Society News from Friends of the J.N. “Ding” Darling www.dingdarlingsociety.org National Wildlife Refuge FALL 2016 Pages

ABOUT THE SOCIETY “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, the nonprofit Friends of the Refuge organization, supports environmental education, services, and conservation at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Education and conservation efforts may extend beyond the com- plex’s borders. We partner in these efforts where pos- Photo by LIZ NoFFSINGER sible with like-minded conservation organizations.

“Ding” Darling Days 2016 celebrates “all things birds.” DDWS donated Shark Whisperer books to Sanibel School and Lehigh Elementary students for a program with author Ellen Prager during Water/Ways. ‘Ding’ Days Celebrates Smithsonian Water/ Ways Exhibit Highlights #BIRDYEAR Far more than a static exhibit, the Smithsonian’s Mu- n addition to celebrating seum on Main Street (MoMS) Water/Ways has grown IJay Norwood “Ding” Dar- into six weeks of art and photography displays, films, ling’s 140th birthday and speakers, family activities, and special programs National Wildlife Refuge that include a kids fishing derby and WaterVentures Week, this year’s “Ding” Birding tours and other get-outdoors activities fill the learning lab day. The exhibit is also made possible by Darling Days, October 16- week of October 16-22. support from the Florida Humanities Council. 22, commemorates the cen- tennial of the convention Days 2016 will focus on “all things birds.” continued on page 8 between the United States “That’s not at all difficult, since the Refuge is known and Great Britain (repre- worldwide for its more than 250 bird species,” said Toni senting Canada) for the Westland, Supervisory Refuge Ranger and Committee protection of migratory birds. Also called the Migratory Co-chair for “Ding” Days. “We urge bird- and Refuge- Bird Treaty, it was signed on August 16, 1916. “Ding” continued on page 2

INSIDE: HISTORY OF ‘DING’ DAYS • SPONSOR APPRECIATION • YEAR-END GIVING ‘DING’ DAYS continued from page 1

lovers to share the #BIRDYEAR hashtag on their so- cial media postings throughout the year.” Family Fun Day, which traditionally kicks off the

FALL 2016 - PAGE 2 2016 - PAGE FALL week with free activities, will feature live bird presenta- tions on Sunday, October 16. Other highlights include all-free Refuge tours, archery clinics, hot dogs, a touch tank and butterfly house, Jim Sprankle bird-carving demos, and kids’ nature crafts and bird games. Free programs throughout the week will address bird topics such as the Refuge’s Reddish Egret study Roseate Spoonbill level sponsors Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille and the history of the “feather wars” plume trade. On Thursday, October 20, an International Birders Film Festival will air throughout the day. The Refuge and Tarpon Bay Explorers, the Refuge’s recreation conces- Thanks to Our ‘Ding’ Days Sponsors sion, will be conducting birding tours and other free and discounted excursions all week long. ROSEATE SPOON- Quickprint, Casa Ybel Resort, Jerry Edelman & Mary- On Friday, October 21, Darling’s official birthday, the BILL SPONSORS: anne Daly, Sally & Rich Ennis, Florida Weekly, Phyllis Refuge invites the public for free birthday cake and a Doc’s Ford Sanibel Gresham, Island Inn, Jensen’s on the Gulf and Marina showing of the America’s Darling documentary film Rum Bar & Grille; & Cottages, Mitchell’s Sand Castles & Forty/Fifteen Re- starting at 11 a.m. GREAT EGRET SPONSORS: sorts, Painting With a Twist, Ed & Lynn Ridlehoover, Conservation Art Day winds up the celebration on George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille; Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club, Stewart and Sons Insur- Saturday, October 22, with visits from four-time and cur- GREAT BLUE HERON SPON- ance, Inc., Suncatchers’ Dream, West Wind Inn, Don & rent Federal Duck Stamp winner Joe Hautman and our SORS: 97.7 Latino & Juan Radio, Ann-Marie Wildman; SNOWY EGRET SPONSORS: state Junior Duck Stamp winner. Nature art workshops Andrew Thompson Company, Bai- Barefoot Charley’s Painting Co., John Brennan, The include a photography tram along Wildlife Drive and ley’s General Store, Mike & Terry Baldwin, Bank of the Butterfly Estates, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary make-and-take feather portrait. Visit www.dingdarling- Islands, Wayne & Linda Boyd, Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry, Program (CHNEP), Colony Inn, Grounds by Green days.com for a full calendar of events. Island Sun, Jerry’s Foods of Sanibel, John & Beth New- Ways, Intech Printing, Island Cinema, Island Man- The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, “Ding” Darling land, Sanibel-Captiva Beach Resorts, Sanibel Captiva agement, Island Therapy Center, Marina Customer Wildlife Society, and Tarpon Bay Explorers cosponsor Community Bank, Sanibel Captiva Rotary Club, Sanibel Service Training, Over Easy Café, Panther Printing, “Ding” Darling Days with generous support from the Moorings, Santiva Chronicle, Spotlight Graphics, Jim Sanibel Art & Frame, George & Wendy Schnapp, local community and businesses. See this page for a list & Patty Sprankle; REDDISH EGRET SPONSORS: Select Vacation Properties, Winston & Barbara Spur- of our sponsors and a history of “Ding” Days. Sarah Ashton & Jim Metzler, Karen Bell, Big Red Q geon, Tents ’n’ Events.

