Refuge provides update on WoW
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) reported that the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Wildlife on Wheels (WoW) team recently taught first graders at James Stephens Elementary in Fort Myers about gill breathing. By looking at fish gills under a microscope and then comparing them to horseshoe crab gills, they learned all animals need oxygen to survive. From Jan. 29 through Feb. 6, the WoW team taught at Lehigh Senior High in Lehigh Acres. Students learned about water quality in relation to oil spills, including about pH, the importance of dissolved oxygen, and the short- and long-term effects of oil spills on marine life. Next up, the team moved on to San Carlos Park Elementary in Fort Myers through Feb. 25. It participated in the school’s STEAM night to lead a special marine biology art project. In addition, the DDWS reported that the WoW first hit the road in February 2021 to christen an innovative conservation education tool that has far exceeded all expectations. Since then, the team has reached 52,828 students in Title I schools, summer camp kids and event visitors. The DDWS extended congratulations and thank yous to Urban Outreach Leader Melissa Maher, Assistant Urban Education Leader Ashley McGovern, interns Hadley VanLandingham and Leslie Rebelo, as well as the DDWS team that helps.