Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc.

This past spring, Amelia Wusterbarth and I, Kiera Williams were given the privilege to visit the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, Florida, through our International Baccalaureate Visual Arts class. We watched as the wildlife surrounded us, infatuated with the beauty that resides so close to home. We became obsessed with photographing the plants and animals, and watching them go about their daily lives with such beauty. On the bus ride home we were exhilarated and determined to turn this into a creative project that also serves our community. We began exploring different areas in Southwest Florida and posting the pictures we took online, through the Instagram handle @swflwildlifeawareness, and educating the community on what we found. We aim to give back to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, so they can continue to inspire those in our community to protect and share the environment!

Please help us to raise funds for one of Ellie's favorite spots in Sanibel, the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. An avid lover of physical activity and wild places, Ellie would frequent this beautiful natural habitat with friends and family, taking long walks along the white sandy beaches surrounded by mangroves, flamingos and crystal clear blue waters.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico along Florida’s west coast, is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for spectacular migratory bird populations. The refuge was established in 1945 to safeguard and enhance the wildlife habitat of Sanibel Island, to protect endangered and threatened species, and to provide feeding, nesting, and roosting areas for migratory birds. More than 40 percent of the refuge is Congressionally designated wilderness. The refuge's mission is to safeguard and enhance the wildlife habitat of Sanibel Island, to protect endangered and threatened species, and to provide feeding, nesting, and roosting areas for migratory birds.

Click on the link to learn more about the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge