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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
October 6, 2016
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This years' "Ding" Darling Days theme is #BirdYear. Make sure to check out all of the fun activities we have planned!
Photo by Terry Baldwin |
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Teacher Grants
October 31, 2016
All teachers in schools in the five-county area (Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades) are invited to submit Environmental Education or Science related unit proposals.
Click HERE for information
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See You at
'Ding' Days
Family Fun Day
October 16, 2016
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|  | | Kids love the live animal presentations at the Refuge's free Family Fun Day | |
Sunday Family Fun Day kicks off weeklong "Ding" Darling Days at the Refuge on October 16, 2016. The Refuge and "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society have planned a free day packed with activities for all ages from 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Following the 9:45 a.m. flag-raising ceremony presented by local boy scouts, the Refuge will debut its new Orientation Film in the Visitor & Education Center auditorium, followed by a free reusable goodie bag giveaway. READ MORE
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"Engulfed" Art Show
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Stained glass work by Kathy Fitzgerald
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In conjunction with the visiting Smithsonian Water/Ways free exhibit at the "Ding" Darling Visitor & Education Center October 28 through December 7, 2016, "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society will be co-hosting a free Engulfed art show with the Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild. Artists and fine crafters will show works inspired by the waterways and other natural areas of Southwest Florida. The exhibit
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Stone sculptor John Merchant's "Pipe Dream"
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Vote YES to Maintain 20/20 Vision
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Welcome Intern Emily
Intern Emily Koval recently arrived to help the Refuge with manpower shortages this season, thanks to funding from the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society.
Emily, who graduated from Indiana University in May 2015 with a degree in marketing and public relations, serves as a shared-use intern for DDWS and the Refuge. The Carmel, Indiana, native specifically is assisting with digital content design projects.
"I grew up with Sanibel," says Emily. "My family has been coming here since I was a kid -- my parents honeymooned here -- so I have always had a great appreciation for Sanibel's wildlife. One of my favorite parts of the island is experiencing such a unique and diverse wildlife population. Also, being five minutes away from a beach isn't too shabby. The people at the Refuge are also amazing. Everyone has been so welcoming."
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October's Free Wildlife Drive Days
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Enjoy the sights of Wildlife Drive four days this month.
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To celebrate the beginning of National Wildlife Refuge Week, admission to Wildlife Drive is FREE on Sunday, October 9, 2016, to all motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. We continue to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with free admission to everyone during "Ding" Darling Days' Family Fun Day, Sunday, October 16, and Conservation Art Day on Saturday, October 22.
Pedestrians and cyclists are admitted free on Friday, October 21 - a special opportunity because Wildlife Drive is usually closed to all public traffic on Fridays.
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Voter Registration Deadline is Quickly Approaching!
Vote NO in November: Don't Let Utilities Block the Sun
Amendment 1 in the November election is almost fully funded by the utilities, who have raised an incredible $16 million to place it on the ballot and reach voters. 
Amendment 1 is a deceptively worded amendment that creates barriers for future solar power competition and slows solar use for the future. A diverse army of citizen groups strongly opposes the amendment. Read more about the deceptive ballot HERE. Vote NO in November!
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ROSEATE SPOONBILL SPONSORS:
GREAT EGRET SPONSORS:
GREAT BLUE HERON SPONSORS:
John & Beth Newland
REDDISH EGRET SPONSORS: Sarah Ashton & Jim Metzler, Karen Bell, Big Red Q Quickprint, Casa Ybel Resort, Jerry Edelman & Maryanne Daly, Rich & Sally Ennis, Florida Weekly, Ed & Lyn Ridlehoover, Phyllis Gresham, Island Inn, Jensen's on the Gulf and Marina & Cottages, Mitchell's Sand Castles & Forty/Fifteen Resorts, Painting with a Twist, Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club, Stewart & Sons Insurance, Suncatchers' Dream,West Wind Inn; Don & Ann-Marie Wildman
SNOWY EGRET SPONSORS: Barefoot Charley's Painting, John Brennan, Butterfly Estates, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, Colony Inn, Grounds by Green Ways, Intech Printing, The Island Cinema Island Management, Island Therapy Center, Marina Customer Service Training, Over Easy Cafe, Panther Printing; Sanibel Art & Frame, George & Wendy Schnapp, Select Vacation Properties, Winston & Barbara Spurgeon, Tents 'n' Events
"Ding" Days Sponsor Showcase
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Island Inn: Historic rooms, suites, and cottages on the Gulf of Mexico
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West Wind Inn: Family-friendly inn nestled on 500 feet of peaceful white-sand beach
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Big Red Q Quickprint: No job too small or big for this professional-quality printing operation
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| | Photos courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
Location: 155,000 acres on Roanoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
Totemic Fauna: Black Bear and Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Fun for the Family: The 15-mile long Murphy Peterson Wildlife Drive is a fantastic way to view some of the refuge's 17 different habitats.
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Photos courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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Visitor's Tip: Half-mile-long Creef Cutwalking trail affords opportunity for up-close waterfowl viewing, especially in winter.
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This new V-neck T-shirt for women is crawling with adorable baby sea turtles. The Refuge logo is printed on the back. Priced at only $14.95 each, it is comfortable and attractive in all women's sizes. To mail-order your T-shirt, email or call the Nature Store at 239-472-1100 ext. 241.
Remember, proceeds from all Nature Store sales go directly to support conservation efforts at the Refuge.
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| | Bobcats are among the species whose habitat the Wulfert Road property acquisition will benefit. |
Help Save the Island
"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society has undertaken a campaign to acquire 8.15 acres on Sanibel Island's Wulfert Road as a crucial wildlife corridor for the "Ding" Darling Refuge. We must raise $2 million in private funds to purchase the parcel, which lies between SCCF land and the Refuge.
Donors have already committed more than $600,000 of needed funds, so the goal is to raise the remaining funds by February 2017. If not preserved by the Refuge, the land could be developed with as many as five dwellings and READ MORE
For more information, contact DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller at 239-292-0566 or by email.
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Photo courtesy of USFWS
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Photo courtesy of Tarpon Bay Explorers
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Two great photos! A river otter and a manatee enjoying the sunny day at the Refuge.
To see more wildlife photos like this one, click on our social media links:
If you have taken any beautiful, interesting, or just plain goofy photos taken at the Refuge, send them to Carrie Alexander for a chance to be featured in upcoming newsletters.
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Wildlife Drive Fee-Free Day - October 9, 2016
Wildlife Drive Fee-Free Days - November 12-13, 2016
Volunteer Holiday Luncheon - December 9, 2016
Volunteer Awards Luncheon - February 10, 2017
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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 Koster Walton. Designed by Sarah Lathrop and Emily Koval.
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