REFUGE/DDWS Author, TV producer and avid birder since age 7, James Currie will speak about his book “When Eagles Roar: The Amazing Journey of an African Wildlife Adventurer” on Feb. 1.

Birds, wildlife hurricane survival, electronic screens, toxic waste and trash: What do they all have in common? They are the topics of six speakers who fill the free “Ding” Darling Lecture Series this season for the 19th year at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.

Returning to the refuge for the first time since 2020, the lectures will take place on Jan. 18 through March 21 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on certain Thursdays throughout the season.

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge co-hosts the lectures with the refuge and through financial support from sponsors. During the pandemic, the DDWS switched venues to The Community House on Sanibel to accommodate distancing. In 2023, Hurricane Ian leveled damage too severe to both venues and the island to host the series.

“We are so ecstatic to welcome home this long-loved refuge tradition,” DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said. “We have scheduled an impressive line-up of speakers to herald the occasion.”

The complete schedule is listed below; some include book signings:

REFUGE/DDWS

– Jan. 18: Dr. Sabine Grunwald, “Unplug to Re-Connect: How Less Time on Screens Makes You a Happier Person”

– Jan. 25: Author/artist Richard Crossley, “The Power of Birding”* (co-sponsors Gresham family and Hightower Fort Myers)

– Feb. 1: Author James Currie, “When Eagles Roar: The Amazing Journey of an African Wildlife Adventurer”* (co-sponsors Jacqueline Aleandri, Hightower Fort Myers and Haley Ward)

– March 7: Author/environmentalist Diane Wilson, “One Woman’s Fight to Save Our Waters from Microplastic Pollution” (co-sponsors LMP Conservation Fund for Girls and friend of “Ding” Darling)

– March 14: Author/Sanibel islander Charles Sobczak, “Surviving the Storms — Hurricanes, Humans, and Wildlife”* (co-sponsors Cliff and Susan Beittel and friend of “Ding” Darling)

REFUGE/DDWS Author, photographer, and personality Richard Crossley will return on Jan. 25 to talk about “The Power of Birding.”

– March 21: Recycling expert Stephanie Kissinger, “Talking Trash: Post-Hurricane Clean-Up and Recycling” (co-sponsor friend of “Ding” Darling)

*Book signing to follow

Seating is limited on a first-come basis. Early arrivals can save their seat and one extra one with personal items, then can explore the Visitor & Education Center or Wildlife Drive and trails before the lecture starts. Saved seats must be filled 15 minutes before lecture time or risk being reassigned.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact April Boehnen at AprilB@dingdarlingsociety.org.

The refuge is at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel.