"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge

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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge

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We are a 501(c)3 non-profit that supports J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, the non-profit 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 complex’s borders. We partner in these efforts where possible with like-minded conservation organizations.

11/06/2026

Say hello to the merlin (Falco columbarius)! The origin of this bird’s name is often confusing. Many people believe that the name comes from the legendary wizard from Arthurian stories, or that the wizard was named after the speedy predatory bird. But both Merlin the wizard and merlin the bird have separate name origins. The “merlin” comes from “esmerillon,” the old French name for the small swift predatory bird.

The merlin is also sometimes called the “pigeon hawk” because its silhouette in flight and rapid wing beats look very similar to a flying pigeon. The “columbarius” part of the merlin’s scientific name even alludes to this comparison, as “Columbidae” is the bird family that includes pigeons and doves. They are not hawks but are instead part of the falcon family.

Merlins are expert hunters; they will scan from a perch and use a short, fast flight to catch their prey midair. If they miss, they will keep after their prey in a behavior known as “tail chasing.” While they are best known for catching small birds, they are opportunistic and will eat anything they can catch, including prey larger than they are; young birds will practice their aerial attacks on insects like dragonflies.

When visiting the Refuge, keep an eye out for the magical merlin!

Photos by Rebecca Clemens, Oskar Garcia, and Tanya Flores

11/03/2026

The WoW team worked with the second graders at Tice Elementary School to teach them about the plant lifecycle. The stages a plant goes through include: the seed, germination, seedling, and adult plant. The students memorized these life stages through movements and fun poses!

11/01/2026

Every Reusable Choice Makes a Difference

One person can keep an estimated 156 plastic bottles out of landfills each year simply by choosing a reusable water bottle. Small actions like these help create cleaner waterways, healthier wildlife habitats, and a more sustainable future.

That message comes to life in "Hanu" by Sedona Lehua and Trinity Joy. Crafted from unspooled plastic bottles and accented with plastic bags, bottle caps, cereal boxes, and gum wrappers, the design transforms everyday waste into a striking work of wearable art.

While Americans throw away approximately 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour, Hanu reminds us that simple choices can make a lasting difference. By choosing reusable alternatives whenever possible, we can reduce waste, protect wildlife, and help create a cleaner future for generations to come.

We are excited to see you at the REVIVE! fashion show on November 4th at Sundial Beach Resort and Spa.

10/30/2026

Have you ever watched a horror movie, or creepy scene, and heard the call of a Common Loon (Gavia immer)? Well, if you have watched 1917, Godzilla, Pet Sematary, Jumanji, or Harry Potter, chances are you have heard the iconic “wail” of a loon, which is produced as a way of communicating with its mate over long distances.

Many picture a loon with its iconic checkered back and bright red eyes along with its eerie wail; however, this bird looks and acts quite different when in nonbreeding season. Loons breed in the freshwaters of Northern lakes, and migrate to coastal ocean/gulf waters for nonbreeding season. When spotted in the ocean/gulf waters, the loon takes the shape of a much more drab waterbird with a gray back and white breast. Additionally, loons are much quieter when in their nonbreeding season, and cease any wailing or calling.

If you are travelling to southwest Florida this winter, head on over to the Refuge and see if you can spot this familiar Northern friend.

Photos: Claire Keeley, Mark Olsen, Jeff G., Tyler Moulton, and Alan Schmierer

Audio: Yoann Blanchon

10/29/2026

This year's contest attracted 134 entries from 23 states and 2 countries. The judges had an extremely difficult time choosing between breathtaking photographs and unique perspectives. Here are the photos that were awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and honorable mention. 2027 entries will be accepted starting in July.

10/28/2026

Last week we celebrated the official reopening of the Indigo Trail Boardwalk with a ribbon cutting ceremony during Art in the Wild.

The four-mile round-trip Indigo Trail begins under the Visitor & Education Center and winds through the Refuge to Cross D**e along Wildlife Drive. The newly reopened boardwalk reconnects visitors with this special corner of the Refuge.

Along the trail, you can find the Wildlife and Education Boardwalk (WEB), which features interpretations of wildlife s**t and tracks, and gives a great view of the freshwater area where alligators, and seasonally, nesting birds can be viewed over the water with a two-story observation pavilion.

Become captivated by the wildlife that this trail has to offer from Saturdays to Thursdays!

10/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Refuge for Art in the Wild last week! It was a wonderful success, featuring visits from seven-time Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest winner Jim Hautman, Florida Jr. Duck Stamp winner Beckett Smith, President Teddy Roosevelt, and, of course, “Ding” Darling as we celebrated the 150th anniversary of his birth.

A heartfelt thank-you to our talented plein air artists, Jacqui Roch, Ilie Ruby, Arlene Stigum, and Antonia Crook, whose beautiful artwork is available for purchase in the Nature Store. We’re also grateful to our birding and photography tour guides, Karl Werner and Becky Clemens, for sharing their knowledge and passion with our visitors.

We couldn’t have done it without the dedication and tireless energy of our amazing staff and volunteers. Thank you for helping make this event so special.

Finally, our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors for making Art in the Wild possible: Jim and Liz Birmingham, Stuart and Karen Watson, Gretchen Banks, Friends of the Refuge, The Huyck Family, Hank and Linda Spire, Sanibel Moorings, Tarpon Bay Explorers, John and Elizabeth Simler, Jim and Linda Winn, and Mike and Terry Baldwin.

Thank you all for helping make Art in the Wild a memorable celebration of art, nature, and the Refuge!

Photos by Diana Taylor

10/25/2026

When you take a trip to the grocery store, you may acquire around a dozen plastic shopping bags, whose journey's end is a trash can.

Plastic waste can enter waterways through littering and inadequate waste management, eventually reaching the ocean. Marine debris can injure or kill wildlife through ingestion and entanglement, affecting hundreds of marine species. Research has also documented plastic particles in fish and other seafood, although the prevalence varies by species and location.

REVIVE! Trash to Fashion is an eco-couture fashion show that transforms discarded materials into works of art. Through creativity and innovative design, the event raises awareness about waste, consumption, and the importance of conservation.

The design on slide 2 is a piece titled "It's in the Bag" by Constance Walker from the 2022 Project Refuge runway. This design was put together using recycled plastic Target shopping bags that had the potential to end the lives of marine mammals, but instead were utilized to send a message to the public about plastic consumption.

Want to help reduce plastic waste? Bring reusable bags on your next grocery trip, reuse the bags you already have when possible, and dispose of unwanted plastic responsibly. Small changes in everyday habits can help reduce waste and protect wildlife.

10/23/2026

Found throughout the contiguous United States, the raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a rather common sight, yet they partake in a fairly unknown behavior. You may have heard that raccoons wash their food before eating. While it is true that they may be seen submerging their meals in water, it is for a completely different reason than sanitization. They are actually doing this to wet their paws, increasing their tactile nerve response, which helps them decide what and what not to eat. Raccoons are mainly nocturnal, meaning they spend a majority of their time in the dark, including time spent scavenging for food. This behavior essentially allows them to “see” their food with their hands, making up for what the eyes cannot see in the dark.

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores, which means their diet consists of both plants and animals, and they capitalize on whatever is available. They will eat anything from berries and nuts to insects and small fish. Raccoons have also adapted to the presence of humans and may take the opportunity to stick their noses into a trash can or two as they are looking for a bite to eat.

The search for food may lead raccoons near roadways, which has proved to be sometimes fatal. Next time you are behind the wheel, look out for these cunningly dexterous critters!

Photos by Frank Brinker, Sherman Bedford, Lynn Alley, Deb Thompson, Rebecca Clemens, and Theresa Baldwin

10/18/2026

Over our lifetimes, we produce a lot of waste. We would typically associate our garbage with food waste, plastic packaging, etc., but our clothing is also part of the equation.

The average US consumer throws away 81.5 pounds of clothes every year, which is 2,150 pieces per second countrywide. It's a staggering number when put that way.
Fortunately, there are things we can do to minimize our impact. Experts estimate that doubling the lifespan of clothing could reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacturing and shipping of new clothes by nearly half. Making the effort to mend clothes, wear things that are out of season, or breathe new life into them can help minimize our textile waste.

Showing the true spirit of giving waste new life is the design “Downton Shabby” created by Penny Weinstein and Lois Dwartz. The design is made of all kinds of materials from cloth to plastic including: textile scraps from a sari chair trim and quilt, yarn skeins, lace doilies, shower curtain, newsprint roll, newspaper panels, milk caps, surveyors tape and more!

Please make conscious decisions about what's in your wardrobe.

Address

PO Box 565
Sanibel, FL
33957

Telephone

+12392920566

Website

http://dingdarlingsociety.org/

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