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September 2, 2021

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New WoW Education Intern


Kimi Birrer recently joined the Refuge team, thanks to funding through DDWS. She fills a role as educator and bilingual interpreter for the Refuge’s WoW (Wildlife on Wheels) mobile classroom and other educational “Ding” programs.

 

Born in northern Kentucky near Cincinnati, Ohio, Kimi graduated from Hanover College in Indiana this May, majoring in environmental biology and Spanish. This summer she did some field work in Wisconsin and worked on a Kentucky horse farm before arriving to “Ding” Darling last week.

 

“Kimi is fluent in Spanish, so she will be such a valuable asset in helping us fulfill our mission to reach the local Latino community,” said “Ding” Darling Urban Education Leader Melissa Maher.

 

“I've been studying Spanish seriously since entering college and have volunteered at a local nonprofit at my school that aids immigrants in many ways, mostly with learning English and civics,” Kimi said. “I also spent a year abroad in Costa Rica, where I worked with biologists on various projects. I really enjoy language learning and being able to communicate with more people as a result. I'm looking forward to being able to combine my passions for conservation, cross-cultural understanding, and learning.”


DDWS provides living stipends and other benefits for about a dozen interns each year. For more information about the Refuge’s internship programs and supporting them, contact Lynnae Messina, DDWS Associate Director, at 239-472-1100 ext. 233.


DDWS currently stewards two named internships for the 2020-21 year and is accepting donations for three future named intern funds at $12,500 a year, which is the cost for supporting one intern.

September 15: 'Ding' Day Photo Contest Deadline


Submission deadline for the 29th annual “Ding” Darling Day Amateur Nature Photography Contest is September 15. All entries must be sent electronically. Cash award prizes are $300 for first place, $225 for second, and $175 for third.

 

The contest, sponsored by DDWS, is held in conjunction with “Ding” Darling Day on October 10. For an entry form and other contest information, visit the contest web page. Complete contest rules are listed READ MORE


See the photo contest flyer.

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 Martha Huard took third place in the 2020 contest.

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Renowned ornithologist David Allen Sibley will talk about his newest book What It’s Like to Be a Bird Credit: Erinn Hartman

2022 Lecture Series Announced


The 2022 “Ding” Darling Lecture Series will bring seven authors and wildlife and art experts to Sanibel Island from February 4 through March 25, including highly acclaimed birding guide gurus David Allen Sibley and Richard Crossley. Lectures will cover topics from Bald Eagles to ornitherapy and nature art.

 

Sponsorships for the lecture series are available for $5,000 per lecture, which can be shared by up to five individuals/businesses. Please contact April Boehnen at 239-472-1100 ext. 256.

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

New ‘Ding’ Darling Day Sponsor


This week we salute Bank of the Islands (BOTI) as one of our “Ding” Darling Day top sponsors. Pictured below: Ranger Katy Hosokawa, BOTI’s David Lowden, DDWS’ April Boehnen, and Ranger Toni Westland.

 

To further its mission to reach and connect with underserved urban communities, “Ding” Darling migrates its 33rd annual “Ding” Darling Day celebration to Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Sunday, October 10, 2021. The Refuge -- in partnership with DDWS, Tarpon Bay Explorers recreation concession, conservation partners, and generous sponsors – is drawing up a schedule of tours and ongoing activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.

Sponsorships are available for the event, which will be publicized region-wide. Join the following distinctive sponsors in showing your support of the Refuge and its conservation mission.





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THANK YOU SPONSORS:

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Great Egret Sponsor: Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille;

Great Blue Heron Sponsors: Island Sun, John R Wood Properties;

Reddish Egret Sponsors: 400 Rabbits, Bank of the Islands, Media Source, Mike & Terry Baldwin, Mitchell's Sand Castles;

Snowy Egret Sponsors: Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation, Florida Weekly, Jensen's Marina & Cottages, Sanibel Moorings, Southern Snoballs

BECOME A SPONSOR

Labor Day Closures

Labor Day, a federal holiday, falls on Monday, September 6. While Wildlife Drive, restrooms, Bailey Tract, and Tarpon Bay Explorers remain open that day, the Visitor & Education, the Nature Store, and all administrative offices, including DDWS offices, will be closed Monday. Reminder: The Visitor & Education Center and Refuge Nature Store are currently closed every Friday and Sunday, because of staff shortages due to the pandemic, until further notice. Wildlife Drive closes every Friday throughout the year. Restrooms remain open those days.

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Wildlife Drive is open all weekend except Friday.

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Congratulations E Award Nominees

Kudos to our five “Ding” Darling team members nominated for this year’s county-level hospitality and tourism awards. The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau recognized Intern Jessica Barry, DDWS Development Officer Sierra Hoisington, Ranger Katy Hosokawa, Volunteer John McLennan, and Urban Education Leader Melissa Maher last week at the 21st Annual Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards (aka E Awards). Eleven employees from Tarpon Bay Explorers also received nominations. The awards recognize industry employees for going above and beyond to take care of visitors.

