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Farewell to a Quietly Generous Friend
We are sad to share the heartbreaking news of the passing of DDWS Board Member Mark Banks last week.
"Mark touched my heart with his kindness, generosity, and most importantly his friendship, as I know he did with many of you," said DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller. "He will be missed." Watch future "Ding" on the Wing bulletins for more information.
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COVID-19 Report
"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature-- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter." -Rachel Carson
Here is SOME
good news on the coronavirus front: The CDC and other health professionals recommend getting outside, as long as we practice the necessary guidelines for social distancing, hand-washing, and other prescribed measures. Getting outside is still safe. Outside is a healthy place to be now, just as it has been in the past and will be in the future.
Getting outside with fresh air and exercise is fun, but even more importantly, it has been shown to benefit the brain, body, and soul. It helps strengthen your immune system and improve your emotional
READ MORE
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A father and daughter recently fished along Wildlife Drive.
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Refuge Open Status
Wildlife Drive and all Refuge hiking trails remain open during normal operating hours, free of charge. The "Ding" Darling Visitor & Education Center, Tarpon Bay Explorers, and all Refuge and DDWS offices have closed until further notice. All events, tours, and programs have been temporarily canceled. The restrooms on Wildlife Drive are open.
While using any Refuge facilities, remember to keep CDC social distancing guidelines in mind, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Please stay home if you are not feeling well. For news on changes in Refuge status, monitor our
COVID-19 page.
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One of our "Daily Dose of Ding" posts is a calming video of the Refuge with the surprise of a leaping mullet. |
Daily Dose of 'Ding'
The staff of "Ding" Darling Refuge and DDWS have been busy bringing the healing sunshine and beauty of the Refuge to the public through social media and other avenues. Follow on
Facebook to see our "Daily Dose of Ding" 30-second video postings.
Ding at Home
Looking for engaging activities to keep the kids busy and learning while isolated at home? Here are two ideas:
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Our Coastal Activity workbook is one of several you can download from our website. |
- Join the Official Refuge Facebook page for daily video activities such as Animal Yoga and virtual scavenger hunts.
- Visit our Ding at Home page to download activity booklets and coloring pages on such topics as alligators, sea turtles, and coastal activities; and to view archived #DingAtHome and other Refuge videos.
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Project Refuge People's Choice Awards
Nearly 600 people responded online during People's Choice Awards voting for
Project Refuge: A Couture Fashion Show Using Trash. We hope it took everyone's mind off viruses and sparked some creative ideas for spending time at home re-purposing waste materials.
 We have posted the results of that and the judges' awards
HERE.
Thanks to
Nick Adams Photography
for creating this
short video
of all our models at The Twist Tie Optional Luncheon & Runway Show on March 10 at The Sanctuary Clubhouse.
Thanks also to all who made this Refuge 75th Anniversary Celebration event possible, including our generous sponsors listed below.
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| Click above to read the program from the event |
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Project Refuge Sponsors
Champion Sponsors
Guardian Sponsors
Protector Sponsors
Defender Sponsors
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Great gifts for the kids while they are at home. Surprise them today with this special package.
Kid surprise packages come in three "flavors:" alligator/crocodile, manatee, and sea turtle. Basket not included.
For Easter or any occasion, the
online Nature Store
can help you keep in touch with little loved ones with curated activity boxes delivered right to the door, anywhere in the U.S. Pick your child's favorite animal from the Refuge and mix in education, family time, and fun. Each surprise package will arrive with six items wrapped in colored tissue paper (basket not included) and following the theme of each kit: a small stuffed animal, National Geographic kids book, colorful 3D "Ding" logo bookmark, Hatch 'Ems egg toy, hidden heron "Ding" sticker, and Refuge activity and coloring book, plus a personalized message card just for them. Include your loving message with your order, and we will hand-write it for you.
Order
online or contact Nature Store Manager
Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-472-1100 ext. 241 for information. We will be adding adding many more items online in coming weeks, so check back often.
Remember, members of "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society receive a 10% discount at the Nature Store. Profits from all Nature Store sales go directly to the Refuge for educational programs and wildlife research.
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Peeking into WoW
As work progresses on the Refuge's Wildlife on Wheels (WoW) mobile classroom, artist David Williams of
Wingin' It Works shares a conceptual rendering of the 3D designs he is creating for the interior. Hands-on exhibits will explore four Refuge habitats: Ocean or Sea, Upland, Coastline, and Estuary.
DDWS and the Refuge hope to unveil WoW this year as part of the Refuge's
75th Anniversary Celebration. Learning stations both inside and outside WoW will interpret mangrove ecosystems, water quality, water conservation, pollution and plastic, animal scats and tracks, Florida's native animals, wildlife sounds, and other topics that meet the Refuge's mission for visitors of all ages and meets the Florida Science Standards.
Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible donation for ongoing needs for the WoW project can contact
Birgie Miller at 239-472-1100 ext. 232 or
Click.
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Save the Date: Earth Day at the Refuge
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| The Refuge System's Blue Goose mascot will be greeting guests on Earth Day. |
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This year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Refuge is throwing a free celebration on April 22 that will include no-fee admission to Wildlife Drive for cyclists and hikers, anniversary cookies, animal origami, the Lee County Green Bus, a bike tour, a scavenger hunt, and a free film showing.
Note: Monitor our
COVID-19
web page in case this event gets canceled. The Refuge will celebrate Earth Day in partnership with the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends READ MORE
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Monofilament fishing line that is not properly discarded can cause injury and even death to birds, sea turtles, manatees, and other wildlife.
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Fish Responsibly
Because of pandemic measures, the Refuge's volunteer corps of Monofilament Busters is no longer patrolling local waters for the tangled fishing gear that too often harms wildlife. It's a time to be extra vigilant of properly disposing gear and abiding by all
state regulations and
Mind Your Line guidelines no matter where you are fishing, for the sake of wildlife.
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Click
HERE to see this week's wildlife sightings.
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| Photo credit: Terry Baldwin |
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These Osprey chicks seem to be anxiously awaiting takeout from their mother.
T
o see more wildlife photos click on our social media links:
If you have taken any beautiful, interesting, or just plain goofy photos at the Refuge, send them to Development Officer
Sierra Hoisington
, for a chance to be featured in upcoming newsletters.
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'America's Best-Kept Secret'
In each issue of "Ding" on the Wing, we showcase one of the more than 560 refuges across the U.S.A.
Location: 8,493 acres, Karnack, Texas
Totemic Flora & Fauna: American Paddlefish, Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat, Peregrine Falcon
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Spring Migratory Sale at Nature Store - April 15, 2020
Endangered Species Day at the Refuge
- May 15, 2020
75th Anniversary Island "Spoonie" Island Scavenger Hunt Kick-off - June 1, 2020
"Ding" Grand Marshal in Fourth of July Parade - July 4, 2020
75th Anniversary "Ding": The Man, The Art, The Stories Exhibition Opening
- October 20, 2020
75th Anniversary Proclamation at City Hall - November 3, 2020
Holiday Shopping Night - November 30, 2020
Official 75th
Anniversary Celebration
- December 1, 2020
2021 Annual Fundraiser - February 10, 2021
Niki Butcher Photographic Exhibition
- November 2021
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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,
"Ding" On The Wing composed by Chelle Koster Walton. Designed by April Arthur & April Boehnen.
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