UPComING EvENtS Mark your calendars, and join us! Visit dingdarlingsociety. org for details.

Wildlife Drive Fee-Free Day Oct. 9, 2016 YoUtH 27th Annual "Ding" Darling Days Oct. 16-22, 2016 Smithsonian Water/Ways Exhibit Oct. 28-Dec. 7, 2016 FISHING Wildlife Drive Fee-Free Days Nov. 12-13, 2016 DAY Kids Fishing Derby Nov. 26, 2016 Happy Hour Holiday Shopping Nov. 30, 2016 DDWS Annual Meeting - Dec. 7, 2016 Biweekly Wednesday Film Series – Jan. 4-Apr. 2, 2017 – sponsored by Sanibel-Captiva Beach Resorts Friday Lecture Series Jan. 20-Apr. 14, 2017 – sponsored by HighTower/Thomas & Swartz Wealth Management Go Wild for “Ding” – Give a Hoot Feb. 8, 2017 Tarpon Bay Explorers, along with the Refuge and other sponsors, hosted Youth Fishing Day in June. FILLED Stokes Birding Tours Feb. 10, 2017 TBE hosts the event twice annually and invites kids who otherwise would not have the opportunity Sixth Annual "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon to come and learn how to fish. This year, 21 children from Pine Manor Summer Camp attended. Tournament Weekend of May 20, 2017 Nature Explorers History of Summer Camp ‘Ding’ Days his summer’s six weeks of summer day camp at the FALL 2016 - PAGE 3 2016 - PAGE FALL TRefuge created another wave of new conservation stewards. The majority of attendees received full schol- By Susan Cassell, Emeritus Board Member arships to attend. “This year’s second annual summer camp was an- efore the first “Ding” Darling Days in 1989, the other great success!” said Ranger Leigh Gay, who head- BSanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) ed up this year’s oper- and “Ding” Darling Refuge held an annual joint event ation (pictured in the in March during National Wildlife Week. The first fes- hiking photo). “This tival honoring political cartoonist Jay Norwood “Ding” year we made some Darling was held October 20-21, 1989. The public was changes, extending invited to the old Visitor Center (located in the cur- our outdoor activi- rent Administration Building) to learn about Darling’s ties, while reducing legacy in the founding of the Refuge in 1945 and in the the amount of time creation of the first duck stamp in 1934. There was an students spent inside. exhibit of duck stamps; Darling’s grandson Kip Koss This decision created and winning duck stamp artist Neal Anderson gave a a more immersive series of talks. atmosphere and al- The “Ding” Darling Birthday Celebration continued lowed the students to as a one-day event for several years. Activities were ex- learn how to have a panded to include photography contests, duck-carving fun and safe time outside. Many of our campers came exhibitions, children’s tram tours, and local conserva- from underserved communities and would normally tion groups. never get to visit Sanibel to see its incredibly valuable In 1995, the “Ding” Darling Celebration stretched to natural resources. Campers went home with the mes- three days to commemorate the Refuge’s 50th anniver- sages of conservation, environmental stewardship, and sary. Dignitaries from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service outdoor recreation fresh in their .” (USFWS), Representative Porter Goss, and Kip Koss participated in the Refuge’s rededication. Another special celebration was added to “Ding” Fishing, nature hiking, and a touch tank experience Darling Day in 1999 when the newly constructed Edu- are all part of the summer day camp program. cation Center opened. The opening featured a display of paintings by award-winning duck stamp artists Bob, Jim, and Joe Hautman. Sanibel School students de- lighted in a parade of the Orlando Peabody ducks. In 2003, “Ding” Darling Days went to a full week and celebrated the centennial of the National Wildlife Ref- uge System. Special activities included eco-tours; book signings; and live reptile, bat and raptor presentations. The Refuge was selected in 2007 to host the 75th Federal Duck Stamp Competition, the first time this event was held at a Refuge. The competition occurred as part of the biggest “Ding” Days on record. The public watched as Joe Hautman won the contest for the third time. On hand were the Secretary of the Interior, the Director of the USFWS, and many previous duck stamp winners, including the three Hautman brothers. A gala ebruary 8, 2017, marks the date for this season’s biggest Refuge fundraiser. You have probably figured out that the art auction raised $100,000 to benefit the Refuge. Ffeatured wildlife species will be owls. We will the five species of native Florida owls: Barn, Barred, Burrowing, In 2008, “Ding” Darling Days adopted its current for- Eastern Screech, and Great Horned. mat – seven days of activities bracketed by Family Fun This season’s event again takes place in the Sanibel Community House and features an island restaurants buffet, and Day on Sunday and Conservation Art Day on the follow- live and silent auction. Jim Sprankle has promised us an owl feather pin for live auction; the winner becomes a member ing Saturday. Each year adds new activities such as, in of the prestigious Sprankle Feather Club, which flocks together once a year for a special event. recent years, the Discover Ding app and archery instruc- Stay tuned to dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/go-wild-for-ding for updates on auction items and sponsors. To become tion. This year promises to offer even more as it pays a sponsor, call Executive Director Birgie Miller at 239-292-0566 or email [email protected]. homage to the Migratory Bird Treaty Centennial. DAVID BOXELL DAVID FALL 2016 - PAGE 4 2016 - PAGE FALL

