Refuge’s WoW wraps up school year
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Wildlife on Wheels recently made its last road trip of the school year to Title I school Orangewood Elementary in Fort Myers. The WoW team shared its interactive lessons with the students through May 15.
Over the last year, WoW educated at 11 Title I schools from Nov. 1 through May 15, reaching 7,625 students despite Hurricane Ian’s intrusion. In addition, it worked with all grade levels from kindergarten to high school teaching to the required Florida curriculum.
“Every year, we teach more and learn more,” Urban Education Leader Melissa Maher said. “Ian only made us stronger. DingStrong! We topped the 2022-2023 school-year numbers by 565 students.”
With the school year ending, WoW educators will switch gears to summer camp. The theme of the camps is “Micro Mania,” which will entail the use of microscopes and microplastics activities a portion of which has been supported by the endowed Dr. David A. Drachman Education Fund. Already five commitments are on the docket with more being scheduled:
– June 12-16: Eden Park Elementary in Immokalee
– June 19-23: Harlem Heights Community Charter School in Fort Myers
– June 26-30: Harns Marsh Elementary in Lehigh Acres
– July 3-7: Sunshine Elementary in Lehigh Acres
– July 21-28 (tentative): PACE Center for Girls, Lee in Fort Myers
To donate to support the upkeep and programming for the WoW efforts, visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E54182&id=12.