October a hum-DINGER of a month on Sanibel~

It's been a long summer as far as Ding Darling Preserve is concerned.

The refuge's major vehicle venue, Wildlife Drive, has been undergoing repair and repaving. It was closed down in May and will re-open in October.

We are delighted to learn that the repaving has been on schedule.  The new surface will be an asphalt concrete that will extend the life of Wildlife Drive for 20 years, and will enhance visitor access, especially for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Even more exciting is the line up of activities scheduled for Ding Darling Days, the annual multi-event celebration of the refuge that takes place every October.

Beginning on Sunday, October 20, a wide variety of activities will be available for the public, many of them free of charge.

In fact, the first day of the celebration will be free for everything, a very special experience for the whole family!  Most begin or take place at the EC (Education Center).

12noon FREE Live Florida Animals Program, EC parking lot

12noon FREE Naturalist-narrated 60-minute walking tour of Indigo Trail and the NEW Children's Education Boardwalk, limited spaces - pick up ticket at Archway Info Table
1pm FREE Snakes Alive! Program, EC parking lot
2pm FREE Amazing Live Animals Program, EC parking lot

2pm FREE Naturalist-narrated 60-minute walking tour of Indigo Trail and the NEW Children's Education Boardwalk, limited spaces - pick up ticket at Archway Info Table

3pm FREE I Love Reptiles! Program, EC parking lot

Also featured are the FREE hourly (on the half-hour) life-size Endangered Species & Wildlife Puppets and puppet crafts garden presented by Heather Henson, daughter of the late Muppets creator, Jim Henson.

What a great kick off to a wonderful week of activities, but they go on (and on) from there.

On Monday, October 21st, birds will be a major focus of the day. 
From  11am-12noon  there will be a Reddish Egret Talk in the EC Auditorium byDr. Kenneth Meyer, from the University of Florida. And a little later from 1:30-2:30pm FREE Story of Ospreys Presentation featuring Mark “Bird” Westall and Claudia Burns, of the International Osprey Foundation. The pre-presentation showing of the Refuge's Big 5 Coastal Birds video is equally interesting.

For other days and events, as well as more details, click here: http://www.dingdarlingsociety.org/ddd-events