“Once I received the go-ahead from the federal government to hire two fulltime employees, I immediately offered the positions to Jess and Tucker, who have proven their dedication, strong work ethic, and amazing ability to design and implement education programs,” said Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland, who oversees visitor services at READ MORE | |
August 4: Great American Outdoors Day at the Refuge
Thursday, August 4, marks the second celebration of Great American Outdoors Day across federal lands. It is now one of six fee-free days the government has designated throughout the year. Besides touring Wildlife Drive for free that day, you can also visit the WoW (Wildlife on Wheels), participate in a free family scavenger hunt for prizes, and go on guided tours.
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Upcycled Wonders Exhibition
A selection of creations from the past two Project Refuge: A Couture Fashion Show Using Trash events is on display in the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center Auditorium through August 30, daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Project Refuge debuted in 2019 to celebrate the Refuge’s 75th anniversary and raise awareness for recycling. It spawned an encore 2022 fashion show to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, which hosted both events. The current, free Upcycled Wonders: Project Refuge Designs Exhibition showcases 18 of the fashions modeled at the events. Signage describes the creations and provides factoids about waste and recycling and their impact on the environment.
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Celebrating with Community
The theme was Red, Wild & Blue in honor of “Ding” Darling, Grand Marshal for this year’s City of Sanibel Fourth of July Parade. Organizers had asked the Refuge to marshal for "Ding" Darling's 75th anniversary two years ago, but COVID delayed it from happening until this year. Refuge staff, volunteers, and friends drove a swamp buggy and a Refuge truck towing the “Ding” Darling research boat. Staff tossed packets of wildflower seeds to the crowd as eco-friendly throwables, and Tice’s Church of Christ pastor Reverend Stanley Gavin performed patriotic songs.
See more parade photos on the Refuge Facebook page.
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Show Us Your 'Ding' Merch
As part of our new “show your merch” promotion, Julie Aitchison from Shenorock, New York, sent this photo of her wearing a Refuge Snowy Plover T-shirt. She said she chose to wear the shirt “for this photo especially taken to appear in the 3rd edition of Jane Daniel’s Walkable Westchester book to lead off the section on accessible trails in Westchester County because, as you see, I am disabled and in a wheelchair pushed by my husband, Colin.”
The Aitchisons have a second home in Cape Coral and visit the Refuge often to go birding. “It is our favorite place of all to bird! That’s why I chose to wear ‘Ding’ Darling’s shirt for this picture to show that birding is accessible to all who make an effort to get out into Nature.”
All submissions for “show your merch” are entered in a quarterly drawing for free prizes when we use your photo of our logo merchandise featured at your favorite (preferably outdoor) spot in “Ding” on the Wing. 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.
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Stay tuned for details about getting your 2022-2023 Federal Duck Stamp signed by artist James Hautman (the winningest duck stamp artist with six stamps!) during Art in the Wild Day on October 29, 2022, at the Refuge. | |
Remember, profits from all Nature Store sales go directly to the Refuge for educational programs, wildlife research, and overall conservation efforts. | |
Read an article about the self-guided Refuge Mindfulness Trail in Gulfshore Business. | |
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Observation Tower Temp Closure
The Wildlife Drive Observation Tower will be undergoing renovations – including new decking and roof – and will be closed until further notice. Note that Wildlife Drive will remain OPEN, however expect periodical traffic interruptions as workers offload supplies at the tower.
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Summer Society Pages
Members this week are receiving their copy of the quarterly DDWS newsletter. You can also read it online for your convenience. If you are not receiving the print copies of Society Pages, all you need do is become a DDWS member.
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GOING GREEN
Repurposing Egg Cartons
Courtesy of Keep Lee County Beautiful
- Start seedlings
- Feed birds
- Pack away fragile items
- Start a fire (cardboard cartons only)
- Build compost (cardboard cartons only)
- Organize jewelry and desk items
- Use for arts and crafts projects
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Keep your eyes on the sky! Swallow-tailed Kites are still gliding above Sanibel. These graceful raptors arrive in Florida around February and begin their journey back to South America in August and September.
Click HERE to see this week's wildlife sightings.
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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. | |
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These are just snapshots of some of the things taking place at your Wildlife Refuge. Please check our website to learn more!
Sincerely,
Birgit Miller, Executive Director
"Ding" On The Wing composed by Chelle Koster Walton. Designed by Hayley Caylor.
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