‘Ding’ Darling Day postponed, photo contest extended
Due to federal restrictions regarding the coronavirus, the 33rd annual “Ding” Darling Day on Oct. 10 at the Lakes Park in Fort Myers has been postponed until the spring of 2022.
“Public health and safety are at the forefront of our concerns,” J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said. “We regret the necessity to change plans, but with recent spikes in coronavirus cases locally, we do not feel comfortable risking a crowd, regardless of the fact that we carefully planned an outdoor, distanced event this year.”
The refuge was to host the event with the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, Tarpon Bay Explorers, local conservation partners and community sponsors.
“We thank the local organizations and generous sponsors who helped plan and support our best efforts to bring this outreach event to the greater community,” DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller said.
The rescheduled event will have a Conservation Carnival theme, as earlier planned.
In addition, the submission deadline for the 29th annual “Ding” Darling Day Amateur Nature Photography Contest has been extended to Oct. 15. Winners will be announced on Nov. 15. For more information, contact Sierra Hoisington at shois@dingdarlingsociety.org or 239-472-1100, ext. 4.
For more information about “Ding” Darling Day, visit dingdarlingday.com.