Refuge celebrates holiday with community
REFUGE/DDWS
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the theme for the city of Sanibel’s 30th Annual Independence Day Parade was “Red, Wild & Blue” in honor of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which served as the grand marshal. Organizers had asked the refuge to marshal for its 75th anniversary two years ago, but COVID delayed it from happening until this year. Staff, volunteers and friends drove a swamp buggy and a refuge truck towing the refuge research boat. Packets of wildflower seeds were tossed to the crowd as eco-friendly throwables, and Tice’s Church of Christ pastor the Rev. Stanley Gavin performed patriotic songs.