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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
January 19, 2017
In This Issue
Mark Renz Lecture
Clyde Butcher Lecture
New Signs
Go Wild for "Ding"
TBE Green Initiative
Refuge Spotlight
Upcoming Events
Wildlife Sightings
Quick Links

Reddish Egret by Janet Kirk
Lecture Tomorrow, January 20
 
Fort Myers native Mark Renz recently released the first of three new books featuring off-beat, ecology-based photography and prose. Based on the book,
Naturally Twisted: A Wild Look At The Wild is the subject of Renz's two free photographic presentations on
Friday, January 20, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., part of the 2017 "Ding" Darling Lecture Series. Mark is founding president of the Paleontological Society of Lee County. He operates Fossil Expeditions READ MORE

Thanks to our 2017 lecture series sponsor: 
Seating for the lectures is limited and available on a first-come basis. Arrive one hour early to assure a place to sit. Early arrivals can save one seat each and then may explore the Visitor & Education Center or Indigo Trail before the lecture starts. Saved seats must be filled 15 minutes before lecture time.
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

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.

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
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
                   Jim & Patty Sprankle
                   John & Kathy McCabe

                    Guardian Level Sponsors:   

   
      
  Protector Level Sponsors:
Sarah Ashton & Jim Metzler, Mike & Terry Baldwin, Amanda Cross
 
    

 Defender Level Sponsors
Barrier Island Title Service, Doug & Sherry Gentry, Greenwood Consulting Group,  John Grey Painting;Phyllis Gresham, Hank & Linda Spire, 
Tree West LLC, 50% Off Framing, Peter & Paula Bentinck-Smith, Gulf Coast Landscape Nursery

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and joining those listed above, email or call us at 239-292-0566

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."  


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
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.
Snow Geese
  


Free Winter Programs - Through April 12, 2017

Biweekly Wednesday Film Series - January 4-April 12, 2017 

Weekly Friday Lecture Series - January 20-April 14, 2017

 Go Wild for "Ding" - February 8, 2017

Stokes Birding Tour (FULL)  - February 10, 2017

Volunteer Awards Luncheon - February 10, 2017

  - May 18-19, 2017

29th Annual "Ding" Darling Days - October 15-21, 2017

Wulfert Land Acquisition
Deadline extended and updates coming
8.15 acres READ MORE

Photo by Bob Mentzer

Photo by Al Hoffacker
 


 
 

 





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:
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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.

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 Sarah Lathrop, Emily Koval, and Sierra Hoisington.

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