Highlights from refuge’s annual Wellness Week

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REFUGE/DDWS Child resiliency psychologist Dr. Geraldine Oades-Sese and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Ranger Jess took Wellness Week to The Sanibel School with a Wildlife Education Boardwalk hike and reading of Oades-Sese's new book, “Melusine: Birds of Many Feathers.”

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REFUGE/DDWS A guided mindful nature walk at Bailey Tract is offered during Wellness Week.

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The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that a schedule of public activities and private outreach events brought a flush of wellness to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and participants with the second annual Wellness Week on May 3-9, held in coordination with National Mental Health Month. Two keynote speakers drew crowds to learn more about the healing propensities of nature. Child resilience psychologist Dr. Geraldine V. Oades-Sese and healing-through-nature advocate Dr. Joe Blanda focused on rising from the storm, building resilience, and nature immersion to positively impact mental health. Other activities ranged from mindfulness walks and Nature Bootcamp, to birding and biking tours and a meditative stroll through Florida Gulf Coast University’s Food Forest. “People protect the things they love and care for,” event organizer and refuge Ranger Jessica Barry said. “The purpose of the refuge’s annual Wellness Week was to offer healing, emotionally impactful experiences with the hopes of cultivating a community more deeply connected to and appreciative of the nature around them.”