Please consider joining our event sponsors to support the conservation work at the Refuge
Call of the Wild Sponsors: Bill & Laurie Harkey; Jim & Patty Sprankle
Champion Sponsor: Ron E. & Josephine Smith
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
Protector Sponsors: Mike & Terry Baldwin, Shawn & Laura Shaffer, Mitchell's Sand Castles
Defender Sponsors: HighTower Advisors, R.S. Walsh Landscaping
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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. | |
Monday, January 17: Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
Admission to Wildlife Drive will be fee-free on Monday, January 17, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. As a federal holiday, however, it means the closing of all administrative offices and the Visitor & Education Center, including the flagship Refuge Nature Store. America’s Best Restroom will remain open during Wildlife Drive hours, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tarpon Bay Explorers is also open for business that day 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
| Free admission to Wildlife Drive. | | |
Wellness Week Activities Posted
As part of DDWS' 40th anniversary celebration this year and to connect individuals with the natural world, the Refuge’s Wellness Week: Mind. Body. Heart. takes place February 7-12. The week’s activities are now posted on the webpage. Participants will be able to register for the activities starting January 17.
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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.
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
Location: 258 acres; Melbourne Beach, Florida
Totemic fauna: Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Green Sea Turtle
Visitor tips: Turtle nesting season runs from June to October, when guided nighttime sea turtle watch programs are offered.
Image courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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GOING GREEN
Travel Responsibly
Travel is routinely denigrated for its crushingly negative impact on the environment. But as this article points out, travel also is crucial in educating individuals about the plight and importance of nature. By experiencing wild destinations firsthand, travelers become environmental advocates.
When planning travel in the new year, do your research on travel-related companies devoted to the environment, local impact, and sensitivity to climate change.
Hertz rental car company, for instance, has made a new commitment to investing in electric automobiles.
Certain travel planners mindfully connect you with local purveyors and resources for the most positive impact on the planet and your destination’s economy.
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Although Black-crowned Night Herons are more active at night, it is still possible to spot them during the day at the Refuge. No matter the time of day, be sure to keep an eye out for their distinct gray and black coloring when you're near the water.
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
2022 Film Series on Zoom – Dates TBD
Wellness Week: Mind. Body. Heart. - February 7-12, 2022
Go Wild for “Ding” – Year of the Anhinga, Soar for 40 More – February 9, 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
10th Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament – May 13, 2022
Niki Butcher Art Exhibition - November 15-December 31, 2022 (sponsored by Wayne and 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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