Florida Panther Biologist Coming To Ding Darling Sanibel

Larry Richardson, biologist and photographer at Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge near Naples, will make a guest appearance to speak about Where Photography Meets Science:
Using Remote Cameras to Capture the Florida Panther. His presentation takes place on Friday, February 3 in the Education Center at the JN "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Richardson and his staff track and treat Florida panthers within the 26,400-acre Everglades-area refuge in an effort to help the endangered species survive. He assists with cat examinations and radio-collar tagging, and will explain how new technology is helping in the refuge's mission. This year for the first time, due to their popularity, the free lectures will be held twice each Friday, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis. Admission is free to the event, which is sponsored by The Sanctuary Golf Club and "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge. As usual, Wildlife Drive is closed on Friday, but visitors are welcome to enjoy the free Education Center and recreational opportunities at Tarpon Bay Explorers, the Refuge's official concessionaire located at its Tarpon Bay Recreation Area.
The remaining 2012 "Ding" Darling Friday Afternoon Lecture Series includes:
• February 10 – Charles LeBuff – Images of America: J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge*
• February 17– Nationally famous birders, authors Don & Lillian Stokes – Bird Identification*
• February 24 – No lecture (Volunteer Award Luncheon)
• March 2 – Author Blair Witherington – Florida's Living Beaches* (part of the 75th Shell Fair & Show Shellabration! 2012)
• March 9 – Refuge Biologist Jeremy Conrad – Alligators
• March 16 – Dr. Dale Gawlik – Wading Birds
• March 23 – Roger L. Reep and Robert K. Bonde – The Florida Manatee*
• March 30 – Live indigo snake presentation by Dennis Giardina, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist
• April 6 – Just Ducky – Unveiling of new Duck Touch Screen computer with guest speakers decoy carver Jim Sprankle and supervisory refuge ranger Toni Westland To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit www.dingdarlingsociety. org or contact Birgie Vertesch at 292-0566, 472-1100 ext. 4 or dingdarlingsociety@ gmail.com