REFUGE/DDWS

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Education Team, led by John Bailey — a shared educator with the School District of Lee County’s Curriculum & Instructional Innovation Department — recently led a first-time high school canoe trip through the refuge estuary.

Nearly 60 South Fort Myers Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) program and Cape Coral High School International Baccalaureate (IB) program students participated.

“Both programs focus on biodiversity, marine estuarian systems and marine sciences,” Bailey said. “We were able to not only explore the estuaries, but also discuss adaptation of various organisms and see a variety of animals, including alligators, dolphins and, of course, all of the beautiful birds that have made ‘Ding’ home.”

Students also cleaned up monofilament line and other trash during the field trip.

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge funds half of Bailey’s position in its partnership with the school district.

“The school bus field trip program is funded by an endowment established by Lee Anne Tauck, aka ‘the bus lady,’ and the remaining amount needed for 2023-24 came in memory of Sue Tray, who loved the refuge,” DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said. “The goal is to bring 3,500 to 4,000 students each school year for field trips.”