Helping Wildlife & Conservation with a Tax-Deductible Year-End Donation

is the season of giving: Gifts, time, parties and celebrations, and dona- Your tax-deductible gift helps support the Refuge in areas such as conservation edu- tions to non-profit charities. Nationwide, more than 40% of all individual cation, water quality and wildlife research, internships, walkways and trails, interpretive ’Tcharitable donations are made in December by people wanting to make a exhibits, land acquisition and so many other ways to preserve and protect this vital land difference. It is also an opportunity, through giving, to generate income tax deduc- and educate future conservation stewards. With so many wonderful charities around tions that may help reduce your tax bill for 2016. Now’s the time – up to December the world doing work that makes a difference, please know how much we appreciate 31 – to make a deductible gift. that you choose to support the work taking place here at the Refuge. As 2016 draws to a close, please consider the value of donating to the “Ding” Your gift, regardless of its size, will be appreciated and put to good use. Only with Darling Wildlife Society to support the conservation and education efforts at the J.N. the help of people like you, who have compassion for our wildlife and its protection, “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. can we truly make a difference.

Ways to Support Conservation HAL WAGLE Through the Society:

Online with Credit Card On our new website (dingdarlingsociety.org), it’s even easier to make a secure, on- line, year-end gift to the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society. Options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Tax-deductible gifts for 2016 can be made any time before 11:59 p.m. (Central Standard) on December 31, 2016.

Phoned-in Credit Card Gifts If you don’t like making gifts online or do not have access to the internet, the DDWS

continued on next page FALL 2016 - PAGE 5 type of gift makessenseforyouandyourfamily.type ofgift particular stocks,pleasecheckwithyourfinancialadvisororattorneytoseeifthis at [email protected]. With butin allgifts, transfer.your stockgift CalloremailtheDDWS officetoreceivetransferinstructions credit, itisimportantthatyoucontacttheDDWS officewhenyouarereadytomake market onDecember31,2016,willbecreditedfor2016.To ensureappropriategift close ofthe before the or received on and Stock transfersinitiated sold outright. if deduction ofthefairmarketvalueandavoidacapitalgainstaxthatmightbedue Donating appreciatedstock(ifownedformorethanoneyear)mayhelpyougaina Securities/Gifts ofAppreciatedStocks canbemailedto:“Ding”DarlingWildlifeGifts Society;POBox565;Sanibel,FL33957. tax creditneedtohaveapostmarkandcheckdateonorbeforeDecember31,2016. canbemailedthroughtheU.S.PostalGifts Those wishingtoreceiveayear-end Service. Checks 239-472-1100 ext.233,MondaythroughFriday, 8a.m.to4p.m. office isalwaysbehappytoacceptyourcreditcardinformationoverthephone.Call continued frompreviouspage WAYS TOSUPPORT the greatestneed].” for [designatethepurpose,ifdesired, or leaveblankforgiftstobeusedaddress Florida” [writtenamountorpercentage oftheestateordescriptionproperty] Wildlife Society, Inc.aFloridanon-profitcorporation, locatedonSanibelIsland, our departedbenefactors’LastWillsandTestaments. It’s quitesimpletodo. “Ding” DarlingWildlifeSociety(DDWS)isproudtohavebeenmentionedinmany of “I [name],of[city, state,ZIP]give,deviseandbequeath to The“Ding”Darling You maynamethe“Ding”DarlingWildlifeSocietyinyourwillasfollows: Planned Gifts/Gifts Through Your Will Sanibel, FL33957 PO Box565 Attn: BirgitMiller, ExecutiveDirector Tax Identification#59-2240895 “Ding” DarlingWildlifeSociety, Inc. Darling Wildlife Societyandotherorganizationsimportanttoyou. “Ding” to the you considergifts you as giving makessensefor this typeof see if sors to envelopes mustbepostmarkednolaterthanDecember31,2016. Wildlife Society and delivered to theaddressbelow. If want ayear-end tax deduction, administrator torequestacheckbemadeoutandaddressedthe“Ding”Darling reporting itastaxableincome.Itissimpletomakeatransfer. Contactyouraccount direct transferfromyourIRA inanyamountupto$100,000acharitywithout without increasingtheiradjustedgrossincome. charitable organizationsandhaveitcountastheirrequiredminimumdistribution their Traditional orRothIndividualRetirementAccount (IRA) assetstoqualified Distribution provision,whichallowspeopleoverage70½totransfermoneyfrom Congress recentlypassedataxbillthatpermanentlyextendstheQualifiedCharitable IRA CharitableRollovers [email protected]. financial interests. ing professionalstodeterminetheproper giftvehiclethatbestfitsyourtaxand considering atruelegacygift. beobligatedtopay.taxes yourfamilyorfriendsmightotherwise Thankyoufor and anygifttoourorganizationistax-deductiblewillhelpoffsetinheritance As with any charitable gift, weencourageyoutocheckwithyourprofessionaladvi As withanycharitablegift, If youareage70½orolder, youcanrequestyourfinancialadvisortomakea Questions? PleasecalltheSocietyat239-472-1100 ext.233orthroughemailat DDWS recommendsthatyouconsultwithestateplanning,legal,andaccount The IRShasgrantedthe“Ding”DarlingWildlifeSociety, Inc., tax-exemptstatus, - TERRY BALDWIN - FALL 2016 - PAGE 6 T “Ding” DarlingVisitor &EducationCenter. Ringwood, Oklahoma,worksonhisbadgeinsidethe for detailsatthefrontdesk.Here,EthanTodd from come totheRefuge Visitor &EducationCenterandask their Junior Refugekids canearn Manager Badge? Just Did youknowthat“Ding”Darlinghasaprogramwhere ects inthecommunity. science projects;takefieldtrips;orconductworkproj books, andclassroommaterials;fundnew grants up to $1,000eachpurchase teaching aids, education-related projects. countiesthisschoolyearforconservation and Hendry Lee, Charlotte,Collier,teachers in available to Glades, teacher grants.Upto$10,000ingrantawardsare ects,” saidWendy Kindig,DDWS EnvironmentalEdu are gratefultoreceive our grants to fundspecial proj district, teachersandstudents throughout theschool for projectstobecompletedbyMay2017. approved proposalswillbeawardedinNovember2016 cation-related unitproposalsbyOctober31,2016.The Junior Refugemanager t Conservation wildlife society.” YouTube channelby searching “ding darlling @dingdarlingwildlifesociety. Alsovisitour page.) “LIKE” theRefugebysearchingforits“Official” Society.”“Ding” DarlingWildlife (You canalso (join our10,000+fans!)bysearchingfor Please “LIKE”uson platforms. activeonthreesocialmedia DDWS iscurrently FoLLow ANDLIkEUS Darling Refugehaveannouncedtheir11thannual Darling Wildlifehe “Ding” “Ding” Societyand All schools are invited to submit conservation edu All schoolsareinvitedtosubmitconservation Teachers inthefive-countyareamayapplyfor “With environmentaleducationfundingbeingcut eacher Grants userscanfindusat

