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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
In This Issue
Nature Store Spotlight
Author Lecture
Tarpon Tournament
Newest Auction Item!
Wildlife Sightings
Winged Migration Film
"Ding" Darling Refuge's inaugural eight-week Film Series which is sponsored by The Sanctuary Golf Club continues on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at 2:30 p.m.  in the "Ding" Education Center with the documentary
Winged Migration
Amazing cinematography propels this Oscar-nominated documentary that provides a bird's-eye view of the grueling semiannual migration of various avian species as they make their way across vast distances READ MORE
  
Quick Links

 remiinder   

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

January - April 2013

Lecture Series sponsored by Shell Point Retirement Community

 

January - April 2013

Film Series sponsored by The Sanctuary Golf Club

 

Feb. 15, 2013

Cuckoo For "Ding" Trailgate Party

 

May 3, 4, 2013

"Ding" Darling Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament!

 

Refuge Nature Store Spotlight

A bright Blue Heron has flown in to join the selection of decorative colorful wildlife trivets at the Refuge Nature Store. 

Stop in to pick up yours today, or call 239-472-1100 ext. 241 or email to order. Remember, all proceeds from Nature Store purchases benefit Refuge wildlife.

 February 1, 2013
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$1.8 Million Preservation Campaign
Reaches $844K
Tom and Laura Hanson with Campaign Committee Chair Jim Sprankle and dogs Jet and Silk. 

Thanks to a  handsome donation of $25,000 this week from Tom and Laura Hanson, the Refuge Preservation Campaign has reached a new high of $844,000.

 

"We believe in investing in Sanibel," said Laura Hanson.

 

"We are deeply appreciative of this generous support for our mission to preserve Woodring Point property and improve the Refuge Education Center, said Campaign Committee Chair Jim Sprankle.

 campaign poster

Other committee members include Mary Lou Bailey,Chauncey Goss, Porter Goss, Doris Hardy, Jon Heinrich, Kip Koss, Chip Lesch, John McCabe, Mike Mullins, and Bill Vanderbilt.  Gifts and pledges can be spread out over four years.  Click here for more information about the campaign. 

 

 For more information on the Preservation Campaign or to learn how you can support the campaign, please contact Birgie Vertesch at 239.292.0566 or via email by clicking HERE

"Fish & Their Habitats" - Author Lecture
Aaron Adams

Learn how to fish responsibly and effectively at "Fish & Their Habitats: Essential Information for Fishing and Conservation" lectures by Dr. Aaron J. Adams, author of The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing for Coastal Gamefish. Sponsored by The Shell Point Retirment Community, the lectures begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, in the free "Ding" Darling Education Center on Sanibel Island.

 

Aaron Adams, Ph.D., a Mote marine biologist and fly-fisherman, figured out what was missing from saltwater fishing and frustrating saltwater anglers. He presents information on coastal gamefish behavior and READ MORE 
Tarpon Tournament: Time to Register!
Tarpon logo The 2nd Annual 2013 "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament Web site is live and registration is open! The dates are May 3 and 4 at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille in Fort Myers Beach. Click HERE for rules, registration, sponsor opportunities, and more information. Or contact Birgie Vertesch at 239.292.0566 or by email.
 
Sponsors to date include:
Platinum Sponsors: Florida Weekly, Suncoast Beverage;
We would LOVE to add to the list of sponsors. . . Please call for information!  239.292.0566
Newest Auction Item!

Just in for the Cuckoo for "Ding" Trailgate Party fundraiser on Friday, February 15, 2013, at the Refuge: This mixed media art quilt wall hanging by Carol DeCesare titled "Anhinga on Sanibel." Previously on display in the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, Florida, it incorporates fabric, foil, angelina, beads, yarn, and thread painting. 

  Thank you to our business partners for their food contributions.   trailgate invite
Wildlife Sightings  
Week ending January 29,
 2013
Photo by Douglas Hommert
  
 
Current
  
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,
Birgit Vertesch, Executive Director
 
"Ding" On the Wing composed by Chelle Walton
Assisted by interns Karen Lopresti and Jess Shelton