Only 6 seats remain for the exclusive tour with nationally acclaimed bird authors Don and Lillian Stokes on the morning of Friday, February 8, 2013. Wildlife Drive is normally closed on Fridays, meaning READ MORE | |
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More Trailgate Auction Originals |
In addition to live music and a tent party with food served off tailgates, the first-of-its-kind Cuckoo for "Ding" Trailgate fundraiser on Friday, February 15, 2013, will showcase the work of some of the islands' most talented artists during live and silent auctions.
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Marianne Ravenna at work on a one-of-a-kind roseate spoonbill block print for the auction. |
Longtime island
professional artist and landscape designer Marianne Ravenna recently began work on a Roseate Spoonbill creation using an age-old technique called White Line Wood Block Printing, which started in the 1800sREAD MORE
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The Refuge's 4-mile Wildlife Drive will be closing for repaving and construction of two large water culverts from May through September 2013. This project will replace the existing open-grade pavement on Wildlife Drive with an READ MORE
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$1.8 Million Preservation Campaign
Preserve, Protect, Educate | |
Historic Woodring Acquisition and Education Improvements
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DDWS President John McCabe and Campaign Chairman Jim Sprankle in the Refuge Education Center that will benefit partially from the Refuge Preservation Campaign. |
The "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society has embarked on a preservation campaign to acquire for the Refuge 6.56 acres on Sanibel Island's Woodring Point and to update and enhance the Refuge Education Center.
The property's preservation is a cooperative effort. DDWS and Lee County's Conservation 20/20 program will each purchase READ MORE |
| Trailgate Party in February |
 | | Tickets are $75 per person. Reservations can be made by clicking here |
Reservations have been arriving daily for people to attend the Cuckoo for "Ding" Trailgate Party fundraiser on February 15, 2013. It will feature a live and silent auction, including a weekend day photo boat tour with professional photographers Sara Lopez and Dick Fortune. Learn how to catch the essence and beauty of Southwest Florida through their
eyes when you join them on the boat for a photo lesson and session out on the water and lunch in a seaside restaurant. For a list of other auction items, including the hand carved Mangrove Cuckoo by Jim Sprankle, click here. To pay for a reservation today, CLICK HERE
Thank you to our Sponsors:
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2013 Tarpon Tournament |  |
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Crocodile Exhibit Unveiling |
 | | The refuge's departed crocodile endeared herself to Refuge volunteers and neighbors. Photo by Jeff Springer |
On Wednesday, January 16, 2013, "Ding" Darling Refuge unveils its new Living with Dinosaurs exhibit in the free Refuge Education Center to commemorate the third anniversary of the Refuge's beloved female crocodile's death in January 2010. The public is invited to attend the 9 a.m. ceremony.
The exhibit, made possible with a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation will include the articulated skeleton of the Refuge croc READ MORE |
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Lecture: Gators and Crocs |
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Dr. Frank J. Mazzotti with "friend" |
Dr. Frank J. Mazzotti has been studying alligators and crocodiles for nearly 40 years in South Florida. He will share his research findings and stories as a kickoff to the 2013 'Ding' Darling Friday Lecture Series which is sponsored by the Shell Point Retirement Community. Mazzotti will be delivering two special lectures starting at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, January 18, at the "Ding" Darling Education Center.
"I started work on crocodiles and alligators in Everglades National Park in READ MORE |
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Refuge Nature Store Spotlight |  Orchid Book
Get a jump on the "scandalous" January 25 Refuge lecture with award-winning investigative journalist Craig Pittman, who will speak about the orchid debacle in Sarasota, Florida, and his book The Scent of Scandal: Greed, Betrayal, and the World's Most Beautiful Orchid
The book is on sale NOW at the Refuge Nature Store. The lecture is part of our FREE 2013 Refuge Lecture Series.
Stop in to pick up your copy today, or call 239-472-1100 ext. 241 or email to order. Remember, all proceeds from Nature Store purchases benefit Refuge wildlife. |
Wildlife Sightings Week ending January 8, 2013 | |
Current
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Rare sighting of Razorbills in the waters near the Refuge! |
Wildlife Sightings
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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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