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Thank you to our Go Wild for "Ding" Sponsors. Please consider joining them!
Call of the Wild Sponsors: Bill & Laurie Harkey; Jim & Patty Sprankle
Champion Sponsor: Ron E. & Josephine Smith; Gretchen Banks; Bluedorn Family
Guardian Sponsors: Boomer Duvin & Family, Stan & Connie Grayson, John & Beth Newland, Priority Marketing, Greg & Linda Scherer, Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille, Bill & Diane Valerian, Liz & Jim Birmingham; Wayne & Linda Boyd; John & Kathy McCabe
Protector Sponsors: Mike & Terry Baldwin, Shawn & Laura Shaffer, Mitchell's Sand Castles; John & Elizabeth Simler; Ashton Kirchner Group; Captiva Spirits;
Defender Sponsors: HighTower Advisors, R.S. Walsh Landscaping; Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market; Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry
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A Day at the Refuge
Classically trained pianist and musicologist Erik Entwistle was moved to create an original composition while riding his bike through the Refuge. Erik, a Sanibel resident, has devoted much of his performing and scholarly career to the music of Czech composers, and his A Day at the Refuge composition reflects his specialized studies and writings. Intern Christina Hester created the video to accompany Erik’s beautiful music.
“I was inspired by 'Ding' Darling when I wrote the piece, and now your team has created this wonderful short film for the benefit of the Refuge,” said Erik. “I hope people who view it will be inspired and reminded of how special a place ‘Ding’ Darling is, and I love the idea that my music will play a role in helping deliver that message.”
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Remember, profits from all Nature Store sales go directly to the Refuge for educational programs, wildlife research, and overall conservation efforts. | |
2022 Virtual Film Series
February and March bring a new film series for 2022, kicking off on February 16 with the documentary 2040, a story of hope that looks at the very real possibility that humanity could reverse global warming and improve the lives of every living thing in the process. Films will be available to viewers on various platforms; post-film discussions will take place via Zoom. Stay tuned to our webpage as we flesh out the details. See the calendar of Wednesday film airings, below.
DDWS seeks sponsors for the 2022 series.
Please contact Sierra Hoisington at 239-472-1100 ext. 233.
February 16 - 2040
March 2 - Biggest Little Farm
March 16 - Salmon Forest
April 6 - Last Green Thread & Chasing Ghosts
April 13 - Troubled Waters: A Turtle's Tale
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2022 Art Exhibitions at the Refuge
Art exhibitions have returned to the auditorium in the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center. They include occasional personal appearances by the artists, so watch “Ding” on the Wing for details. Currently, our 2021 artist in residence, Rachel Pierce, exhibits her work inspired by the Refuge. Her exhibition runs through February daily during Visitor & Education Center hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Face masks are required in the Center at all times. Below is the schedule of upcoming exhibitions.
2021 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition – Through February 28, 2022
Lori Lawrence Art Exhibition – March 1 – April 30, 2022
Jim Bennight Photography Exhibition - May 1-June 30, 2022
2022 Artist in Residence Exhibition - September 1 to October 31, 2022
Niki Butcher Art Exhibition - November 15-December 31, 2022 (sponsored by Wayne & Linda Boyd)
| Upstate New York artist Lori Lawrence shows her nature art March through April. | |  |
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Winter Society Pages
Members this week are receiving their copy of the quarterly DDWS newsletter. You can also read it online for your convenience. If you are not receiving the print copies of Society Pages, all you need do is become a DDWS member.
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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.
Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge
Location: 17,992 acres; Dugway, Utah, at the southern end of the Great Salt Lake Desert
Totemic fauna: Horned Lark, Black-crowned Night Hero, Tundra Swan
Visitor tips: Fish Springs NWR is one of the most isolated refuges in the lower 48 states, requiring a long drive on unpaved roads without nearby food, gas, or other services. An auto tour allows access to desert uplands, wet meadows, marshlands, and open waters.
Image courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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GOING GREEN
Plastic shopping bags
Plastic bags that end up in the water can be deadly for marine creatures, who often mistake them for a jellyfish snack. It takes 1,000 years for a shopping bag to decompose. So, to keep plastic bags out of the water and landfills, buy reusable shopping bags. Ask your favorite grocery stores to consider eliminating plastic bags. If you do receive a plastic shopping bag, put it to a repurposed use such as lining a trash can.
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River Otters have been seen on Indigo Trail. They communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. They also scent mark using glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. They first learn to swim after about two months. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups.
Click HERE to see this week's wildlife sightings.
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If you have taken any beautiful, interesting, or just plain goofy photos at the Refuge, send them to Development Officer Sierra Hoisington for a chance to be featured in upcoming newsletters. | |
Upcoming Events
Artist-in-Residence Exhibition – Through February 28, 2022
Free Refuge Programs – Through April 16, 2022
2022 Lecture Series – February 4-March 25, 2022
Wellness Week: Mind. Body. Heart. - February 7-12, 2022
Go Wild for “Ding” – Year of the Anhinga, Soar for 40 More – February 9, 2022
2022 Virtual Film Series – February 16-April 13, 2022
Walk for ‘Ding’ Challenge – March 1-April 10, 2022
Lori Lawrence Art Exhibition – March 1 – April 30, 2022
Project Refuge: A Couture Fashion Show Using Trash - March 31, 2022
April No-Foolin’ Volunteer Appreciation Drive-Through - April 1, 2022
“Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival @ Lakes Park – April 24, 2022
Jim Bennight Photography Exhibition - May 1-June 30, 2022
10th Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament – May 13, 2022
Artist in Residence Exhibition - September 1 to October 31, 2022
Niki Butcher Art Exhibition - November 15-December 31, 2022 (sponsored by Wayne & Linda Boyd)
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These are just snapshots of some of the things taking place at your Wildlife Refuge. Please check our website to learn more!
Sincerely, Birgit Miller, Executive Director
"Ding" On The Wing composed by Chelle Koster Walton. Designed by Christina Hester & Hayley Caylor.
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