- - - - W Lehigh MiddleSchoolstudentsworkingontheir2015-2016grantproject“Lifein a DystopianSociety.”Lehigh teacher grantsarefundedbyDDWS moniesreceived $63,000 tolocalschoolsforenvironmentalprojects.The vation stewardsfromouryoungstudentsoftoday.” missiontoeducateandcreatefutureconser Society’s cation CommitteeChair. “It’sanimportantpartofthe The new“Ding”siteshowcasesvivid wildlifeimagery. New Web SiteUnveiling content forthesite. Specialist ChelleKosterWalton, curatedandcreated Lathrop, who,alongwithDDWS MediaandWeb Site announcement,” saidDDWS AssociateDirectorSarah itoutbeforewemadetheformal and otherfriendstry opening inAugust. bel Island’sownBrightstreetGroup,debutedwithasoft months inthemaking,newsite,designedbySani you immediatelytotheinformationneed.Many thatpopsandnavigation that gets device withimagery the “Ding”DarlingWildlife Societywillreacttoyour In the past 10years, we have granted more than “The feedback has been great,” said Chelle. “Everyone “The feedbackhasbeengreat,”saidChelle.“Everyone “We’vestaff,our board, test spinandlet it a given screen, tablet,orsmartphone,thenewwebsitefor hether youareviewingitfromafulldesktop - - dingdarlingsociety.org. tact SarahLathropat472-1100ext.233orsarah@ dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/teacher-grants, orcon Fund earmarkedspecificallyforeducation. DDWSfrom the Endowment Education Conservation society.org. chases online.Visit thenewsitetodayatdingdarling merce featurefor“Ding”DarlingNatureStorepur nations online. site alsomakesiteasyandentirelysecuretomakedo visitors uptodateonallthelatesthappenings.Thenew by theGardnerfamilies.Aneasy-to-use calendarkeeps toweronWildlifeservation Drive,thankstodonations all ofourtalentedcontributingphotographers.” volunteer EdCombsforhisongoinghelpwiththatandto listed inthemostrecentvolunteersurvey. Abigthanksto provides professional-qualityimagesforallthespecies especially lovesournewRecentSightingsfeature,which Forfurther informationandanapplication,visit In monthstocome,wewillbeaddingane-com The sitestreamsfeedfromthelive camera attheob ------FALL 2016 - PAGE 7 “D Taking ActiononWater Issues or [email protected]. DDWS ExecutiveDirectorBirgieMillerat239-292-0566 mation aboutdonatingtowardtheacquisition, contact 2013 topurchasetheWoodring Point property. For infor partner onthepurchase,muchlike partnershipof John McCabearealsoworkingwithLee County20/20to goal istoraisetheremainingamountbyFebruary 2017. committed morethan$600,000ofneededfunds,sothe Refuge. Donorshavealready between SCCFlandandthe purchase theparcel,whichlies $2 millioninprivatefundsto ling Refuge.We mustraise corridor forthe“Ding”Dar fert Roadasacrucialwildlife acres onSanibelIsland’sWul campaign toacquire8.15 Y Help SavetheIsland vited toattend. launch #2.Thepublicisin ceremony atWildlife Drive’s October 18,witha2:30p.m. ing “Ding”DarlingDayson Your Gearcampaigndur officially kickoffitsClear Monofilament Busterswill Refuge alongWildlife Drive. strategically placedatthe the island.Stationsarealso at popularfishingspotson stations andsigns disposal the CityofSanibelforinstallation“ClearYour Gear” Thanks totheRefuge’s MonofilamentBustersteamand position ofEvergladesCoalitionstateco-chair. andpassion.Hisdedicationhasearnedhimthe fervor Mike BaldwinheadsuptheAdvocacy Committeewith search equipmentinTarpon Bay. BoardVice President water, andits wildlife.We havehelpedfundwaterre DDWS boardmembersandImmediatePast President Clear Your Gear ing inyourbehalfforthebenefitofRefuge,its our “Ding”DarlingWildlife Societyhasbeenwork Society continues its Society continuesits ing” DarlingWildlife - - - - acquisition willbenefit. Wulfert Road property whose habitatthe are amongthespecies Mangrove cuckoos - - - T Studies Resume Mangrove Cuckoo ings andtofollowingthetrackingsonline. exciting find tracking studybasedhere.Staytunedfor technology deployedforanongoingReddishEgret three individualstaggedattheRefuge,usingsame stitute (ARCI)ofGainesville,Florida,willbetracking in fundingfromDDWS, theAvian In andConservation Mangrove Cuckooat“Ding”Darling.Thanksto$8,000 declaration.org. the NoworNevergladesDeclarationathttp://glades urge Refugeadvocatestojointheirvoicesandsign make sureyourconcernsareheardloudandclear. We leaders, andotherplayersinthewaterqualityissueto Southwest FloridaWater ManagementDistrict,state to trackingtheseasonalmovementsofelusive he smallest-eversatellitetransmitteristhenewkey The Boardhasreachedouttomembersofthe New OrientationFilminProgress - - - Sunday, October16.Here,videographerMarkMeyers “Ding”DarlingDayscelebrationon part ofthisyear’s “Ding” Darlingwilldebutaneworientationfilmas Thanks toagenerousgrantfromprivatefoundation, to learn more and become good conservation stewards. moreandbecomegoodconservation to learn visitors towhattheycandoonavisitandinspirethem in theRefuge Visitor &EducationCentertointroduce will replaceadatedvideothatplaysthroughouttheday kids.Thenewfilm records someofourRefuge staff’s need forwaterqualityreform. Representative HeatherFitzenhagentoillustratethe State SenatorLizbethBenacquisto(above)and Members oftheDDWS board metat the Refuge with Jim Scott,Secretary Your attendanceatand participationareencouraged. VI Adjournment V OpenDiscussionoftheBusinessSociety IV BoardNominatingCommitteeReport:MikeBald III President’s Report:DorisHardy. Questions/com II Treasurer’s Report: Vasanta Senerat.Questions/ I MinutesoftheAnnualMeetingDecember2, AGENDA J.N. “Ding”DarlingNationalWildlifeRefuge. auditorium oftheVisitor&EducationCenterat December 7,2016at1p.m.andtobeheldinthe Meeting oftheSocietyscheduledforWednesday, This isyourformalnoticeoftheAnnualBusiness “Ding” DarlingWildlifeSocietyMembersandFriends: Society AnnualMeetingNotice win ments fromthefloor. comments fromthefloor. 2015: JimScott - - FALL 2016 - PAGE 8 SmIt continued frompage1 Tarpon Bay Explorers offers 10% discount on Saturday • LCEC sponsors a Wednesday Film Series. • “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society presents an exhibit ex • presents Guild Craft Fine Florida Southwest The • Water/Ways is open to the public. • Ocrtober 28-December7 dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/waterways. on December3. WaterVentures Florida’s LearningLabmakesaone-daystop Nature Photographer Mac Stone displays stunning Florida • “Soaking-It-In” • Weekly Saturday family programs at the Visitor & Educa • board memberandstateco-chairoftheEvergladesCoalition. Lorenz, AudubonFlorida;andmoderatorMikeBaldwin,DDWS Everglades RestorationProgram;RaeAnnWessel, SCCF;Jerry Southwest FloridaWater ManagementDistrict;CaraCapp, MitchHutchcraft, interactive paneldiscussionwithlocalexperts: December 2: Causeway (seepage9) November 26: “Under Water intheEverglades.” November 18: lution: AWater EthicforFloridaandAmerica.” November 4: October 28: “Ding” DarlingisoneofonlysixlocationsselectedforWater/Ways. “Ding” Darling political cartoon display.“Ding” Darlingpoliticalcartoon amining localwaterissuesandahistoricJayNorwood water-related photography. Here is acalendarofhighlights. For more details,visit gulfed tive waterexperience. tion Centerincludehands-on“GowiththeFlow”interac (excludingNovember26). Nature &SeaLifeCruises ers sponsoredbyLCEC. features nationallyacclaimedspeak art exhibit. art AuthorDr. EllenPragerpresents“OceanTrivia.” HS “Water: HaveWe Missed the Boat?”audience- Author Cynthia Barnett presents“BlueRevo AuthorCynthiaBarnett

