| Any trip to the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva in | | | | efforts in initiating the Federal Duck Stamp Program |
| the Gulf of Mexico should include a visit to the J.N. | | | | and design of the first duck stamp. The proceeds |
| "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is | | | | from the sale of these stamps were used to |
| named for the political cartoonist, J. Ding Darling, who | | | | purchase wetlands for the protection of wildlife habitat |
| was ahead of his time in taking a keen interest in the | | | | and vastly increasing the acreage of the National |
| environment. Darling fell in love with Sanibel Island and | | | | Wildlife Refuge System. Darling also developed |
| used his influence and political connections to protect | | | | partnerships with state universities to train scientists in |
| the pristine wildlife and surrounding wetlands. Today, | | | | the emerging study of wildlife biology. |
| approximately 50% of Sanibel is part of the wildlife | | | | At Darling's urging in 1945, President Harry S. Truman |
| refuge, best known for its spectacular bird populations | | | | signed an Executive Order creating the Sanibel |
| as well as the peaceful existence of many previously | | | | National Wildlife Refuge. Sanibel had long been one of |
| endangered species. | | | | Ding's favorite bird-watching locations and he was |
| Darling's background is almost as colorful as the | | | | anxious to protect it. In 1965, the refuge was renamed |
| Sanibel sunsets. Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling spent his | | | | the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge in his |
| early years exploring the prairies of Nebraska and | | | | honor. Today, the refuge consists of more than 6,400 |
| South Dakota where his lifelong interest in animals and | | | | acres of mangrove forest, part of the largest |
| conservation began. Darling studied medicine at Beloit | | | | undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. |
| College in Wisconsin, although he was suspended | | | | Approximately 2,800 acres are designated as a |
| several times for his pranks, including wicked cartoons | | | | wilderness area to protect endangered and threatened |
| satirizing the faculty. Despite his rough start, he was | | | | species and to provide feeding, nesting and roosting |
| forever influenced by a favorite biology professor who | | | | areas for the more than 220 species of birds that |
| taught him to view the world as a complete system. | | | | make the refuge their home. December through March |
| Darling abandoned medicine when his career as a | | | | are considered the best months to visit for birding. In |
| cartoonist took off. Nationally syndicated, Darling was | | | | particular, the Center recommends coordinating a visit |
| famous for his witty drawings on a wide range of | | | | around a low tide when the birds are feeding on the |
| topics, starting in the early 1900s. The name "Ding" | | | | exposed mud flats. |
| evolved from his pen name on his cartoons -- created | | | | Visitors to the island rave about the 5+ mile nature trail |
| by combining the first initial of his name with the last | | | | that runs through the Wildlife Refuge. Along the trail, |
| three letters. | | | | visitors often glimpse an alligator, night heron, or white |
| He published his first conservation cartoon during | | | | ibis. For a $1 donation, nature enthusiasts can take the |
| Teddy Roosevelt's first term as president in 1901 in | | | | "Wildlife Drive Guide" and view a number of plants and |
| support of Roosevelt's campaign for establishment of | | | | rare birds from a shaded vehicle -- a comfort in what |
| a forestry service. The two later became great | | | | can become a very steamy environment. Other |
| friends. Darling authored two books and twice won the | | | | recreational opportunities surrounding the refuge include |
| Pulitzer Prize for cartooning in 1923 and again in 1942. | | | | fishing, boating, kayak/canoeing, bicycling, nature |
| As an avid outdoorsman and bird watcher, Darling | | | | photography and of course, bird watching. |
| was most concerned with wildlife exploitation and the | | | | Founded in 1982, the Ding Wildlife Society funds many |
| destruction of irreplaceable waterfowl habitat. He used | | | | of the refuge's educational initiatives, including the |
| the power of his pen to introduce Americans to | | | | various brochures, directional and interpretive signs, and |
| environmental concerns. | | | | exhibits. It also makes larger educational projects |
| In July 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed | | | | possible, including the Education Center building and its |
| "Ding" Darling as the Director of the U.S. Biological | | | | exhibits, and many of the volunteer programs. And, |
| Survey, the forerunner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife | | | | true to its namesake's original mission, the Society |
| Service. In his 18 months as Director, Darling was | | | | continues to purchase and preserve parcels of land |
| known as "the best friend a duck ever had" due to his | | | | for the refuge. |