"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
Did you Know?
Jensens supporting our Veterans
Upcycle! Re-Cap
Quick Links


Mote Marine Sea Turtles Program
Photo courtesy of Turtle Time, Inc.
What turtle species is that? How many eggs are usually in a nest? How do turtles adapt to their environment? Answer these and other sea turtle questions during a special FREE interactive game-show program with Mote Marine Laboratory from 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2014, at the "Ding" Darling Visitor & Education Center, Sanibel Island.
The program appeals to a general audience, teaching about reptile characteristics and the different species of sea turtles. Attendees will also learn where READ MORE

Earth Day at the Refuge
Biking was THE way to see the Refuge last Saturday, when cyclists and hikers gained FREE admission to Wildlife Drive for our Earth Day celebration.
Education intern Sarah Rainbolt shows families a baby sea turtle model during sea turtle story-time on Earth Day.

Upcoming Events



June 1- August 18


June 7- August 2

October 19-25
 
The American White Pelican does not dive for fish as does the Brown Pelican. Instead, he dips his head underwater to scoop up fish. Several pelicans may fish cooperatively, moving into a circle to concentrate fish, then dipping their heads under simultaneously to catch the fish.
photo by Liz Noffsinger
Come out to the Refuge to see these giant birds before they have all migrated north for the summer!


 

Thursday, April 24, 2014
"Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's 
Tarpon Tourney Update

Only 8 boat slots remain. Deadline is TOMORROW. CLICK HERE to register or call Birgie at 239-292-0566.

NEW DIVISION!
This year we will award a special prize to the non-professional fishing team catching the most tarpon. To qualify, the boat must have no professional anglers aboard.  CLICK HERE for rules information. 

Thanks to our generous sponsors!
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GOLD SPONSORS: 

SILVER SPONSORS:
Jensen's Cottages & Marina Sponsors 
Veteran Tourney Teams

He missed the official "Jon Carnes Day" in April 2013, when he was unable to accompany friend and fellow injured marine, Corporal Christian Brown, to Sanibel and Captiva, because of medical treatments.
Cpl. Jonathan Carnes (R)


 Corporal Jon Carnes is not about to miss a chance to visit his old stomping grounds and fish for tarpon in the "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament next week on May 3, 2014. Jensen's Marina and Twin Palms Resort on Captiva Island, in partnership with Operation Open Arms,  READ MORE

Photo courtesy of FWC

Upcycle! Art Fest a Success!
Artists and attendees alike agree that the inaugural Upcycle! Art Fest rocked! Its main purpose was to educate the public about the importance and esthetics of recycling, repurposing, and reimagining. Thanks to our volunteers, artists, and buyers, the event ended up n
First place winner Jonas Stirner with Upcycle Committee Chair Barb Plasman Rogers, DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller, and Refuge Manager Paul Tritaik.
etting $6,000 to benefit Refuge Conservation and education.

A total of $4,000 came from the silent auction of the "Osprey Sculptire" by Andrew Corke. A HUGE thanks to him for his donation of time and talent. Thank you also to Cal and Jill Werner for donating their purchase for display in our free Visitor & Education Center.
The remaining proceeds came from commissions on artist sales that day including a special booth by the residents of The Springs at Shell Point Retirement Community who donated 100% of their donations to the Refuge.
Make-and-take craft station using recycled materials.
 
Shown with Ranger Toni Westland (far right) are some of The Springs recycled art team

"Ding" Cartoon
As we get ready for our big Tarpon Tournament next week, we'd like to share one of the many fishing analogies that political cartoonist Jay "Ding" Darling employed in his often controversial cartoons in the Des Moines Register. You don't have to understand the politics of the day (1903) to appreciate the humor. And we could all use a little good humor around election time! Click the cartoon to see it enlarged.
  
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 Miller, Executive Director

 
 
 "Ding" On the Wing composed by Chelle Koster Walton
Designed by Jess Shelton and Intern Sarah Lathrop