Bald eagles, woodpeckers, lions, birds, and bees will take center stage this season as the 21st annual “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture Series returns to Sanibel from January 22 to April 16.
The free lecture series will feature renowned authors, photographers, conservationists, and wildlife experts sharing their knowledge and stories. Events take place twice daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on select Thursdays at the Visitor & Education Center of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Co-hosted by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society–Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) and the refuge, the series is made possible through generous sponsor support.
“We are honored to welcome such an impressive roll call of authors and experts,” said DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman. “The series began in 2005 to help bring visitors back after Hurricane Charley, and it’s fitting that in its 21st year, we continue to celebrate resilience following Hurricane Ian.”
Lecture Series Highlights
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Jan. 22 – Tony Lapi, Tales of an Island Innkeeper (sponsor: Bank of the Islands)
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Jan. 29 – Kirsten Hines, Birds of Florida
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Feb. 19 – Ron Magill, The Pride of a Lion: What the Animal Kingdom Can Teach Us About Survival, Fear and Family
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March 5 – Jeri Magg, The Remarkable Women of Sanibel & Captiva
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March 26 – Paul Bannick, Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers
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April 2 – Beekeepers Association of Southwest Florida, Live Hive & Taste: Observing Live Bees with Honey-Tasting
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April 9 – Tina Morris, Return to the Sky: The Surprising Story of How One Woman and Seven Eaglets Helped Restore the Bald Eagle
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April 16 – Charles Sobczak, The Living Gulf Coast: A Nature Guide to Southwest Florida
(Book signings follow most presentations.)
Special Experiences
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Live Hive Viewing & Honey Tasting – Get up close with bees in a sealed hive and sample a variety of locally produced honeys.
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Wildlife Photography & Storytelling – Hear from award-winning photographers who bring nature to life through their lens.
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Local History & Conservation Tales – Discover the human and natural history of Sanibel and Captiva from the voices who know it best.
Attendance & Seating
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Free admission – First come, first served.
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Early arrivals may check in for a wristband and reserve up to two seats with personal items.
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Reserved seats must be claimed 15 minutes before the lecture begins or they may be reassigned.
After each lecture, guests can browse and purchase books and other items in support of the refuge.
Event Location
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, FL
More Information
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Full details: dingdarlingsociety.org/lecture-series
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Sponsorship inquiries: Jeff Decker – Jeff@dingdarlingsociety.org | 310-612-4373
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