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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
February 15, 2018
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Refuge funding continues to decline; private philanthropic support helps fill in the gaps. Thank you for your support.
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Click the logo to learn more about leaving "Ding" Darling in your estate. |
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Tomorrow, February 16: 'Teddy Roosevelt' Speaks
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"Teddy Roosevelt" on an earlier visit to the Refuge with Refuge Manager Paul Tritaik and the Blue Goose mascot
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Joe Wiegand has been bringing President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt to life for more than a decade and has performed in all 50 states and overseas, including a White House performance in honor of Roosevelt's 150th birthday in 2008. As part of the free
"Ding" Darling Friday Lecture Series
, "Teddy" will address the audience on period environmental issues during three "Theodore Roosevelt Speaks out on Conservation" during three presentations. They will take place beginning at
10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
on Friday, February 16, 2018, in the free "Ding" Darling Visitor READ MORE
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Sunrise at the Bailey Tract: a perfect way to start your day by taking a morning walk
Photo by Steve Gresham
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Monday, February 19: Wildlife Drive Fee-Free
One of five fee-free days on the yearly calendar, President's Day on Monday, February 19, means complimentary admission to Wildlife Drive, by order of the President of the United States.
All fees are waived for driving, biking, and hiking the Wildlife Drive loop that day. The Visitor & Education Center and all Tarpon Bay facilities are open for normal hours.
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Wednesday, February 21: Chasing Coral Film
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| Click above to view the trailer. |
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The award-winning documentary film
Chasing Coral
continues the sixth annual free
"Ding" Darling Wednesday Film Series
on February 21, at 1 p.m. in the "Ding" Darling Visitor & Education Center auditorium. From the director of
Chasing Ice
, the Netflix original film explores the dramatic beauty of coral and its fragility and future in a changing climate. Coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. A team of divers, photographers, and scientists set out on a thrilling ocean adventure to discover why and to reveal the underwater mystery to READ MORE
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2018 Film Series Sponsor
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Click
HERE
for a printable 2018 Film Series flyer.
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Dr. Kress' book is available for purchase in the Refuge Nature Store, proceeds from which support the Refuge. He will sign books following his lecture.
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Dr. Stephen W. Kress, director of National Audubon Society's Seabird Restoration Program, has helped restore populations of some of the world's rarest seabirds -- puffins and terns -- in Maine. On Friday, February 23, he will be presenting two free programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., part of the
2018 "Ding" Darling Lecture Series
at the Refuge. Author of a number of bird-related books, Dr. Kress recently co-authored
Puffin Project: An Improbable Quest to Bring a Beloved Sea Bird Back to Egg Rock
. His presentations
shed a beam of hope and inspiration onto the dire global outlook of dwindling seabird
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Sponsor of the 2018 "Ding" Darling Lecture Series
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populations as he shares the success of restoration projects in the Gulf of Maine. Dr. Kress began Project Puffin in 1973 and remains READ MORE
Lecture Seating Policy
Seating for the lectures is limited and available on a first-come basis. Early arrivals can save one extra seat each with personal items and then may explore the Visitor & Education Center or Indigo Trail before the lecture starts. Saved seats must be filled 15 minutes before lecture time.
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Stokes Tours: Fabulous Birds
The birds were out in force for the annual Stokes Tours fundraiser on the morning of Friday, February 9. Many thanks to
Don and Lillian Stokes
for their time and
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Don Stokes led a tram tour focused on bird identification.
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expertise and to
Tarpon Bay Explorers
for the generous use o
f their trams and drivers.
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Volunteer Awards Luncheon
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Ranger Jeff Combs and Refuge Manager Paul Tritaik presented John Masuka's 5,000-hour award posthumously to his daughter Bonnie (second to left) and wife Shirley.
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"Ding" Darling Refuge and DDWS celebrated their annual Volunteer Awards Luncheon on February 9, 2018, at The Community House.
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Long-time volunteer Jim Ingraham embraces Ranger Jeff after taking part in a "roast" to honor him.