NaturephotographerMacStonepresents FreeKidsFishingDerbyontheSanibel guest o

speaker NIAN

series -

En- - - - - three children. She was awed by three children.Shewasawedby vacation withherhusbandand “Ding” Darling15yearsagoon Jeanne Walsh New StoreManagement the late Kip Koss, and his wife Andrea. the lateKipKoss,andhiswifeAndrea. “Ding”Darling’sgrandson, childhood withJayNorwood “Ding” Darlingstemsfromalongtime relationshipsince stallment ofnewsignageattheBailey Tract. Herloveof lecting photographsandwildlifeinformation forthein ect manager. Coastal Watershed asproj Institute.Shecurrentlyserves project atFGCU’s research monitoring for anoyster tern A SouthMiaminative,sheworkedpreviouslyasanin part-time Visitor Intern. Services a minorinbiology, asa serves in environmentalstudiesand degree 2015 withabachelor’s University (FGCU)inDecember uated fromFloridaGulfCoast ports internsandresidentvolunteerswithfreehousing. foraboutadozeninternseachyear.efits TheRefugesup warmly! DDWS provideslivingstipendsandotherben Two ofourfallinternshavearrivedandwewelcomethem Fall InternsArriving herdesiretoremaininthefield. experience andsatisfy Store, Joanncanapplymorethan20yearsofnonprofit her newpositionaspart-timeassistantfortheNature ing withanonprofitthatsupportsourpubliclands.”In was readytomoveFlorida,”shesaid.“Imissedwork three yearsago.“ButinrealityI Utah’s ZionNationalPark nearly Association(ZNHA)in History theZionNatural when sheleft thought shewasreadytoretire Store helm, who ismovingherfamilytoSt.Petersburg, Florida. Fund.Captiva Conservation publish acalendarandhostartshowstobenefittheNorth tion atthepopularBarnaclePhil’srestaurant,helpingto and forMerrillLynch. Protection AgencywhileinschoolandlateronWall Street ington, D.tag">C.Sheworkedpart-timefortheEnvironmental City, shegraduatedfromGeorgetownUniversityinWash vid, aretiredreinsuranceexecutive.AnativeofNewYork Jeanne movedtoSanibellastfallwithherhusband,Da store manager. at theRefugeNatureStoreandinJunewaspromotedto Sanibel. InDecember2015,shetookapart-timeposition tors. Nowshe’sback,livingon alliga raccoons, and the birds, At “Ding”Darling,Monica’s dutieswillincludecol Monica Scroggin Joining JeanneattheNature Jeanne takesonthepositionvacatedbyAlisonConger, On NorthCaptiva,Jeanneworkedforaretailopera Formerly a part-timeresidentofNorth CaptivaIsland, Joann Hinman first visited firstvisited , whograd - -

StAFF NEwS ------is that you can bike just about anywhere,” said Sierra. “It is thatyoucanbikejustaboutanywhere,”saidSierra.“It nokee NationalWildlife Refuge. as aNationalWildlife RefugeAssociationinternatOkefe the NantahalaNationalForest. Lastsummer, sheserved Wildlife Technician workingonabatresearchprojectin a recently finishedapositionwithClemsonUniversityas wildlife andfisheriesbiology, she degreein sity withabachelor’s graduate ofClemsonUniver life Societyforherinternship.A staff ofthe“Ding”DarlingWild Cay, SouthCarolina,joinsthe generations toenjoyandthatmeansalot.” land issospecialbecauseIknowitwillbethereforfuture into itsneighborhoods,”saidMonica.“All theconserved ‘Ding’ Darlingbecauseofthewayitincorporatesnature Kip asachild.“IhavealwayslovedvisitingSanibeland more asgrandparentsthanfamilyfriends.” “After mygrandparentspassed,IlookeduptotheKosses for Panpilots they were when Am,”Monicaexplains. Nate! Welcome totheteam, Refuge inYuma, Arizona. Imperial NationalWildlife as theRefugeManagerfor four yearshehasserved and programs.Thepast inmultipleroles Service different Regionsofthe formorethan14years,Nate hasworkedintwo life Service Joyce Palmer thissummer. AveteranoftheFish andWild 2016 asDeputyRefugeManager, apositionvacatedby Nate Caswell New DeputyManager with amajorgeologyandenvironmentalscience. graduated inMay2015fromHanoverCollegeIndiana Coordinator forthe“Ding”DarlingWildlife Society. Carrie ment asfulltimeDevelopment rectors approvedherappoint year. Recently, theBoardofDi shared-use internforthepast exander Congratulations to Intern Promotion here andworkonavarietyofdifferentprojects,”shesaid. excitedtobe reach, andsocialmediaefforts.“I’mvery and annuallecturefilmseries,pluscommunityout that Igettoseethemallthetimeisjusticingoncake.” sphere. I’malsoaBIGfanofwadingbirds,andsothefact here andcontributingCO2pollutionintoouratmo makes mefeelgoodthatIwon’tbeusingasmuchgas “My favorite thing about Sanibel and the Refuge so far “My favoritethingaboutSanibelandtheRefugesofar Hoisington Sierra She remembersattending“Ding”DarlingDayswith “Kip andmygrandpabecamereallygoodfriends Sierra will be helping with upcoming special events Sierrawillbehelpingwithupcomingspecialevents , our very competent competent , ourvery joins the “Ding” Darling team in November joinsthe“Ding”DarlingteaminNovember Carrie Al Carrie fromTega at ImperialNWR Nate ontheColoradoRiver ------FALL 2016 - PAGE 9 sponsors this year’s series. sponsors thisyear’s HighTower/Thomas &SwartzWealth Managementagain T Sneak Peek Lecture Series lingsociety.org/articles/lecture-and-film-series. risk reassigning. seats mustbefilled15minutesbeforelecturetimeor Center orIndigoTrail beforethelecturestarts.Saved rivals cansaveoneseateachandthenmayexplorethe basis. Arriveonehourearlytoassureseating.Earlyar the lecturesislimitedandavailableonafirst-come the Visitor &EducationCenterAuditorium. Seatingfor IntotheNest Looks and JulieZickefoose,authorof Cat’sWalkof aLion:ALone Across America cordist GerrittVyn; Will Stolzenburg,authorof Other Wildlife hoods withWrens, Robins, Woodpeckers, and Welcome toSubirdia: SharingOurNeighbor nature-related fields. noted authors,photographers,andotherexpertsin Management, theseriespresents12freelecturesby Sponsored byHighTower/Thomas27. Wealth &Swartz 20,2017,andClydeButcheronJanuary on January other estateplans.It’s quitesimpletodo. andTestaments benefactors’ LastWills departed andasbeneficiariesofretirement Leave a Legacy and Support ‘Ding’DarlinginYourLeave aLegacyandSupport EstatePlans description of property] for[designatethepurpose,ifdesired,orleaveblankgiftstobeused description ofproperty] Sanibel Island,Florida”[writtenamountorpercentageoftheestate poration locatedon Society,devise, andbequeathtothe“Ding”DarlingWildlife Inc.,aFlorida non-profitcor will help offset inheritance taxes your family or friends might otherwise beobligated topay.will helpoffsetinheritancetaxesyourfamily orfriendsmightotherwise to addressthegreatestneed].” information, visitourWeb siteatwww.dingdarlingsociety.org/bequest. consecutive photographicpresentations:MarkRenz he 2017Friday LectureSerieskicksoffwithtwo For afullscheduleoflectures,pleasevisitdingdar Each lecturerunsat10a.m.andagain1p.m.in Some highlightsincludeJohnMarzluff,authorof “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society(DDWS)isproudtobementionedinmanyofour “Ding” DarlingWildlife You maynameDDWSinyourwillasfollows: The IRShasgrantedDDWStax-exemptstatus andanygifttoourorganizationistax-deductible ; photographerandnaturesoundre . Baby Birds: AnArtist Heart

