Call
Refuge Ranger Toni Westland at (239) 472-1100 x236 for reservations.
Choose
from a program below:
All
of the following programs can be adapted for any grade level
and ability. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife
Refuge & Refuge System
Never been to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife
Refuge on Sanibel Island? What is a Wildlife Refuge? Let a US
Fish and Wildlife Refuge Ranger bring the refuge to your site
in this interactive PowerPoint Presentation.
Reading in the Refuge A Refuge Ranger will
bring an educational book to read to your class, followed
by a short program about an animal found in the estuary. Designed
for younger students. Topics include: gopher tortoises, alligators,
ospreys, pelicans, butterflies, horseshoe crabs, sea turtles,
owls, etc.
Importance of the Estuary Explore the Mangrove
Estuary, sometimes referred to as the "nursery of the
sea". Learn about the animals that live there and the
importance of this critical habitat. