Teddy Roosevelt, birding tours highlight 'Ding' Darling Days

"Ding" Darling Days birding and eco-festival celebrates the birthday of J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge's namesake, originator of the federal duck stamp program, the week of Oct. 19-26.

This year's event, the 19th annual, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of three of the refuges that are part of the "Ding" Darling Refuge Complex: Matlacha Pass, Pine Island and Island Bay National Wildlife Refuges.

"Ding" Darling Days, also a part of National Wildlife Refuge Week, culminates on Sunday, Oct. 26, with Family Fun Day. This year's theme, Let's Go Outside, urges families to reconnect with nature.

"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, the refuge's non-profit friends organization, sponsors "Ding" Darling Days with support from Tarpon Bay Explorers, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and other private and business partners. To become a friend of the refuge, visit www.dingdarlingsociety.org.

For more information on "Ding" Darling Days, visit www.dingdarlingdays.com, or call (239) 472-1100, ext. 236.