Annual cartoon contest entries judged
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that to honor the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s namesake, Pulitzer-winning political cartoonist and conservationist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, the annual “Ding” Darling Conservation Cartoon Contest is held with local schools. This year, 12 schools submitted more than 400 entries, which were judged by refuge staff and visitors on Dec. 4. “That’s the most schools we’ve had participate in the 20-year history of the contest,” Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said. “The contest provides an engaging platform for students to express their thoughts on conservation through the art of cartooning. It aims to inspire future generations to think critically about environmental issues.”