Ding Darling Days 2012: What a treat on Sanibel!

This much eagerly anticipated, multiple day event just gets better every year!

The October nature spectacular will take place from the 14th to the 20th, and the organizers are making sure that there truly is something for everyone.  Most activities are free, and all are paced so that a family can really make the most of their day.

Opening day will kick off with games, snake demonstrations and a live animal program.  These are repeated at intervals allowing everyone to get a chance to view and participate.  They also include a variety of delightful distractions from a puppet show to face painting and nature crafts.

But don't knock yourself out on the first day as there is much more to come.

Perhaps one of the most exciting segments begins on the 15th.  On that Monday, from 10 a.m. to noon, there will be a free celebration of Flight program in the Environmental Center auditorium.  This colorful aspect to the day will feature bird kite-making and and life sized endangered species marionettes presented by Heather Henson, the daughter of the late Jim Henson.

A little later and offered at very attractive discounts, there are going to be cruises, kayak tours and a sunset paddle as well.  These delightful offerings will all be at a special 25% off the normal prices.

On the 16th, to the delight of all the bird watchers, there will be a free presentation of the Cuckoo study done at the Refuge.  This is a one hour program, so every one needs to set their Cuckoo clock on time to arrive at the beginning,  11 a.m. (sorry could not resist the pun on this one!)  A little later on the same day, there will be a presentation on Bear Management, this begins at 1 p.m. and will be held in the auditorium.

Another interesting presentation takes place on the next day, the 17th.  At 11 a.m. there will be an Osprey symposium led by Mark Westall and Claudia Burns of the International Osprey Foundation.  And following this at 1 p.m. there will be a discussion on illegal wildlife trade.

The amount of choices and activity are just too great to enumerate in one short blog post, but for more information, those interested should go straight to the source: 
http://www.dingdarlingsociety.org/ddd-events

October is generally one of the nicest months on the island, with sunny skies, temps in the low 80's and gentle breezes.  Wouldn't it be nice to create a beach AND nature vacation like no other?