UPDATE: F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva reported that “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge Board President Bill Harkey will join DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman as the guest speakers for the Friendly Faces Luncheon on April 9, replacing J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland.

In addition to serving on the DDWS board, Harkey is a Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club member and he supports several non-profit organizations on Sanibel. Born and raised on the family’s ranch in California, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia. Harkey enjoyed a 29-plus year career in the U.S. Army.

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ORIGINAL (March 29, 2024):

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is continuing its community-wide Friendly Faces Luncheon. The next one will be held on April 9 at 11 a.m. at the Sanibel Recreation Center, with a virtual option available.

F.I.S.H. OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA Ann-Marie Wildman

It will feature J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman. They will discuss “How the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge Survived the Hurricane and Recovery Efforts.”

“The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States and world famous for spectacular migratory bird populations,” Wildman said. “From free programming like walks in nature to photography to scholarships to urban outreach through a mobile classroom and our April 20 Conservation Carnival at Lakes Park, we will feature the many ways that ‘Ding’ Darling is a big part of the community.”

Westland graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science in natural resource management and a Bachelor of Science in environmental education and interpretation, with a minor in environmental communications. She worked five years for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a federal park ranger before transferring in 2022 to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at the refuge. Westland has 20-plus years conducting environmental education, interpretation, outreach and media, planning special events, and more. She oversees the Visitor Services program and Tarpon Bay Explorers contract, and she is a refuge liaison to the DDWS. Westland was named one of Southwest Florida’s Defenders of the Gulf in 2023 by Gulfshore Life.

Wildman’s entrepreneurial success began in the fine art world first in Honolulu and then in Whistler, British Columbia, where she started several businesses from the ground up. In 2009, she moved to Sanibel, where she continued to represent artists and set up fine art shows in Maui and New York. Wildman’s involvement with the DDWS began as a supporter and board member and later as a part-time turned full-time staff member overseeing The Nature Store and developing its online presence. She ultimately moved into the area of donor development and philanthropy. Today, Wildman uses her entrepreneurial skills from the development of her for-profit businesses to help build and develop programs, implement budgets, manage grants and coordinate special events as the executive director.

Prepared by the Sanibel Deli, the lunch will be complimentary for those who attend in-person.

F.I.S.H. OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA Bill Harkey

The program will also include giveaways and interactive group games.

Reservations and meal choices are required by April 5.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Senior Services Director Erika Broyles at 239-472-4775. Once registered, Zoom instructions will be provided to those planning to attend virtually.

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.