December 4: Wild Daze Ale Rollout


Mark your calendars and watch “Ding” on the Wing and social media for more information about the rollout of DDWS’s exclusive Wild Daze Ale on December 4 starting at 4 p.m. at Fort Myers Brewing Co. in Fort Myers -- part of our 40th Anniversary Celebration. The WoW (Wildlife on Wheels) mobile interactive experience will be onsite for the celebration, along with food trucks and other special goings-on.

 

JJ Taylor Companies will distribute Wild Daze Ale throughout Southwest Florida to restaurants and bars, on tap and in cans. The DDWS team encourages all island restaurants to carry Wild Daze. The special brew will be available for a limited window of time -- about six months. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Bailey’s General Store have signed on to sell the beer along with several other generous partners.

 

“We have a lot to celebrate in 2021 and 2022, and Wild Daze Ale promises to add fizz and buzz to the celebration,” said DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller. “We thank Fort Myers Brewing for this spirited collaboration. Our goal is to expand ‘Ding’s’ appeal to a wider, young, multi-cultural audience in a fresh, new way.”

 

Anyone interested in more information about distributing or purchasing the beer should contact DDWS Development Officer and project leader April Boehnen at 239-472-1100 ext. 256.

Latina artist and Miami native Emily Alvarez designed the label for Wild Daze Ale.

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Memorial & Honor Gifts


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



Current Mask Policy


In areas of substantial or high community transmission, agencies must require all federal employees, onsite contractors, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask inside of federal buildings. COVID data is rising sharply in Lee and Collier counties, according to CDC data tracker. "Ding" Darling is, therefore, in an area of "high community transmission." Visit this COVID-19 web page for more information. 

Farewell, Officer John


The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has appointed former Refuge Law Enforcement Officer John Thompson to the position of Criminal Investigator Special Agent. He will be responsible for investigating federal wildlife crimes in upstate New York. “It has been an honor to serve with you,” John told the “Ding” Darling team. “Thank you for your support and service. I wish you continued success in our joint wildlife conservation mission.” Congratulations and best of luck to John! 

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GOING GREEN 

 

Kudos City of Sanibel

 

At its meeting last week, the Sanibel City Council unanimously passed a ban on gas leaf blowers that goes into effect January 1, 2023. Noise and air pollution and harmful impacts on the health of people who use gas blowers have led a number of communities to vote in favor of electric blowers for residential and commercial use.

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Where Are They Now?


Davis Horton first arrived to the Refuge on May 17, 2014, as a shared intern who assisted both the Refuge and DDWS in the areas of visitor services, education, biology, and outreach. Recently, he returned to visit “Ding” and catch the team up on what he’s doing.

 

Davis currently serves in a naturalist-based position as Interpretive Program Assistant with Hardin County Conservation in Iowa Falls, Iowa. He travels throughout the county leading interpretive programs and field trips, and gives regular tours of the 76-acre Calkins Nature Area facility, which is located on the banks of the Iowa River.

 

Here, he and his wife, Allie, get a tour of America’s Best Restroom 2018 with Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland at the Refuge Visitor & Education Center during their recent visit.

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Tarpon Bay September Locals Discount


Tarpon Bay Explorers, the Refuge recreation concession, is offering a 25% discount on all rentals and tours for residents of Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties during the month of September. Locals can also launch their own watercraft between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a $7 + tax park-and-launch fee ($15 + tax for motorized vessels). Call the shop for more info or tour reservations (paddlecraft rentals are on a first-come basis) at 239-472-8900. Please bring your Florida I.D. to verify residency.

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Refuge Spotlight - America's Best Kept Secret


Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge


Location: 1,968 acres; 30 miles from Laramie, Wyoming


Totemic fauna: Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse, White-tailed Prairie Dog, and Golden Eagle


Visitor tips: There is no visitor center at this location, but the refuge encourages you to visit the complex headquarters and visitor center at Arapaho NWR in Colorado.


Image courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

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Photo by Christine Kliewer

Wildlife Sightings & Tides


Black-crowned Night Herons sometimes hang out along Wildlife Drive looking for a tasty snack. They most typically forage in the evening and at night, but, if you're lucky, you may see them during the day.


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.

Upcoming Events


Artist-in-Residence Exhibition - October 1 - November 10, 2021


"Ding" Darling Day @ Lakes Park - October 10, 2021


Clyde & Niki Butcher Meet & Greet @ 2250 Periwinkle Way Store - November 13, 2021


Holiday Shopping @ 2250 Periwinkle Way Store - November 18, 2021


Holiday Shopping @ the Refuge - November 23, 2021


DDWS Annual Zoom Meeting - December 1, 2021


Luminary Shopping @ 2250 Periwinkle Way Store - December 3, 2021


Ding's Wild Daze Beer Rollout - December 4, 2021


2022 Lecture Series - January 4 - March 25, 2022


2022 Film Series on Zoom - Dates TBD


Go Wild for "Ding" - Year of the Anhinga, Soar for 40 More - February 9, 2022 


Project Refuge: A Couture Fashion Show Using Trash - March 31, 2022 


10th Annual "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament - May 13, 2022

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 Sierra Hoisington & April Boehnen.

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