July 25 , 2019
In This Issue
Click the logo to learn more about our 45/82 Society and leaving "Ding" Darling in your estate.
Click photo above to learn how to enter the 2019 "Ding" Darling Amateur Photo Contest!
Click HERE  to view gifts made in honor of and in memory of friends and families to DDWS March 31 through May 31, 2019. Thank you to everyone who supported the Refuge in this thoughtful and meaningful way. 
Save the Date: Award-Winning Author Michael Grunwald

Michael Grunwald
With our coastline under siege from red tides, algae, and rising seas, Michael Grunwald's award-winning book about the Florida Everglades' backstory has never been more relevant or urgent. On March 20, 2020, the author will make a special appearance at The Community House on Sanibel Island, hosted by DDWS to benefit conservation efforts and education at the Refuge.
 
The bestselling Florida author will be doing book-signings at two separate events  on Friday, March 20. An exclusive cocktail and nosh reception with an author meet-and-greet starts at 5:30 p.m. for a limited number of ticket holders. At $125 each, reception tickets also include reserved VIP seating at his 7 p.m. lecture that will follow. Tickets for the lecture only are $30. All tickets will go on sale November 1, 2019.
 
The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise, which informed the 2018 PBS documentary The Swamp , tells the story of the manmade destruction and attempted READ MORE
Save the Date: 2020 Go Wild for 'Ding' - Lovin' Spoonbills
 
Next year, in honor of the Refuge's  75th anniversary , Go Wild for "Ding"  celebrates our iconic Roseate Spoonbill. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 12. The eighth annual fundraiser will take place in The Community House on Sanibel Island. Stay tuned as details unfold. 
For sponsorship information, contact Dot Voorhees  at 239-472-1100 ext 239.
Needed: Resident Volunteers for Education

Education Resident Volunteers work with visiting student groups and help with outreach programs.
The Refuge Education Team seeks seasonal resident volunteers who will donate their time helping with children's programs in exchange for free RV parking and utility hookups as well as other benefits.

Please click
HERE for a full job desc
ription and information on how to apply.
Merit Badge University 
Bird Study is one of the skills Scouts learn at Badge University.
On October 26, the Refuge will host its second annual Merit Badge University for registered Boy Scouts of America. Support for the program comes from the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society and Tarpon Bay Explorers, the Refuge's recreation concession. Scouts from around the nation will have the opportunity to earn up to two out of six badges being offered that day. They include Bird Study, Photography, Cycling, Kayaking, Fishing, and Fly Fishing. Class sessions run from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The non-refundable, non-transferable cost READ MORE
Click HERE  for a flyer. 
To learn more about becoming a sponsor, contact DDWS Sierra Hoisington at 239.472.1100 ext. 4
Education in Action

On-site program with Guadalupe Center in Immokalee
Although summer vacation means fewer school groups coming to the Refuge, the Education Team does not let up on its mission to reach out and teach youth about the importance of wildlife and conservation. The team hosts groups at the Refuge and takes programs on the road, a precursor to the work they will be doing once the Wildlife on Wheels (WoW)  mobile unit comes together next year. Click   HERE   to learn how you can contribute to WoW.




Teaching about sea turtles at Connection Point Early Learning Center in Fort Myers
Education outreach program at Bobby Noonan's Child Care in Fort Myers













Paperless Newsletter

At the request of some of our DDWS members, we are in the process of giving members the option to receive our quarterly mailed newsletter electronically rather than hard-copy. This not only saves your friends group in postage costs, but also saves trees and landfills. We will be sending emails to those whose addresses we have on file to present this option. If you would like to opt now for electronic newsletters in the future, please contact Sierra Hoisington. Note: Only DDWS members receive our informative quarterly newsletters. Click HERE to become a member.

Supporting Our Armed Forces

Sam on leave dressed in "Ding" apparel
Recently, we received an email from Marcia Grunsfeld with a special request to send her a "Ding" Darling sticker as a surprise for her U.S. Marine son, Sam, who was coming home to Illinois on leave. The Grunsfelds have visited and loved the Refuge for many years, and she knew it would warm his heart. DDWS sent Sam a "Ding" hat and T-shirt with a note thanking him for his service and welcoming him back.
 
Sam with his mother, Marcia
"Thank you so much and I can tell you how much it means to me!" Sam wrote when he sent pictures of himself wearing the "Ding" apparel. "I've worn the hat almost every day since I've been back! 'Ding' Darling is one of my favorite places on Earth and I can't wait for my next visit whenever it will be!"

