Florida Panther NWR biologist makes ‘Ding’ appearance

Submitted by CHELLE KOSTER WALTON

February 28, 2011

http://www.captivasanibel.com/page/content.detail/id/510620.html

Larry Richardson, biologist and photographer at Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge near Naples, will make a special guest appearance to speak about scientific discoveries at Florida Panther and beyond, he explains, “that not only illuminate the natural world around us but helps us survive within it."

His presentation takes place on Friday, March 4. in the Education Center at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

“I am putting together a show that centers around our need to practice CPR — Conserve, Preserve and Restore — on our environment,” said Richardson. “Not just for nature's sake, but ours too.”

The lecture begins at 1 p.m. in the Refuge Education Center. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis. Also note that the lecture series has been changed from Thursday to Friday this year because of parking issues. As usual, Wildlife Drive is closed on Friday.

Remaining 2011 “Ding” Darling Friday Afternoon Lecture Series presentations include (March 11) Richard Crossley, author of "The Crossley ID Guide: Eastern Birds" with a book-signing; (March 18) Charles Sobzack, author of "The Living Gulf Coast" with a book-signing; and (March 25) Bird sculptor Jim Sprankle talks about his prized decoy collection that he is donating for the Refuge Education Center.

For more information on the lecture series, call 472-1100 ext. 241 or log on to www.dingdarlingsociety.org.

As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop proceeds.

To join DDWS and support the refuge with a tax-deductible donation, visit www.dingdarlingsociety.org or contact Birgie Vertesch at 239-292 0566 or director@dingdarlingsociety.org.