Ding Darling to discuss exotic species

COURTESY PHOTO "Tinkering with Eden" examines the impact of exotic species on America's environment. "Tinkering with Eden, a Natural History of Exotics in America," by Kim Todd tells the stories of non-native species and how they arrived in the United States. Species covered range from pigeons, brought over by some of the earliest colonists, to starlings, imported by a man who wanted to bring all the birds mentioned in Shakespeare to Central Park. Ding Darling Refuge Reads will discuss the book at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, in the refuge Education Center.

The book explores our developing understanding of exotic species as we become more aware of the potential problems they may pose for native ecosystems. Tinkering with Eden received the PEN/Jerard Award and the Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award and was selected as one of Booklist's Top Ten Science/ Technical Books for 2001.

Admission is free. For more information, or to become a friend of the refuge, call (239)472-1100 ext. 241 or visit www. dingdarlingsociety.org.