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'Ding' Darling Days Highlight |
Saturday, Oct. 20 FREE CONSERVATION ART DAY
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Cartooning is one highlight of Conservation Art Day |
All FREE events at "Ding" Darling Education Center
FREE admission to Wildlife Drive
FREE snacks and beverages
FREE art kits for first 200 kids
11am Wildlife Cartoonist Dave Horton draws wildlife portraits for first 50 guests
11:30am Conservation Cartoon Awards & Cartooning Lesson with Doug MacGregor
12:30-1pm "Ding" Darling Days Nature Photography Contest Awards, EC classroom
1-3pm Meet the Champs: Winning Duck Stamp Artists; Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Awards and Birthday Celebration
Choice of activities: FREE
3-4pm Wildlife Drawing with Jaye Boswell (JDS Program Founder)
3-4pm Nature Sketching on Indigo Trail with artist Nancy Tome (free sketch journals)
3-5pm Photography Tram Tour (first 30 signups at tram booth that day)
Click here for a complete schedule of "Ding"Days events |
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2012 "Ding" Days Sponsors
Thanks to our "Ding" Darling Days 2012 sponsors for making this event possible
SNOWY EGRET:Barefoot Charley's Painting; Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program(CHNEP), Congress Jewelers, Dan Hahn Custom Builders, George & Wendy's Seafood Grille, Good Wheels, Grounds By Greenways, Gulf Breeze Cottages, Heidrick & Co. Insurance, Island Therapy Center, Mast Family Culligan, Nave Plumbing, Over Easy Cafe, Panther Printing, Royal Shell Vacations, Sanibel Art & Frame, Anne & Jim Scott, She Sells Seashells, Winston & Barbara Spurgeon, Suncatchers' Dream, Thistle Lodge |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov. 9, 2012
Meet "Ding" Interns during a Sip & Shop at Sanibel's J.McLaughlin.
Nov.13, 2012
Marvelous Manatees Exhibit Unveiling. Sponsored by WCIND
Nov. 17, 2012
Kids Fishing Derby on Sanibel Causeway
Nov. 24, 2012
Refuge Nature Store "Holly Day"
Dec. 12, 2012
Refuge Nature Store "Holly Day"
Dec. 27, 2012
Yellowstone Wolf Expert Doug Smith Lecture
Feb. 15, 2013
Cuckoo For "Ding" Trailgate Party
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"America's Darling" Premiere
and Encore Showing | | |
As a highlight of "Ding" Darling Days this year, the
 Refuge will host the National Premiere of the documentary film America's Darling: The Story of Jay N. "Ding" Darling on Friday, October 19, at 1 p.m. in the Refuge Education Center auditorium. There will also be an encore showing on Saturday, October 20, at 3 p.m. Both showings are free, but seating is limited and on a first-come basis. Click here for more information about the film. |
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Can You Help?
Temporary Intern Housing Needed |
 Former FEMA trailers house our interns throughout the year, but one of the trailers was recently removed because of mold.
With seasonal interns arriving, we are going to be short on bedrooms and need to find temporary housing for two of our female college-graduate interns for the months of January through March 2013.
Please let us know if you have an RV or trailer you aren't using and would be willing to allow the Refuge to use temporarily, or if you have decided not to come back for season and would be willing to have the two interns stay in your island home or condo, or if you have a connection with an RV or trailer company that would be willing to donate a floor model or used trade-in for a tax deduction.
All possibilities are tax deductible. If you have any ideas or suggestions on housing for our two interns, please call Society Executive Director Birgie Vertesch at 239.292.0566 or via email |
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Obituary: Longtime Friend Jane Werner |
 It is with sadness that we share the passing of a loyal friend of the Refuge and the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS), longtime volunteer and former board member, Jane Werner. Jane began volunteering at the Refuge in 1987 and devoted 2,250 hours to our mission since then. The staff fondly remember her love of education and nature, as well as her husband's. Clem Werner preceded his wife in passing.
Jane will be remembered by future generations of young conservationists, thanks to her Jane Werner Endowed Conservation Education Scholarship at "Ding" Darling. In lieu of flowers, her family asked that remembrances may be made to the "Dng" Darling Wildlife Society and to the Sanibel Congregational Church. Click here to read Jane's full obituary. A memorial service will be held November 10 at 2 p.m. at Sanibel Congregational Church. |
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Refuge Nature Store Spotlight | 
Charming Mini-Baskets
Perfect for stocking stuffers or stuffing with holiday cash gifts, these designer baskets are handmade in the U.S.A. from sea grass. Each has its own individual, finely crafted personality.
Order yours today by calling 239-472-1100 ext. 241 or by email. |
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Family Fun Day Rocked! | |
Live animals and wildlife puppetry drew a record number of families connecting their children to nature on Sunday, October 14. Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us. "Ding" Darling Days festivities continue through Saturday. 
Click here for the full schedule.
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IBEX, Celebration of Flight at the 2012 "Ding" Darling Days |
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 Refuge Wish List LOOKING TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL REFUGE CONTRIBUTION?
to check out the wish list |
Wildlife Sightings Week ending October 16, 2012 |
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Photo by Nancy Kirby |
Tide Information |
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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 Walton
Assisted by interns Karen Lopresti and Jess Shelton |
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