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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
May 11, 2017
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Conservation Education Matching Grant
Double Your Dollars!
Because of the federal freeze on hiring, the Refuge is unable to fill its current vacancy for an Education Specialist. Without an educator, the Refuge would be forced to cut much of its educational programming for the thousands of students coming each year by bus.  "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society has received a grant that will match funds raised to support the salary for an experienced, full-time wildlife educator to work with Refuge staff for a period of at least one year. For every dollar we raise for this effort, the grant will match it with $1 up to $20,000 to pay a teacher's salary and benefits.
To make a donation toward this effort, you can donate online by clicking here and designating that your donation is for the Education Match under "Gift Comments." For more information, please contact DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller at 239-292-0566 or by email.
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Green Heron chicks; photo courtesy of Jim Bennight
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It's baby season along Wildlife Drive and the trails of Bailey Tract. Please remember to admire from afar so as not to disturb the wildlife and frighten the parents away from their eggs and chicks. Never cross tape marking off bird nests. For more information about ethical wildlife viewing, click
here
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The Impact of Education
The mission of the Refuge and "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society to educate all generations demonstrates success in big and small ways. Here, Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland toured the grandchildren of Bill and Diane Valerian. "My daughter Julia hasn't stopped talking about it and even did a report on it at school. She wrote this note for you," emailed Julia's mother.
Click here to support conservation education efforts and have your gift DOUBLED with the challenge match.
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DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller presents the trophy to Doc Ford's co-owners Marty and Brenda Harrity.
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Tarpon Trophy
To commemorate the first "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament in 2012, "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society recently presented Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille with a 3.5-foot trophy cup to grace restaurant locations throughout the year. At the trophy's base, plates list the names of winning teams and their members for the past five years. In 2012, Doc Ford's was the first winning team. "We presented it to Doc Ford's on the anniversary READ MORE
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Another Victory for Water Quality!
Hurray for Tallahassee! Last week Everglades and estuary restoration took another big step forward with the passage of the EAA Reservoir Bill SB 10 by the Florida House and Senate. The bill promises to have a significant positive impact on Lake Okeechobee water releases and ultimately the health of island and Refuge waters. With a vote of 33-0 in the Senate and 99-19 in the House, the bill proceeds to the Governor for his signature. Thanks to everyone who took the time to contact Tallahassee regarding this bill. Stay tuned for more news about the passing of the final budget.
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| Artist Andrew Corke mounts his manatee "sculptire" with the assistance of Nick Masiello, Refuge Manager Paul Tritaik, and Lawrence Voytek (on ladder). |
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Underwater Manatee Mural Underway
Phase I of the Refuge's new restroom visual interpretation "exhibit" - the first in the National Refuge System - began this week with the installation of a mother manatee fashioned by local artist
Andrew Corke entirely out of re-purposed used bicycle tires. Stay tuned as the mural and inside bathroom projects progress. Next up: We're expecting the birth of a baby manatee in a few weeks. Special thanks to WCIND for helping to make this possible.
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| Cindy Brown with team Fishin' Divas, out pre-fishing and preparing for the 6th annual tarpon tournament |
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National Fish & Wildlife Service writes blog on Tarpon Tournament
"The tarpon is not considered an edible fish, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming one of the most popular game fish in Florida.
Charter boat Captain Matt Johnson told the
News-Press of Fort Myers, Florida, that tarpon is his favorite fish.
"The fight is like no other," he told the newspaper. "It's such a tough fish."
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6th Annual "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament
A big Blue Goose salute to our generous sponsors for the sixth annual
As 100% of the purse goes to awards, we raise money from this fundraiser for the Refuge strictly through
sponsorships and silent auction.
TITLE SPONSOR:
PREMIER SPONSORS:
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
Mark & Gretchen Banks
GOLD SPONSORS:
SILVER SPONSORS:
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A scene from the new video starring Refuge and DDWS staff
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Clear Your Gear
, a collaborative effort among several Sanibel-based conservation organizations to reduce wildlife injuries caused by improperly discarded fishing gear, has released a new educational
video
. Produced by Mark Meyers of TradeMarky Films, the video encourages viewers to think about what happens to their fishing gear when they are finished with it. It is set to a cleverly rewritten version of a popular Irish folk song called "Drunken Sailor" and features a variety of local characters, including Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland and DDWS Associate Director Sarah Lathrop.
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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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Photo courtesy of USFWS
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Location
: One hour south of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, along Delaware Bay
Totemic Fauna: Piping Plover, American Woodcock, and Ovenbird
Fun for the Family: Walk along the four trails through varied habitats for excellent wildlife viewing.
Visitor Tip: The Cape May Peninsula has been described as one of the ten top birding spots in North America.
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Piping Plover
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Noteworthy Note Cards
Whether you are looking for a Mother's Day card with a difference, or note cards for any occasion, check out the selection at the Refuge Nature Store. A picture is worth a thousand words, and they make a robust nature-loving statement even before you write your sentiments inside. Single cards run $3.95; sets are $9.99.
Stop in and pick up your cards today, or call Store Manager
Jeanne Walsh
at 239-472-1100 ext. 241 for more information about these and other
featured products
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Remember, proceeds from all Nature Store sales go directly to the Refuge for educational programs and wildlife research.
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| Photo courtesy of Bill Fischer. |
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Photo courtesy of Rebecca Clemens |
This week at the Refuge: a rare
Mangrove Cuckoo
(left) spotted along Wildlife Drive and a
Glossy Ibis
along Wildlife Drive, also a fairly uncommon find on Sanibel.
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Glossy in Flight by Al Hoffacker
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To 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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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 Emily Koval and Sierra Hoisington
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