"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
"Ding" Days Sponsors
Upcycle! Art Fest
Student Scholarships
Art Exhibit at "Ding"
Wildlife Signtings
partners Guest Contribution  Partners 
A "Ding" Darling thank-you to our business partners who participate in the Guest Contribution Program, whereby customers have the option to donate a dollar per day or per visit to support Refuge programs and services. Please help us show our appreciation by supporting the following businesses.
jensens Jensen's Island Resorts & Marina
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island

 
Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island
  
 Any local businesses that wish to participate can contact Executive Director Birgie Vertesch at
239-292-0566 or email.
Quick Links
Upcoming Events
attractions clipart 
May 21-August 15
  
July TBD: Wildlife Education Boardwalk Ribbon Cutting
  
October 20-26 "Ding" Darling Days
  
April 26-27, 2014 
  
May 2 -3, 2014
  
  
 June 20, 2013
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Help Save this Land     
                       campaign       
You can still be a part of the  "Ding" Darling Preservation Campaign, if you would like to make a donation please call the "Ding" Darling office at 239.292.0566, email us or click here.   
Thank You, Doc Ford's
"Ding" Days co-chairs Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland (far right) and DDWS Board Member Wendy Schnapp (front right) accept a $5,000 check from Doc Ford's owner and staff (left to right) Donna Butz, Raynauld Bently, Liz Harris (front), Mark Marinello, Jean Crenshaw, and Kim McGonnell. 
Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille for the sixth consecutive year has donated $5,000 to 
"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society for its
2013 "Ding" Darling Days birding and eco-festival, which will draw more than 6,000 visitors to the Refuge the week of
Oct. 20-26, 2013. 
  As a $5,000 donor, Doc Ford's becomes a Roseate Spoonbill, a top level sponsor READ MORE

"Ding" Days Sponsors
ROSEATE SPOONBILL: Doc Ford's joins the following sponsors of the 24th annual "Ding" Darling Days:

 

GREAT EGRET: Ocean's Reach Condominiums

 

GREAT BLUE HERON: Bailey's General Store, Island Sun, Jerry's Foods, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, Jim & Patty Sprankle, West Wind Inn

 

REDDISH EGRET: Mike & Terry Baldwin, Big Red Q Quickprint, Casa Ybel Resort, Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry, Tween Waters Inn.

 

SNOWY EGRET: Art & Susan Cassell, Dan Hahn Custom Builders, George & Wendy's Seafood Grille, Grounds by Greenways, Island Therapy Center, Wendy & George Schnapp, She Sells Sea Shells, Winston & Barbara Spurgeon

 

For information on becoming a "Ding" Darling sponsor click here or contact Wendy Schnapp at 239-470-1877 by July 30, 2013. To learn more about "Ding" Days events and activities, click here

2014 Upcycle! Art Fest
Attention all artists and art-lovers!
April 26-27, 2014, marks our inauguaral Upcycle! Art Fest--Sanibel Island's first juried arts and crafts festival to require 60 percent usage (or more) of repurposed and re-envisioned materials. To apply or learn more about the event, please click here 
2013 Student Scholarships
    In our mission to create wildlife stewards from our local pool of students, "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society administers named scholarships each year. This year it awarded 11 scholarships to graduating seniors and college students pursuing degrees in biology and environmental education. 

 

Click here to read full descriptions of 2013 "Ding" scholarship winners. 
Scholarship recipients, along with parents and donors, gathered recently at the Refuge to accept their awards and enjoy meeting each other. 
Recycled Art Exhibit at "Ding"
Come visit our FREE Education Center to see the new Recycled Art display by volunteer and artist, Maryann Czarnecki: a manatee made from plastic bags and wire mesh, a sea turtle made from yogurt containers, and  a bottle cap alligator! 
 
Maybe this will get your creative juices flowing, and you can enter your own art for sale in our upcoming Upcycle Art Fest!

 

Refuge Nature Store Highlights

   Perfect for your home, patio, or yard, these metal sculptures depict popular Florida birds. They cost $45 or $68 depending upon size. Stop in at the Refuge Nature Store to have a look 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 June 18, 2013

Marsh Rabbit 
By Photo Contest Honorable Mention Danielle Lynch
  
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 intern Jess Shelton