October 28, 2021

New Education Partnership

In an unprecedented partnership with the Lee County School District, the Refuge and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society have negotiated the sharing of an environmental education resource teacher. Educator John Bailey began his role coordinating onsite conservation education programs with the Refuge earlier this month through the district’s Curriculum & Instructional Innovation Department.

“We are super excited to have this resource in our toolbox to help with our heightened onsite and outreach education efforts this school year,” said Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland, who helped engineer the partnership. “John has the background and energy that make him READ MORE

New Entrance Sign

A supersized Roseate Spoonbill grabs visitors’ attention to the Refuge’s new entrance sign, installed last week along Sanibel-Captiva Road. Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland, pictured here with Refuge Manager Kevin Godsea, helped develop the concept for the eye-catching sign, which replaces one that was wearing down with age. “We took a little creative license with the sign guidelines to make a bright statement that reflects the energy and wildlife at the Refuge,” says Toni.

Watch a 90-second time lapse video of the sign's installation.

Thankful for Tice

This month, the Refuge and DDWS are sending Tice Elementary, a Fort Myers Title 1 school, some extra love. Wildlife on Wheels (WoW) mobile classroom will be visiting and teaching students about wildlife, nature, and the Refuge October 25 through November 19. It started out Monday with “Not So Spooky Skeletons” week -- teaching kids the difference between invertebrates and vertebrates.

“Ding” also joins in with other local organizations for a Turkeys for Tice drive now until Thanksgiving. The drive is in honor of the mother of the school’s Assistant Prinicipal Katie Reimenschneider, a former educator at The Sanibel School. Scan the QR code below or link to our donation page to donate $25 for one family’s turkey dinner. Designate TURKEY in the form’s comments. Thanks for your contribution!

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

Saturday: Mindfulness Walk at Bailey Tract

Join us for a peaceful morning of walking meditation at the Bailey Tract starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 30. Together we will explore the concept of mindfulness, consider the various physical and mental benefits of time spent in nature, and take a mindful hike around Ani Marsh. Participation is limited for this free event, so please pre-register. We have scheduled other upcoming Mindfulness Walks for November 10, 20, and 24, all at 8:30 a.m.

High School Photo Contest

The ninth annual “Ding” Darling-Theodore Cross High School Photography Contest has kicked off with a deadline of February 15, 2022. It invites high school students in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties to compete for prizes that include a Canon digital SLR camera package, special photography opportunities to be announced, and copies of Waterbirds: Portraits and Anecdotes from Birding Adventures by contest namesake, the late Theodore Cross.

Cross, who lived part-time on Sanibel Island, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; advised the READ MORE

Rheannon Hill won first place in the 2020-2021” contest.

2022 Refuge Wish List

Wondering what to get your favorite wildlife refuge for the holidays and year-end giving? We’ve got just the list with a few unique ideas for designated giving. Membership donations and annual gifts are essential for the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society to continue its support of Refuge conservation and education efforts at the Refuge. To learn more, contact Sierra Hoisington at 239-472-1100 ext. 4. Or simply donate online and earmark your donation by naming your wish-list gift in the comments.

Endowed Education Fund

Nancy Minster and Diane Husk have established the William & Helen Kronmueller Education Fund to honor the memory of their parents and support educational programs at “Ding” Darling.

Married in 1954, the Kronmuellers lived and worked in St. Louis, Missouri, where they led a quiet life that included summer vacations to new and exciting places within the U.S. One place they continued to visit into their retirement years was the Fort Myers and Sanibel Island area.

“The natural beauty and quiet pace allowed them to enjoy beach walks and wildlife sightings, especially within the Refuge,” their daughters READ MORE

Fee-Free Day on Wildlife Drive

In observance of Veterans Day, “Ding” Darling will waive entrance fees to Wildlife Drive on Thursday, November 11. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians all enter free-of-charge that day from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Veterans Day Closures

On Thursday, November 11, Refuge offices and the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center will close in observance of Veterans Day.

TO REMAIN OPEN: Wildlife Drive and trails, Tarpon Bay Explorers recreation concession, Bailey Tract, and our America’s Best Restroom at the visitor center.

'Ding' Addresses Chamber

Supervisory Refuge Manager Toni Westland (second from left) and DDWS Associate Executive Director Lynnae Messina (far right) addressed members of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce at an October 13 business luncheon. They brought members up to date on upcoming events, including the rollout of DDWS’ Wild Daze Ale on December 4 and weekly Mindfulness Walks. They are pictured here with Chamber Board Chair Mark Blust (far left) and President/CEO John Lai.

2022 Lecture Series Sponsor Opportunities

Only a few opportunities to sponsor the 2022 “Ding” Darling Lecture Series remain. The series will bring eight authors and wildlife and art experts to Sanibel Island from February 4 through March 25. Lectures will cover topics from Bald Eagles to ornitherapy and nature art.

Remaining sponsorships for the lecture series are available for $1,000 to $5,000 per lecture. Please contact April Boehnen at 239-472-1100 ext. 4.

Donors made these GIFTS to DDWS in honor and memory of friends and families during October 2021. Thank you to everyone who supported the Refuge in this thoughtful and meaningful way. Make a memorial or honor donation here.

Refuge Spotlight - America's Best Kept Secret

Culebra National Wildlife Refuge

Location: 1,500 acres; Culebra island in Puerto Rico

Totemic fauna: Sooty Tern, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Puerto Rican Boa

Visitor tips: Hiking, wildlife observation, and nature photography are available (boat access only) on Cayo Luis Pena and Isla Culebrita daily. There are no facilities , so please go prepared with adequate water and sunblock.

Image courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

GOING GREEN

Green Halloween

Halloween doesn’t have to be scary for Mother Earth. The WWF offers tips for a green Halloween. Here are five to get your started:

Turn stockings with runs into spider-webbing.
Paint foam peanuts (packing materials) and turn them into worms.
Repurpose cardboard boxes as tombstones.
Make other creative decorations from netting from bags of oranges, cotton balls, leaves, and branches from the yard, etc.
Reuse your decorations from the previous year.

Photo by Sylvia Guarino

Wildlife Sightings & Tides

Visitors have been spotting American Alligators at the Wildlife Education Boardwalk on Indigo Trail. Alligators tend to move around the most when the temperature is between 82 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 Officer Sierra Hoisington for a chance to be featured in upcoming newsletters.