Ding Darling Days guest speaker scheduled

Dudley Edmondson Dudley Edmondson will travel from Duluth, Minn., to spread his love of nature and message about the crosscultural sharing of that love during Ding Darling Days on Sanibel Island, Oct. 19-26. He will address children in an outreach school setting and on a refuge photography safari. He will also give a presentation to the public based on his book "Black & Brown Faces in America's Wild Places."

As part of the eco-festival, Edmondson will address students at Dunbar High School on Thursday, Oct. 23. Captiva Premier Properties sponsors the events, including the purchase of a smaller youth version of Edmondson's book to present to students.

On Friday, Oct. 24, the author-photographer will give a public power-point presentation at 11 a.m., followed by a book signing. Mike and Terry Baldwin are sponsoring the one-hour talk.

Following the presentation, at 12:30 p.m. Edmondson will conduct a cooperative photography workshop with Cypress Lake and Sanibel School middle school students, sponsored by Bank of the Islands.

"By introducing youngsters to people of color who value and thrive in nature, we are giving them role models for environmental careers and avocations in the outdoors," wrote Edmondson. "Influencing our young people in this may be the greatest thing we can do for our future."

Ding Darling Days celebrates the birthday of Jay "Ding" Darling, the refuge's namesake and father of the Duck Stamp program. The event is co-presented by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Ding Darling Wildlife Society and Tarpon Bay Explorers.

For more information, visit www. dingdarlingdays.com.