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

April 22, 2023 • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join us this Earth Day, April 22, 2023, to celebrate the annual "Ding" Darling Day. This year's family-centric event once again will be making the “great migration” across the Causeway to Lakes Park in Fort Myers to bring the Refuge to our local communities and a wider audience. The move is part of a larger Refuge System-wide Urban Initiative.

 

SCHEDULE OF FREE ACTIVITIES
(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.