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Tips for Attending Lectures
The free "Ding" Darling Friday Lecture Series has become increasingly popular. Because we want to keep the lectures admission-free and we are restricted by the fire department to the number of seats we can fill, the lectures often reach their capacity quickly. We have tried various strategies for easing the frustration of people we are unable to seat. This year, we try a new strategy using wristbands.
We have also compiled
TIPS
to help.
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Monday, February 17:
FREE Admission to Wildlife Drive
In honor of President's Day and by federal order, all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians can enjoy Wildlife Drive and its trail fee-free on February 17. The Refuge Visitor & Education Center, Bailey Tract, and Tarpon Bay Explorers
will remain open
for normal operating hours. All Refuge and DDWS offices will be closed that day.
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 TOMORROW:
Cynthia Barnett & Rain
Cynthia Barnett's book
Rain: A Natural & Cultural History begins four billion years ago with the torrents that filled the oceans, and builds to the storms of climate change. On
Friday, February 14, she will deliver two free lectures about her book at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Refuge. Barnett will sign copies of her book, available at the Refuge Nature Store, which benefits conservation and education programs at "Ding" Darling.
Rain weaves together science - the true shape of a raindrop, the mysteries of frog and fish rains- with the human story of our ambition to control rain. The book is also a
READ MORE
This year's series is part of the Refuge's
75th anniversary celebration activities.
Thank you to our co-sponsors of the free 12-lecture series with support from DDWS.
See lecture tips to the left.
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Wednesday, February 19:
Film about Imperiled Sea Life
Winner of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts' award for best cinematography in a
documentary,
BLUE
delves into the ocean realm at a critical moment in time for marine life.
The eighth annual "Ding" Darling Wednesday
Film Series
continues its biweekly showings on February 19 with a free airing of the documentary at 1 p.m. in the Visitor & Education Center. The 76-minute documentary dissects the impact of industrial scale fishing, habitat destruction, species loss and pollution
READ MORE
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| Blue Official Trailer |
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February 24:
National Wildlife Day Celebration
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Bring your own bike for the free guided pedaling tour.
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Join a free guided bike tour, play wildlife trivia games, watch a free film, and take advantage of Refuge Nature Store specials during National Wildlife Day at the Refuge on Monday, February 24. Bring your own bike and helmet to join the 4-mile bike tour at 9 a.m. and meet at the parking lot flagpole. Win prizes in READ MORE
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Eclectic and Trendsetting
Our newest arrivals from renowned fashion accessory designer Mary Frances feature an underwater scene, bright flowers, a handsome butterfly, and vibrant island colors.
Some have even been personally signed by Frances, something she was delighted to do for our passionate, trendsetting Refuge visitors. Each Mary Frances design draws on her love of nature, travel, and artistic influences from around the globe. Order fast: They are available for a limited time only.
Stop in the store today or contact Nature Store Manager
Ann-Marie Wildman
at 239-472-1100 ext. 241 for information about mail-ordering store products. Visit our
online store
for convenient ordering of some of our most popular items.
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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Go Wild: Another Score for the Refuge
Thanks to everyone who made last night's
Go Wild for "Ding" -- Lovin' Spoonbills a magnificent success. We will have additional pictures and details of the fun and fundraising in the next "Ding" on the Wing.
A big, pink thank-you goes to our generous sponsors and all of our fabulous supporters.
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Go Wild: Another Score for the Refuge
Thanks to everyone who made last night's
Go Wild for "Ding" -- Lovin' Spoonbills a magnificent success. We will have pictures and details of the fun and fundraising in next "Ding" on the Wing. A big, pink thank-you goes to our generous sponsors and all of our fabulous supporters.
