11th Annual Tarpon Tourney

The 11th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tourney kicks off today, May 18, with the Captain’s Meeting, in preparation for the official tournament tomorrow, May 19. The tournament pays 100% of entry fees out in cash awards. This year, the purse of $55,665 goes to the top five winning teams. Special prizes will also be presented to the Top Female Angler; Top Senior Angler (age 60+) and to the top Amateur Team.

Good luck, anglers! Look here next week for the winning teams and competition tidbits. Follow our facebook page with photos and updates.

With 100% of the entry fees going back to the anglers, it is the sponsors and donors which raise money for the conservation work at the Refuge. More than $1 million has been raised through this tournament for conservation efforts since it began 10 years ago. Please thank our sponsors below. This tournament would not be what it is today without them.

New Marketing Manager

We recently welcomed Gretchen Engelbrecht as Community and Outreach Marketing Manager, a position vacated in January 2022. She will oversee the coordination and implementation of programs and outreach activities managed by DDWS.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Gretchen received her bachelor of fine arts with an emphasis in art and technology from The Ohio State University in Columbus. She most recently served as the marketing and community coordinator for the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Services at Ohio State. She brings with her a background in video, print, website, and digital and social media marketing, along with experience in special events, fundraising, public speaking, and overall nonprofit development.

“Her references describe her as well-rounded, creative, entrepreneurial, and a real asset to any team,” said DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller Gresham. “We’ve already seen those qualities and a welcomed enthusiasm for the Refuge and our work support its conservation mission.”

“Working closely with nature, conservation, and creative projects is something I am excited to be a part of,” said Gretchen. “Both Sanibel and ‘Ding’ Darling feel to be a warm, inviting community.”

We Heart Our Teachers

Last week, “Ding” Darling showed love to all our talented, devoted staff on the WoW (Wildlife on Wheels) team. In addition to leader Melissa Maher, Urban Ranger Yvette Carrasco, WoW Intern Diana Iglesia, and the “Ding” Visitor Service rangers, we have these three indispensable volunteer teachers to thank. Retired teachers Kathy Sanders, Diana Wideman, and Cheryl Tice have made it possible for WoW to reach more than 7,700 Lee County School District students this year, despite the hurricane and its impact on Refuge staffing. In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week last week, “Ding” Darling recognized their important contributions to our missions of conservation education and community connection. A huge THANK YOU!

Lecture Series Returns to Refuge in January

After two years of social distancing and one year of cancelation due to Hurricane Ian, the well-loved “Ding” Darling Lecture Series returns to where it belongs – the Refuge Visitor & Education Center. The schedule of lecturers is under design right now, slated to begin in January 2024.

Expect impressive, popular speakers including world-famous nature photographer Clyde Butcher and Richard Crossley, author and artist of his eponymous bird ID guides, along with other exciting experts in the fields of nature and art.

WoW Update: What a School Year!

As WoW (Wildlife on Wheels) finished its school-year visits last week, we look back on an incredible season. We’re not just saying that. The numbers prove it: WoW educated at 11 Title 1 Schools from November 1 through May 15, reaching 7,625 students despite Hurricane Ian’s intrusion. In addition, WoW worked with all grade levels from kindergarten to high school teaching to the required Florida curriculum.

“Every year, we teach more and learn more,” said Urban Education Leader Melissa Maher. “Hurricane Ian only made us stronger. DingStrong! We topped the 2022-2023 school-year numbers by 565 students!”

With the school year ending, the WoW educators switch gears to summer camp. The theme of the camps is Micro Mania, which entails the use of microscopes and microplastics activities.

Already five commitments are on the docket:

June 12-16: Eden Park Elementary, Immokalee

June 19-23: Harlem Heights Community Charter School, Fort Myers

June 26-30: Harns Marsh Elementary, Lehigh Acres

July 3-7: Sunshine Elementary, Lehigh Acres

July 21-28 (tentative): PACE Center for Girls, Fort Myers

Donate today to support the upkeep and staffing for WoW. Thank you for helping us spread the conservation message to those with limited opportunities, so they, too, can experience and appreciate wildlife and its habitat.

Wellness Week Highlights

A full schedule of healing-through-nature activities brought a flush of wellness to the Refuge and participants with its second annual Wellness Week [https://dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/wellness], May 3-9, in coordination with National Mental Health Month.

Visit our Wellness Week Album to view memories of our successful event.

Wildlife Sightings & Tides

Next time you visit the Refuge, be sure to take time to pause and observe your surroundings. You never know what animal is perched quietly in the mangroves. Tricolored Herons tend to feed alone, but often stay at the edge of groups of other wading birds, waiting for them to stir up fish and other aquatic prey.

Photo by Marjorie Ellison

These are just snapshots of some of the things taking place at your Wildlife Refuge. Please check our website to learn more. Thank you for caring about the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Sincerely,

Birgit Miller, Executive Director

"Ding" On The Wing composed by Chelle Koster Walton. Designed by Ali Reece