Project Refuge: A Couture Fashion Show Using Trash
Applications now being accepted

Calling all eco-conscious conservationists, wannabe fashion designers, and "trashionistas." Mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 10, 2020, and Project Refuge: A Couture Fashion Show Using Trash . The fashion show and "Twist Tie Optional Luncheon" will take place at The Sanctuary Clubhouse on Sanibel Island, part of the Refuge's  75th Anniversary Celebration . The "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, which is hosting the event, is currently taking applications for fashion designs made from recycled materials to be modeled on the runway that day. The reimbursable entry deposit is READ MORE

Project Refuge Committee Kimberly Powers, Dot Voorhees, and Toni Ory
 






For the 2018-2019 school year, "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society provided $11,000 in Teacher Conservation Grants for Lee, Charlotte, and Collier County schools. Here, Cypress Lake Middle School sixth-graders test water quality at the school's fish pond. " I would like to thank the 'Ding' Darling Wildlife Society for allowing us to have this wonderful grant that provided us with many resources that we would not have had otherwise," wrote science teacher Jill Whitewood.  

To support conservation education at the Refuge, click HERE.
Refuge Partnership

Last winter, Refuge and DDWS staff journeyed to Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland for a "'Ding' Darling Migration" program. "Ding" Darling hopes to continue the bond formed with more such exchanges. Patuxent will be hosting the 2019 Federal Duck Stamp Judging September 26-28 and again invites all DDWS members in its area to check out and attend the events it has planned over the three days.






Plastic-Free July: Sand Straws

Based in California, Sand Straws donates 10% of its net profits to Ocean Conservancy to help support its many missions, especially keeping our oceans clear of plastic waste. Each straw's color represents a different ocean animal and the efforts to protect them. The straws come in sets of three and include a canvas drawstring bag and cleaning brush.

Stop in today to buy Sand Straws for all your eco-conscious friends. Or contact Nature Store Manager  Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-472-1100 ext. 241 for information on mail-ordering store products.

DID YOU KNOW? The Nature Store recently eliminated the use of plastic hang loops to attach price tags to reduce plastic waste and celebrate plastic-free July. Staff instead are placing price stickers directly onto shirts or using paper tags hanging from string. DDWS strives to set the example to take whatever steps possible to eliminate plastic in everyday lives -- even the smallest bit makes a big difference.
 
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.
Inaugural World Snake Day
  With her background in Burmese Python necropsy research at Everglades National Park, Education Intern Izzy Garcia has brought snake programming to the Refuge's summer agenda, including an inaugural World Snake Day celebrated on July 16. An Indigo Trail walk, crafts, lessons, and a film brought dozens of visitors to help celebrate the day.


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.

Plastic-Free July

Every day should celebrate efforts to reduce our single-use plastic footprint. Plastic-Free July is a great time to begin better no-plastic habits in your own life. Click  HERE  for a checklist of how to get started reducing your plastic use today.   

Doing Our Part to Reduce Plastic   
"Ding" Darling is committed to and has led the way on the islands in reducing the single-use plastic products that plague our planet and threaten wildlife. Thanks to DDWS' efforts, we have eliminated plastic shopping bags, plastic hang tags, and one-time-use plastic water bottles in the Refuge Nature Store and at Tarpon Bay Explorers' gift shop. In recent years, the Refuge has also installed a filtered water refill station and DDWS has transitioned to compostable plates, cups, and flatware for event use. We have a no-straws policy. 
       

In each issue of "Ding" on the Wing, we showcase one of the more than 560 refuges across the U.S.A.

Gray Bat
               
Location: Florence, Alabama (1,060  acres)
Totemic Fauna: Alabama Cavefish, Northern Bobwhite, Gray Bat
Visitor's Tip: Although the cave is not open to the public, the refuge has 2.5 miles of trails for hiking and cycling. Viewing platforms facilitate the viewing of bats during the summer

Northern Bobwhite, images courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Alabama Cavefish


Click HERE to see this week's wildlife sightings




Roseate Spoonbills have been spotted near the Observation Tower most mornings before 9:30am. It's always a good day when you see these pink beauties. 

Thank you to Rebecca Clemens for catching this bowl of Spoonbills!





T o see more wildlife photos click on our social media links:

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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.
Stay tuned as we reveal our calendar of special activities to celebrate the Refuge's 75th anniversary starting this year.









Free Summer Refuge Programs - through August 3, 2019


National Public Lands Day - September 28, 2019

World Animal Day - October 4, 2019

"Ding" Darling Day - October 20, 2019 

Boy Scout Badge University - October 26, 2019

Refuge 75th Anniversary Celebration - November 2019 through December 2020 

Clyde Butcher 75th Anniversary Photographic Exhibition - November 13, 2019-February 5, 2020 


Museum Shopping Sunday - December 1, 2019

75 th Anniversary Happy Hour Holiday Shopping  - December 3, 2019

"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Hosts Everglades Coalition at South Seas Resort - January 9-12, 2020

75th Anniversary Lecture Series - January 17-April 3, 2020




Endangered Species Day at the Refuge - May 15, 2020


Official 75th Anniversary Celebration - December 1, 2020

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 Christopher Gutierrez & April Boehnen.

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