J.N. Ding Darling NWR, Sanibel Florida (92 degrees, hot and humid)
We have completed our five month volunteer "gig" at J.N. Ding Darling NWR. It has been a super experience.
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| My electric "limo" |
I got to ride in style each day from the campground to the visitor center. My responsibilities included answering phones, helping out at the front desk and gift shop, coordinating volunteer schedules, and other duties as assigned. :)
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| My desk |
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| Jeff (my boss) desk...YIKES! |
John worked with the maintenance crew and whacked away at all types of nature. Poison ivy was a frequent visitor, however, he never complained even in the high humidity. He helped out with all kinds of tasks and one of his favorites was mowing. The equipment and tools were in great shape (not always found when working with campgrounds).
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| Tree trimming |
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| Power washing |
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| Our site |
We made many friends and are looking forward to seeing them again soon. We are very excited to be able to return in January to work the winter season.
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| Ivette & Verna |
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| Becky & Jesse |
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| Joyce & Becky |
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| Lisa |
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| Barbara and Madame the Crocodile |
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| Tony |
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| John, Jean, & Glen |
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| Jack |
Working with the great volunteers and staff in the Education Center was the highlight of my experience. They are all so very dedicated and most have been coming to Ding for many years. I learned so much about the birds, habitat, turtles, reptiles, bugs, and local attractions through their guidance. We laughed often and I enjoyed hearing all their stories about Sanibel.
Jeff was our boss and the volunteer coordinator. He wore many hats. One of them was coordinating over 250 volunteers and five resident couple volunteers during high season. He was fun to work with and we are so glad he asked us to come. He has a stack of applications and we have been on a waiting list for many years.
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| John & Jeff (our boss) |
I forgot earlier to post pictures of the Education Center when we first arrived. This beautiful 3.3 million dollar building was built with no federal funds. It was all raised by with donation thru the Ding Darling Wildlife Society. This non-profit organization is very active and helps fund many projects for the refuge.
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| Looking out from the front desk |
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| Jim Sprankle Woodcarving of a Mangrove Cuckoo (unfortunately the only one we saw) |
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| Replica of Ding Darling's studio (check out the gun used to hunt ducks at one time) |
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| Classroom |
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| Crocodile vs alligator skull |
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| Recycling art exhibit |
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| Story board about trash on the beach |
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| Manatee bone (normal on top, injured bone on bottom due to boating accident) |
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| Manatee display |
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| Touch table |
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| Front Door |
It will be much busier when we return. Some of my responsibilities will change, however, John's will be the same. This time we will be joined by four other couples in our "gated community". Lisa told me there is so much to do locally and it's impossible to fit everything into your schedule. Sounds good to us. Stop back in January to read all about it or better yet, come visit us.
