‘Ding’ Darling lecture goes to the beach
Professional naturalists and Florida natives Blair and Dawn Witherington have authored five books on natural history topics.
As part of the 2018 “Ding” Darling Lecture Series, the husband-wife team will present a free program on March 30 at 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m. in the Visitor & Education Center at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
The Witheringtons’ recently released second edition of “Florida’s Living Beaches: A Guide for the Curious Beachcomber” updates the first edition, which was widely praised by those who enjoy exploring the nature of beaches. The second edition has even more, including expanded content and additional accounts with more than 1,800 full-color photographs, maps and illustrations. The expanded version now identifies and explains more than 1,400 curiosities with lavishly illustrated accounts.
Blair Witherington, a conservation programs manager for Disney’s animal programs, holds a master’s degree in biology from the University of Central Florida and a doctorate in zoology from the University of Florida. Dawn Witherington is a graphic design artist and scientific illustrator trained at the Art Institutes of Colorado and Ft. Lauderdale. Her art and design appear in natural history books, posters, exhibits and a line of sea-themed greeting cards.
They will sign copies of their books, available in the refuge’s Nature Store, following each lecture.
Proceeds from the store’s sales directly benefit refuge wildlife, education and research.
HighTower/Thomas & Swartz Wealth Management sponsors the 12-lecture series with support from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge. The free lectures are held twice each Friday, except Feb. 9. The season’s remaining schedule is listed below; some include book signings:
– April 6: Mote Marine Researcher Dr. Erinn Muller, “Coral Restoration”
– April 13: Avian researcher Dr. Kenneth Meyer, “Swallow-tailed Kites: 10,000 Miles to Survival”
Seating for the lectures is limited and available on a first-come basis. Early arrivals can save one seat extra each with a personal item and then may explore the Visitor & Education Center or Indigo Trail before the lecture starts. Saved seats must be filled 15 minutes before lecture time.
As usual, Wildlife Drive closes on Friday, but visitors are welcome to enjoy the free Visitor & Education Center, Indigo Trail, and recreational opportunities at Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge’s official recreation concession located at its Tarpon Bay Recreation Area.
For more information, call 239-472-1100 ext. 241 or visit dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/lecture-and-film-series. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel.