August 25, 2022

September 1: Artist in Residence Exhibition Opens

Thursday, September 1, marks the opening of the Artist-in-Residence Jacqui Roch Exhibition in the Visitor & Education Center Auditorium. The free exhibition will be open to the public daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 25. On Saturday, September 24, as part of the Refuge’s National Public Lands Day celebration, the artist will make a personal appearance during a reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet Jacqui and enjoy refreshments in the auditorium.

Upcoming Exhibitions in the Auditorium:

Artist-in-Residence Jacqui Roch Exhibition - September 1-October 25, 2022

Duck Stamp Artist Jim Hautman Exhibition – October 29 – November 9, 2022

Ikki & Polly Matsumoto Retrospective Exhibition – Mid-November-December 31, 2022

Vince Thomalla Art Exhibition – January-February 2023

Niki Butcher Art Exhibition - March-April 2023 (sponsored by Wayne & Linda Boyd)

Photograph: Jacqui Roch's works in process

October 29: Art in the Wild Schedule

Refuge and DDWS staff have posted the schedule of events for the inaugural Art in the Wild Day at the Refuge on Saturday, October 29.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the free event, which will include a Federal Duck Stamp Artist presentation and exhibition by Jim Hautman, hands-on painting and pottery-throwing, nature sketching, and a celebration of DDWS’ 40th anniversary. For more details on sponsorship, contact April Boehnen at 239-472-1100 ext. 4.

Advocacy in Action

A Major Project to Protect the Caloosahatchee Watershed

By Jim Metzler, Co-Chair, DDWS Advocacy Committee

Over the last few years, a lot has been written about the impact Lake Okeechobee has on the quantity and quality of the water that surrounds the Refuge. While Lake O is important, in the typical year it contributes a minority of the nutrients that encircle the Refuge and can lead to harmful algal blooms. The majority of the nutrients typically come from runoff from the Caloosahatchee watershed.

This article will describe how the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society is working with other organizations on a project that has the potential to improve the water that surrounds the Refuge by putting millions of acres of land under READ MORE.

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

School Supplies for Success

As part of “Ding” Darling’s Urban Outreach efforts, DDWS is still seeking donations to supply 600 students at Tice Elementary, a Title 1 school where we have been concentrating efforts to support success in the classroom. Thanks to a generous donation, we have already received funding for backpacks for each student and enough supplies for 424 students. A total of $6,000 is still needed to supply all 600 students or the final 176 kids. Any size donation is much appreciated. Please visit our special Tice School Supplies Donation page to contribute today. Thanks to everyone who has helped with a donation.

September 15: Photo Contest Deadline

Deadline for submission to the 30th annual “Ding” Darling Amateur Photo Contest is September 15, 2022. All entries must be submitted electronically. Cash award prizes are $300 for first place, $225 for second, and $175 for third.

The contest, sponsored by DDWS, is held in conjunction with “Ding” Darling’s Art in the Wild Day, October 29, 2022. Go online for complete contest rules, an entry form, and other contest information.

Entries must be delivered via email by September 15. For assistance, call 239-472-1100 ext. 233 or email. Entrants can pay by sending a check made out to the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society (P.O. Box 565, Sanibel, Florida 33957) with a memo “for photo contest" or online.

Blowing Bubbles: In the 2021 contest, third place went to Donald Howe of Savannah, Georgia for his photo “Blowing Bubbles.”

Tarpon Bay Explorers Locals Discount

During the month of September, Tarpon Bay Explorers extends a 25% discount on all rentals and guided tours for residents of Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties. September is a relatively quiet month in Southwest Florida, which provides local residents an opportunity to experience “Ding” Darling while dodging the crowds. Kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and bike rentals are first come, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hobie fishing kayaks and pontoon rentals require a reservation, as do cruise, paddling, and tram tours. Call the shop at 239-472-8900 or visit the website for additional information, reservations, and pricing.

Show Us Your 'Ding' Merch!

