The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Wildlife on Wheels visited Hancock Creek Elementary in the Tice community in Fort Myers from Jan. 19 through Feb. 1. The WoW then moved on to Orange River Elementary, also in Tice, where it will remain through Feb. 15.

The refuge has a special relationship with the Tice community, recognized as a “food desert” for its standards of nutrition and food availability. The DDWS reported that one initiative, in partnership with the University of Florida Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), has been its Soccer for Success program, which teaches youths nutrition lessons in a context with which they are familiar — soccer.

In its third year, the program culminates each school year with a soccer match pitting students against refuge and IFAS staff. This year’s competition, which took place on Feb. 5, also encourages exercise and being outdoors. Not to mention good sportsmanship on the part of the adult players, who lost this year to the students with a 6-4 final score.

To donate to support the upkeep and programming for the WoW efforts, visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E54182&id=12.