A favorite longtime event here on Sanibel Island is the 27th Annual “Ding” Darling Days, to be held from Oct. 16-22 at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The celebration recognizes National Wildlife Refuge Week and the Migratory Bird Treaty Centennial and this year honors the 140th birthday of the refuge’s namesake on Friday, Oct. 21.
“Ding” Darling Days will be launched with Family Fun Day from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 at the “Ding” Darling Visitor and Education Center with free giveaways, live bird presentations and games. Continuous and free throughout the day will be Refuge tram tours, touch tank, hands-on bird crafts, Jim Sprankle bird-carving demos and complimentary hot dogs for any hungry visitors.
During the week, “Ding” Darling Days attendees can join free biking and birding tours; take advantage of discounted kayaking and nature boat excursions; and hear free talks at the Refuge and Tarpon Bay Explorers, the Refuge’s official recreation concession.
The Duck Stamp Artist presentation will be the focus on Conservation Art Day, set for Saturday, Oct. 22. The day is devoted to honoring Jay Norwood Darling’s legacy as the first duck stamp artist and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist. The event includes cartooning, a photography tram tour, nature painting, and free art supplies. Five-time Federal Duck Stamp winner Joe Hautman will be speaking and signing his 2016-17 stamps.
“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) sponsors “Ding” Darling Days, with support from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tarpon Bay Explorers and numerous private and business partners. To obtain a complete schedule for the week-long celebration, visit www.dingdarlingdays.com or call 239-472-1100.
Located on the east end of Sanibel Island, just one mile from the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, our vacation rental condo community is nestled beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico. Sandalfoot Beachfront Condominium has been consistently ranked #1 and #2 in our category by TripAdvisor, also receiving their Certificate of Excellence three years in a row. Sandalfoot Beachfront Condominium. So much more than a room with a view!