“I, [name],of[city,state, ZIP]give, - - - - ; bring the sea theme to your tree bring theseathemetoyourtree painted glassornaments year. These gorgeous, Deck thehallswithsealifethis Holiday Buys research projects. to Refugego directly sales education andwildlife lingsociety.org orcall239-472-1100ext.241. holiday-cards. To pre-order, emailnaturestore@dingdar dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/ touch ofwhimsytoourphotographicwildlifeholidaygreet ing stuffers. at $18each–perfectforstock signs. View allfivedesignsat three eachoffivedifferentde of 15,pricedat$14.99,includes Warbling,” andmore.Eachset Snowmen,” “Twelve Warblers our “Wildlife Chorus,”“Florida onyourmailinglistwillgetasmilefrom ing cards.Everyone K [email protected] or 239-472-1100 ext. 236. [email protected] or239-472-1100ext.236. Derby,Rebecca_Lar at Becky Larkins contactRanger ter/Ways exhibitattheRefuge, October28-December7. SmithsonianWavember 26,2016,aspartofthisyear’s Park (IslandB,closesttomainland)onSaturday, No Fishing DerbytobeheldattheSanibelCausewayIslands Remember,proceeds fromNatureStore all This yearwehaveaddeda participate in the free fifth annual “Ding” Darling Kids annual“Ding”DarlingKids participate inthefreefifth ids whoareabletoholdtheirownfishingpolemay For moreinformationortovolunteerforKidsFishing IN tHEREFUGENAtURE StoRE hand- - For more Free Kids - - Fishing Derby - - - - - Shopping, call239-472-1100ext.241. holiday spiritwithanaltruistictwist.” inthe thought itwouldbeafunwaytogeteveryone Manager JeanneWalsh. saidStore servation,” we So “ wrapping. Localartisanswillalsobeonhandformeet- free recycledpapergift- ready withsuggestionsand consultants itemsfortheevent,anditwillhavegift gift theCentercloses,from5to7p.m. hours after tion Center. DDWS willkeepthestoreopentwoextra Hour HolidayShoppingeventintheVisitor &Educa date oftheRefugeNatureStore’sfourthannualHappy Mark yourcalendarsforWednesday, November30,the Happy HourHolidayShopping Bob andGaleHummel Ken andMarjieGiffin Howard Buhse,Jr. Tom andCarolynBachman David andJudyAntzis Madonna Hawkins Mr. Hamilton William Glen Gresham Frank Frantz Eynon Joan andErnest John E.Ebert Dow Mary Helen Dix Dr. Howard RandallDeming Karen Combs Jacqueline AnneCamp Ted BatesSr. Vernon andClaraBaltus Dale E.Armstrong John andKathyAllen We in receivedgifts M the Refugeinthisthoughtfulandmeaningfulway. whosupported of lovedones.Thankyoutoeveryone andinhonor inmemory Society hasreceivedgifts Throughout theyear, the“Ding”DarlingWildlife ute tofamily and friends who are important to us. For moreinformationontheRefugeHappyHour The RefugeNatureStorehasstockedspecialholiday We in recentlyreceivedgifts MEMORIAL ANDHONORGIFTS cial occasionsareawonderfulwaytopaytrib madeinhonorofspe andgifts emorial gifts June 1–August31,2016 HONOR benefiting wildlifeandcon Store purchasesgodirectlyto than $20receiveafreegift. Shoppers whospendmore wine andcheesefortheevent. and-greet. Thestorewillserve “All proceedsfromNature MEMORY Dorothy Whitehouse Dorothy DuPueyTaggart Roy Sweeney Ed Stanek Saviers Harry Donald Roessler Rizzardi Robert Tim Ring Jess PrewittMendes Gail Meier Theodore Kucera Rose Koch Elaine Jacobson Elizabeth Hoag aa aho andBethMiller Norman John McCabe Sarah Lathrop Ed FeracaandColleenKirwen ofthefollowing: ofthefollowing: - - - - NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 5752 Ft. Myers, FL

One Wildlife Drive P.O. Box 565 Sanibel, FL 33957

Forwarding Service Requested

239-472-1100, ext. 233 dingdarlingsociety.org [email protected]

2016 BoARD oF DIRECtoRS President Doris Hardy vice President Mike Baldwin Secretary Jim Scott treasurer Vasanta Senerat

members At Large Sarah Ashton Mark Banks Jim Hall Wendy Kindig Jen McSorley ADvoCACY: mAkE YoUR votES CoUNt Mike Mullins Kirstin Sawicki Dan Wexler Don Wildman Richard Yanke vote Yes for 20/20 Immediate Past President John McCabe If you are a Lee County voter, we encourage you to vote YES for 20/20 on November 8, 2016. It is an SoCIEtY StAFF opportunity for citizens to help safeguard Lee County’s Executive Director Birgie Miller Business office managerGary Ogden long-term economic and environmental sustainability Assoc. Director of Community outreach and quality of life through continuing to protect the and Development Sarah Lathrop Refuge Nature Store County’s exceptional natural resources. Visit www.ye- manager Jeanne Walsh sonconservation2020.org for more information. Part-time Store Assistant Joann Hinman

ADvISoRS to tHE BoARD Marc Giattini Bill Rankin

Refuge manager Paul Tritaik Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland vote No in November EmERItUS BoARD to Support Solar Terry Baldwin Susan Cassell Millie Ford Don Heidorn Dick Hulit Joseph Kelley Marilyn Kloosterman Amendment 1 in the November election is almost fully Chip Lesch Cindy Pierce Jim Sprankle Jeanne Rankin Mary Ruth Stegman funded by the utilities, who have raised an incredible $16 million to place it on the ballot and reach voters. Amendment NEwSLEttER tEAm 1 is a deceptively worded amendment that creates barriers Editor Chelle Koster Walton Photography Chelle Koster Walton, to future competition and slows solar use for the future. A Refuge & DDWS Staff diverse army of citizen groups Design and Production Susan Holly, Lynne Egensteiner strongly opposes the amendment. Read more about the deceptive bal- lot at www.flsolarchoice.org. Vote NO in NOvember!