If you’ve ever tried to build or break a habit, you know that it takes time and consistency and, for most, involves trial and error. This article from Psychology Today gives interesting insight on habit-building and -breaking and the how-to of sustainable good habits that will stick.  

This week’s tip: Choose a habit that you are trying to sustain, and engage with it daily for 30 days. The habit can be anything from flossing to stretching for five minutes. Whatever it is, ensure that the habit is reasonable and achievable.

One trick is to “stack” the habits on top of things you do already. For example, if you are trying to drink more water, place a full, reusable water bottle on your bedside table and drink from it upon waking.