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The luncheon also honored Ranger Jeff Combs, volunteer coordinator, for his 20 years at the Refuge. Refuge Manager Paul Tritaik started out the luncheon with the announcement that READ MORE
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New Fishing Kayaks at TBE
Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE) is now offering an upgraded alternative for anglers to rent and fish from in the Refuge. Hobie fishing kayaks provide avid anglers a stealthy, efficient, and hands-free fishing experience. Pedal-powered, the new kayaks permit easier fishing. The Hobie fishing kayaks replace TBE's motorized canoe fleet.
 "The Hobie kayaks have really gained popularity over the past decade," explained TBE Assistant Manager Adam Sauerland. "These boats do not rely on an electric trolling motor that can run out of battery life and are more suitable to combat stiffer wind conditions." TBE is the Refuge's official recreation concession; a portion of its proceeds benefit National Wildlife Refuges all over the country.
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"Ding" Darling Teacher Grant at The Sanibel School
DDWS Education Committee members Wendy Kindig and Kirstin Sawicki attended the first presentation by Annie Franke's fifth-grade students to educate The Sanibel School about their new recycling program.
The class was a recipient of a DDWS Teacher Grant this year for the project. The students took a field trip to the recycling center to learn about what can be recycled. They obtained containers for and gave presentations to all classes and will oversee the school recycling program. "What a great project that our donors have supported!" said Wendy.
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Friday, March 2: Yappy Hour to Benefit Refuge
Tips to "Barktenders" (and DDWS staffers) Sarah Lathrop and Carrie Alexander will benefit the Refuge at
Island Paws'
Yappy Hour on Sanibel Island
Friday, March 2, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Bring your pup and come sip, sniff, and mingle. There will be free beer and wine, goodie bags, samples, and dog treats. The Refuge welcomes dogs with responsible owners who use a 6-foot leash and pick up after their pets. Thanks to Island Paws for this contribution to Refuge efforts.
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Butterfly Visions
With the approach of spring, butterflies dance through our head. From jewelry to scarves and kids' tees, butterflies are a recurring theme in the Nature Store.
Stop in and pick up your butterfly gifts today. Or contact Store Manager
Jeanne Walsh
at 239-472-1100 ext. 241 for more information about mail-ordering these and other
featured products.
Remember, members of "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society receive a 10% discount at the Nature Store. Proceeds from all Nature Store sales go directly to the Refuge for educational programs and wildlife research.
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In each issue of "Ding" on the Wing, we showcase one of more than 560 refuges in the U.S.A.
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Images courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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Location:
72 square miles in Marble Falls, Texas
Totemic fauna:
Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo
Fun for the Family
: On the south side of the refuge, Warbler Vista offers 2.5 miles of foot trails and amazing views.
Visitor's tip:
Enjoy the refuge's 7 miles of trails free of charge, seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.
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Black-capped Vireo
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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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Go Native
Blossomy bushes and fruitful trees may constitute your vision of a dream yard, but try to balance nonnative vegetation with a healthy population of indigenous plants. Not only does native gardening save you on water bills and maintenance, it saves our shrinking water sources from depletion and pollution from fertilizers and pesticides. Furthermore, native plants produce nectar, pollen, and seeds to attract and feed pollinators and other local wildlife. Also avoid planting thirsty sod in favor of rock, shell, or other planet-friendly ground cover. Click
here
to learn more about the benefits of native gardening.
On Sanibel Island, to learn more about native gardening and buy indigenous plants visit the Native Landscapes and Garden Center at the SCCF Bailey Homestead Preserve.
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Click
here to see this week's wildlife sightings
A pair of White Pelicans seem to be flying in sync together at the Refuge: lovebirds, perhaps?
Thanks to bearthimages.com for the photo.
T
o see more wildlife photos like this one, click on our social media links:
If you have taken any beautiful, interesting, or just plain goofy photos taken at the Refuge, send them to Philanthropic Coordinator,
Carrie Alexander, for a chance to be featured in upcoming newsletters.
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Volunteer Holiday Luncheon
- December 14, 2018
Volunteer Awards Luncheon
- February 8, 2019
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These are just snapshots of some of the things taking place at your Wildlife Refuge. Please check our website at
www.dingdarlingsociety.org to learn more!
Sincerely,
"Ding" On The Wing composed by Chelle Koster Walton. Designed by Sierra Hoisington and Amanda Brooks
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