Islanders and visitors alike recognize how fortunate we are to have the wonderful asset of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. The renowned preserve with its education center affords all who love the natural world the opportunity to learn more about the aquatic and bird life abounding here.
This fall, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, the non-profit Friends of the Refuge group, will fund and host a traveling interactive science center display, the Water Ventures Learning Lab. The 53-foot display on wheels will pay a one-day visit to the “Ding” visitor and education center on Saturday, Dec. 3, offering a detailed look at Florida’s watersheds, water conservation, and ecosystems.
The mobile lab visit dovetails neatly with another traveling exhibit, the six-week Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit that will be presented at “Ding” Darling from October 28-Dec. 8. The refuge education center is one of six Florida sites to host the display, associated with the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program. This traveling display, especially aimed at small cities and towns, offers interactive learning and critical thinking experiences for all ages interested in understanding and protecting our natural resources.
This fall’s focus on Florida’s waters at “Ding” Darling also will include a film and lecture series during the Smithsonian exhibit. Also, a panel of conservation experts will discuss water issues facing Southwest Florida. More Saturday family programs and activities are in the works, and Tarpon Bay Explorers will offer special tours and programming. For more information on these events, visit the website of the “Ding” Darling Society/Friends of the Refuge at www.dingdarlingsociety.org.
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!
