34th Annual "Ding" Darling Day Conservation Carnival @ Lakes Park

April 20, 2024 • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join us Saturday, April 20, 2024, to celebrate the annual "Ding" Darling Day and Earth Day. This year's family-centric event once again will be making the “great migration” across the Causeway to bring the Refuge to our local communities and a wider audience. The move is part of a larger Refuge System-wide Community Connection Initiative.

 

2023 SCHEDULE OF FREE ACTIVITIES
(2024 location and schedule subject to change)

Ongoing (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Nature-theme carnival games, WoW (Wildlife on Wheels) mobile nature experience, live music, food truck, face-painting, rock-climbing, dunk tank, Hover-Ball Archery, live painting by "Ding" Darling's Artist in Residence Jacqui Roch, Wildlife Olympics, and Shell Art.

PLUS, play games to win a coupon for a FREE mini ice cream cone.

10 a.m.

“Ding” Darling Day opens at Lakes Park. Check in and receive information at Welcome Table in Main Pavilion.

10:30 a.m.

Ranger-led Slow Birding*: 45minutes, 20-guest maximum

11 a.m.

Ranger-led Kids Nature Walk: 45 minutes, 20-children maximum

11:30 a.m.

Ranger-led Slow Birding*: 45minutes, 20-guest maximum

*What is Slow Birding? Coined by Bridget Butler, "slow birding" is a fresh, slowed-down approach to traditional birding that welcomes deeper observation, listening, and connection to the birds and environment around you.

 

 

 

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.