Call of the Wild Sponsor
Champion Level Sponsors
Guardian Level Sponsors
Protector Level Sponsors
Defender Level Sponsors
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Friday, February 21 Lecture:
'Improbable Tales' of Florida
 Jeff Klinkenberg engaged a professional symphony orchestra tuba player to determine whether bull gators, during mating season, would respond with thunderous bellows to a low B-flat note; thus the name of his book Alligator in B Flat. The award-winning journalist will present two programs beginning at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, February 21, in the admission-free "Ding" Darling Visitor & Education Center. Subtitled "Improbable Tales from the Files of Real Florida," Klinkenberg's collection of essays covering all facets of life in Florida were culled from nearly 40 years as a chronicler of Florida culture for the Tampa Bay Times, formerly the St. Petersburg Times. In 2018, his latest book, Son of Real Florida: Stories from My Life published. "Nobody writes about the real Florida with as much READ MORE
Can't make it to a lecture? Watch it in real time on Facebook Live.
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February 25: Artist 'in Residence' Exhibition Opens
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Ed Anderson took inspiration from Roseate Spoonbills, the Refuge's official 75th anniversary birds, during his "residency."
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Idaho wildlife artist
Ed Anderson kicked off the Refuge's
75th Anniversary Celebration last summer with an eight-week
artist "in residence" educational program, where he gathered inspiration during daily visits to the Refuge. The results of that inspiration-- about a dozen paintings and art journal entries -- will go on exhibit in the Visitor & Education Center Auditorium February 25 through April 24, 2020. The exhibition opens on February 25 at 9 a.m. with a reception featuring refreshments and an artist appearance that will include a "live paint" performance. Admission to the exhibition is free
READ MORE
Thanks to the sponsor of the Artist "in Residence:"
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March 20: The Swamp Lecture Nears Sellout
Only 50 tickets remain for Michael Grunwald's lecture about his book The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise on March 20 at The Community House on Sanibel Island. For the private reception event preceding the lecture, 25 tickets still are available. Hosted by DDWS, the events benefit water-quality research and education at the Refuge. The bestselling Florida author will be doing book-signings READ MORE
Thanks to our sponsors who make these author events possible.
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The Swamp Lecture Sponsors
Defender Level Sponsors
Media Sponsor
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| Sponsors help defray the costs of the events to help the DDWS raise support for conservation efforts. Become a sponsor and join those listed above for this important lecture |
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Welcome New Maintenance Staffer 
Brent Robbins joined the Refuge staff this month in the six-month position of maintenance worker helper. He comes to the Refuge from Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility in Camp Springs, Maryland, where he took care of the grounds work for Air Force One, Air Force Two, and the entire 1,500-acre flight line. He has already taken to Sanibel Island and its balmy climates and especially
READ MORE
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Shop for the Kids Online
Whether for birthdays, Easter baskets, or no reason at all, pick out something your child or grandchild will love to cuddle - such as
this sweet
plush manatee - at ShopDingDarling.com. Go online today to order for delivery to anywhere in the U.S. DDWS operates the Nature Store to support the Refuge through the sale of logo apparel and memorabilia, kids toys, eco-friendly kitchen accessories, art, birding guides and other nature books, fair-trade
decorative pieces, and a wide variety of gifts related to nature and conservation.
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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.
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Sonoran Pronghorn |
Location: 665,400 acres 40 miles northeast of Yuma, Arizona
Totemic Flora & Fauna: Sonoran Pronghorn, Jackrabbit, Gila Monster
Visitor's Tips: Remember that when you visit the refuge, you are in a desert environment. Come prepared and be cautious.
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| Image courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
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In each issue of "Ding" of the Wing, we share a quick tip on how you can turn your lifestyle greener. For more information on being environmentally aware, visit our
Go Green web page.
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Click
HERE to see this week's wildlife sightings
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| Photo credit: Rebecca Clemens |
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We hope there was none of this bickering on Valentine's Day yesterday! This Reddish Egret and Double-crested Cormorant spent the holiday fighting over feeding territory.
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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Brunch with Douglas Brinkley - March 15, 2020
Global Recycling Day - March 18, 2020
Spring Migratory Sale at Nature Store - April 15, 2020
Earth Day at the Refuge - April 22, 2020
Endangered Species Day at the Refuge
- May 15, 2020
75th Anniversary "Ding:" The Man, The Art, The Stories Exhibition Opening
- October 20, 2020
Holiday Shopping Night - November 30, 2020
Official 75th
Anniversary Celebration
- December 1, 2020
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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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