Environmental authors, experts to headline lecture series
From bird brains to world renowned nature photographers, python hunting to Indigenous Floridians, the 20th annual “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture Series will cover diverse and fascinating topics from Jan. 9 through March 20.
The free lectures will take place in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Visitor & Education Center auditorium on Sanibel, with all but one to be held twice daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) co-hosts the lectures with the refuge and through financial support from sponsors.
“We are honored to welcome such an impressive roll call of authors and experts in their nature-related field,” DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said. “The series started in 2005 to bring more visitors to the refuge following Hurricane Charley in 2004. It is fitting we celebrate our lecture series’ 20th year as we continue to strengthen following Hurricane Ian in 2022.”
The series will open with “Portraits of Real Florida,” with celebrity photographers Clyde and Niki Butcher, on Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. only. The Butchers will jointly speak about their highly admired photography and how it reflects the many facets of Florida from the wilderness of the Everglades to quaint but quirky small towns around the state.
Known world over for his large-format, black-and-white nature photos that take the craft to levels of artistry, Clyde Butcher captures the Everglades, coastal islands and other unspoiled areas with majesty. Besides showcasing the beauty of the natural world, he champions conservation as he speaks and exhibits across the United States.
His wife, Niki, specializes in hand-painted black-and-white photography glorifying the wonders of Florida nature and history. She has made a name for herself capturing the splendor and authenticity of special places and people, finding beauty not only in nature but also in the historical buildings and interesting people who inhabit the landscapes.
The complete schedule is as follows:
– Jan. 9: Photographers Clyde and Niki Butcher, “Portraits of Real Florida”* (sponsors Linda and Wayne Boyd)
– Jan. 23: Psychotherapist/motivational speaker Aimee Copeland, “Wellness in Nature” (sponsors Jim and Linda Winn)
– Jan. 30: Author/Indigenous native David Rahahę·tih Webb, “The Spanish Seminole: The Untold History of the Spanish Indians as Shared by a Descendant”* (sponsor “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge)
– Feb. 6: “Python Huntress” Amy Siewe, “Burmese Pythons in the Everglades”* (sponsors Susan and Cliff Beittel)
– Feb. 20: Author Charles Sobczak, “The Great Florida Invasion — From Pepper to Pythons”* (sponsor “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge)
– Feb. 27: Author/photographer Budd Titlow, “Bird Brains: Inside the Minds of our Feathered Friends” (sponsor A Friend of “Ding” Darling)
– March 13: Actor Joe Wiegand, “President Teddy Roosevelt Reprised” (sponsors Heather and Bill O’Keefe)
*Books or other items will be sold following lecture
Seating is limited on a first-come basis. Early arrivals can save their seat and one extra one with personal items, then can explore the Visitor & Education Center or Wildlife Drive and trails before the lecture starts. Saved seats must be filled 15 minutes before lecture time or risk being reassigned.
For more information, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/lecture-series.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact April Boehnen at AprilB@dingdarlingsociety.org or 440-452-9083.
The refuge is at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel.