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Project: BIG 5
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We wrapped up shooting last weekend for our Refuge promotional video funded by last year's BP-Amoco grant. Cameron Michael, who recently premiered the stunning AWAKEN video
 | | Click to watch the video recently debuted by filmmaker Cameron Michael and Beaches of Fort Myers Sanibel |
for the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, is the cinematographer for the project. The "Ding" Darling video will invite viewers to "Come find your BIG 5"- our five most charismatic bird species. Can you guess them? If so, please post your guess on our Facebook page. |
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"Ding" Makes Top 5
Refuges impacted by government closure
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Contact your elected officials in Washington to make your feelings about the shutdown known.
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History, Fishing & Rapala Lecture October 15
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Gregg Wollner, executive vice-president and general manager of Rapala USA and chairman of the board for the American Sportfishing Association, will make a special guest appearance on October 15, 2013. Because of the government shutdown, the location has changed, but he will still be speaking and sharing the Rapala Story: how the first lures were made, how they were introduced to America, and how Rapala has become a $400 million international business.
There are still a few spots remaining. To attend this FREE lecture and reception, CLICK HERE
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| 16th Annual Environmental Breakfast | |
SW FL Audubon Annual Environmental Breakfast
October 24
7:00 a.m.
East Riverside Community Center (3601 E Riverside Dr.)
For more information, email:
info@audubonswfl.org
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December 13- Captivia Village Mullet March
January 8-April 16 2014 - Bi-Weekly Film Series
January 17-April 11 2014 - Weekly Friday Lecture Series,
February 21 2nd Annual Trailgate Party
February 28 - Stokes Birding Tour
April 19 - Earth Day at the Refuge & Plein Air Painters
May 2 -3 - "Ding" Darling Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament!
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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
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 Family Fun Day Cancelled (Due to Government Shutdown) |
Because the government shutdown has temporarily closed the Refuge, we have made the difficult decision to
cancel Family Fun Day on Sunday, October 20, 2013- the traditional kickoff to "Ding" Darling Days' weeklong activities.
For now, the rest of the week's activities will still go on.
Please monitor www.dingdarlingdays.com, www.dingdarlingsociety.org, and the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Facebook page for updates on other possible cancellations, or inquire by email.
This event brings in nearly 5,000 people and is an economic boost to the island community during the "slow" season. The longer the Refuge remains closed, the economic impact on our communities will continue to get worse. Contact your elected officials in Washington to make your feelings about the shutdown known.
U.S. House
U.S. Senate
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| Hyatt makes donation in honor of retiring Peabody Ducks |
 | | The Peabody Ducks doing their traditional red carpet march |
Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently purchased The Peabody Orlando Hotel. As a result of the rebranding, The Peabody's famous ducks, who visited "Ding" Darling for the opening of the Visitors Education Center many years ago, were retired at a party on September 30, 2013, in Orlando.
At the party, as a gesture to the tradition and community, Hyatt Regency Orlando donated $5,000 to the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society to benefit the Refuge. We are so grateful for the act of generosity that will benefit our wildlife.
"The donation was made in honor of The Peabody Ducks, the ducks' legacy, and to recognize our community and its efforts toward environmental conservation," said Tom Smith, area vice president and general manager of the Hyatt Regency Orlando.
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Thanks to Candlewood Suites
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When the Refuge was forced to shutdown, due to the legislative impasse, it left the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society "homeless". Society staff turned to Candlewood Suites Fort Myers-Sanibel Gateway. A BIG thanks for giving us a great rate on office space rental during these trying times. Here Candlewood staff pose with Refuge Nature Store Manager Lise Bryant (right).
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Friday Lecture Series 2014 Preview
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The free 2014 lectures will be held twice each
Friday, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Book signings follow all of the starred (*) lectures. Seating for the lectures is limited and available on a first-come basis.
A special THANK YOU to  which is the official sponsor of this season's Friday Lecture Series.
*January 31 - John Englander, Author - High Tide on Main Street
*February 7 - Don & Lillian Stokes - 3 Easy Steps to Bird ID
February 14 - Brian "Fox" Ellis - John J. Audubon Re-enactor
February 21 - Kenneth Meyer, University of Florida - The Magnificent Frigatebird
February 28 - Volunteer Luncheon/No Lecture
March 7 - Joy Hazell, Florida Sea Grant - Learning and Loving Mangroves
March 14 - Mike Owen, Biologist - Fakahatchee Strand
March 21 - Rick Bonney, Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Citizen Science
March 28 - Erin Myers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Florida Panthers
*April 4 - Charles LeBuff, Naturalist & Chris Lechowicz, SCCF - Amphibians & Reptiles of Sanibel & Captiva Islands
*April 11 - Clyde Butcher, Wildlife Photographer -
Florida: Where Water, Earth & Heaven Meet
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GREAT EGRET:Ocean's Reach Condominiums, Matzaluna Italian Kitchen
GREAT BLUE HERON: Arthur Printing, 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, Caloosa Tent & Rental, Casa Ybel Resort, Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry, Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva,
Sandalfoot Condos, Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club; Tween
Waters Inn.
SNOWY EGRET:
George & Wendy's Seafood Grille, Good Wheels, Grounds by Greenways, Island Events, Island Therapy Center, Mast Family Culligan, Nave Plumbing, Over Easy Cafe, Panther Printing; Wendy & George Schnapp, She Sells Sea Shells, Winston & Barbara Spurgeon; Suncatcher's Dream
Presented by "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society,
Tarpon Bay Explorers, & U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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| Wildlife Sightings |
 | | Photo By: Caroline Prendiville |
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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 Jess Shelton and Sarah Lathrop |
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