Upcoming Friday Lecture, January 27: Clyde Butcher 
Often tagged "the Ansel Adams of Florida," photographer Clyde Butcher has made for himself a big reputation based on big nature images taken with big cameras. On Friday, January 27, he will be presenting two free programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Refuge. Based on his Big Cypress Swamp: The Western Everglades and other photographic books, the programs are part of the 2017 "Ding" Darling Lecture Series at READ MORE
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New Signs
You may have
noticed some new signage around the Visitor & Education Center and along Indigo Trail. The Monarch Waystation signs are a result of a recent certification as monarch habitat by Monarch Watch. The Refuge is proud to provide food and shelter for the dwindling population of monarchs. Colorful new botanical signs go beyond naming the vegetation species, they help identify with vibrant pictures by our Refuge volunteer photographers. Thanks to all who contributed.
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Guests at the Go Wild Event will have an opportunity to bid on this beautiful hand-painted table (still to be completed) by island artist Sherry Crawford
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50 seats remain
for the biggest event to raise support for conservation efforts at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the current Wulfert Land Acquisition.
Click HERE to make a reservation today. Thanks to our growing roll of generous sponsors: Champion Level Sponsors:
Mark & Gretchen Banks
Wayne & Linda Boyd
John & Kathy McCabe
Protector Level Sponsors:
Sarah Ashton & Jim Metzler, Mike & Terry Baldwin, Amanda Cross
Defender Level Sponsors
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and joining those listed above, email or call us at 239-292-0566
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New TBE Green Initiative 
In keeping with the Refuge's strident go-green efforts, Tarpon Bay Explorers is encouraging its visitors this season to be environmentally conscious by taking an alternative mode of transportation to travel to Tarpon Bay: biking. Visitors who ride a bicycle to Tarpon Bay Explorers for their tour, rental, or shopping will receive a free gift. "A free gift initiative
will hopefully entice people to take an eco-friendly route. It's really a win-win situation," explained general manager
and part owner, Wendy Schnapp. "The environment wins by reducing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and the people win by not only receiving a free gift, but also the self- satisfaction of helping the island's environment. Plus, sometimes biking takes less time to travel to parts of the island than driving in season."
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Refuge Spotlight - 'America's Best-Kept Secret
In each issue of "Ding" on the Wing, we showcase one of the more than 560 refuges across the U.S.A.
Location: 8 miles northeast of Scottsbluff in the Nebraska Panhandle
Totemic Fauna: Snow Goose, Red-tailed Hawk, White-tailed Deer
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| | Pronghorn Antelope by Steve Dawes |
Fun for the Family: Wildlife viewing -- from birding and whale-watching, to seeing speedy Pronghorn Antelope and slow-moving Box Turtles
Visitor's Tip: Find campgrounds and hotels in Scottsbluff.
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Volunteer Awards Luncheon - February 10, 2017
- May 18-19, 2017
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Wulfert Land Acquisition
Deadline extended and updates coming
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Photo by Bob Mentzer
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Photo by Al Hoffacker
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In this week's recent sightings, an exciting shot of a Roseate Spoonbill and an American White Pelican on the left, and an anhinga sharing a log with a Florida Redbelly Turtle on the right.
To see more wildlife photos, 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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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, Emily Koval, and Sierra Hoisington.
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