As part of our new “show your merch” promotion, DDWS members Diane and Kevin Husk sent us this photo recently from Weldon Springs Conservation Area in Missouri. Kevin is wearing a favorite “Ding” UPF50 Roseate Spoonbill performance shirt and alligator baseball cap.

“The performance shirt is a perfect fit for a hot and sunny day in a field of sunshine,” writes Diane. “The breathable fabric was perfect for the humidity of the Midwest, which is sometimes higher than on the island! The material and long sleeves provide excellent sun protection even when you are away from the water.”

When we use your photo in “Ding” on the Wing of our logo merchandise featured at your favorite (preferably outdoors) spot, you are automatically entered in a quarterly drawing for free prizes. Email us your snapshot with the following information: your name, address, and phone number; where the shot was taken; any relevant details about the location and why you like the particular product you’re featuring. The next drawing will be held the end of September.

August Biology Highlights

Refuge Biological Science Technician Avery Renshaw reports on Refuge biology activities for the month. The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society supports her position:

After a lull in Wildlife Drive surveys over the summer due to unsuitable tides, wading bird and shorebird surveys are beginning to pick back up. Fall migration is already underway for certain bird species, so it will be exciting to see some seasonal favorites like the American White Pelican and wading birds that have been nesting on our rookery islands in Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass.

Migratory shorebird species, such as Piping Plovers, Short-billed Dowitchers, and Marbled Godwits, have begun returning to Refuge property at Bunche Beach, just as shorebird nesting season is winding down.

I attended a training event held by the Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch, which is a citizen science initiative that aims to collect data on Horseshoe Crab populations and nesting behavior. The Refuge collaborates with this effort to determine whether Horseshoe Crab mating occurs on Refuge lands.

At the end of the month, Refuge staff will perform a final rookery island nesting survey to capture peak White Ibis nesting on one of our islands.

Donate to support Avery’s position and biological research at the Refuge.

Selfie Challenge

“Ding” Darling has been selected among 12 of the 568 refuges nationwide to participate in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s #WildForAll Challenge. For the month of August, the Refuge challenges visitors to use its #WildForAll selfie backdrop in the Visitor & Education Center to snap selfies and post them on their social media channels. Use the #WildForAll and #DingDarling tags to become eligible to win prizes.

Temporary Trail Closure

The Bailey Tract trail is closed next week Monday, August 29, through Friday, September 2, for mowing and maintenance work.

Cartoon of the Month

Although known mainly for his often-controversial political cartoons, Pulitzer-winning Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling was given to flights of whimsy and nostalgia and peeks into human nature. Titled “Vacation is over,” this one published on Sept. 7, 1926. Oswald’s mother urges him to “come in now and get your hair brushed and your shoes and stockings on,” as school books and a teacher round the corner. “Some of your old friends are here to play with you.”

Click cartoon to enlarge

GOING GREEN

Ease up on the gas

It’s always earth-wise to reduce your use of gas, but now, when prices remain high, it’s extra-smart. Some suggestions:

Coast more, brake less. When feasible, coast when in slow traffic rather than waiting to stomp on the brake. That way you’ll need less acceleration and use less gas.
Push the green button. Many newer vehicles have an ECO setting that turns off your air-conditioner when you come to a complete stop.
Use cruise control. Cruise control accelerates your car at a more gas-saving pace.
Check your tires. Properly filled tires get better gas mileage for your car.

Consider buying a hybrid or electric vehicle. Prices on hybrids and EVs are coming down as more carmakers add them to their lineup. Save money on gas and be kind to the environment at the same time.

Photo by Al Hoffacker

Wildlife Sightings & Tides

Roseate Spoonbills are often seen in the mornings or evenings along Wildlife Drive. Pay special attention to the tide charts to see when low tides occur to have a better chance at seeing these beautiful pink birds!

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 and Communications Intern Hayley Caylor for a chance to be featured in upcoming newsletters.