DDWS hits $550K goal to acquire land
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that an outpouring of gifts and pledges in the past few weeks helped it reach its $550,000 shortfall toward the purchase of an 8.5-acre Sanibel acquisition to add to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge habitat landholdings.
Because of steeply rising property values and costs, the DDWS was faced with an end-of-January deadline to raise the last $550,000 for the acquisition that it had been working toward for several years.
Thanks to island residents Don and Joan Sherman for their matching challenge, the amount needed to buy the land was achieved and 100 percent of all the gifts received will go toward the acquisition.
“We could not have done this without the generosity and strong conservation ethic of islanders and the greater ‘Ding’ support community from around the world,” DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller said. “Thanks to their contributions, large and small, it is our hope that another crucial slice of Sanibel will be saved by the end of January.”
Adjacent to current refuge property, the land holds a six-acre lake that directly feeds into the Tarpon Bay. The DDWS reported that its preservation not only means protecting wildlife habitat, but buffering the refuge’s water quality against red tide and blue-green algae events it has previously experienced.
The anticipated date for closing on the property is Jan. 22.
The DDWS reported that the number one priority was to secure the purchase price for the land, which was accomplished. There will be significant restoration projects for the property. For individuals interested in making year-end gifts and helping with the overall restoration of the land, those are being accepted with open arms.
To donate, visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E54182&id=12 and mention “restoration” in the comment section or mail donations to P.O. Box 565, Sanibel, FL 33957.
For gifts via stock transfer, IRA distributions or other avenues, contact Miller at 239-292-0566 or director@dingdarlingsociety.org.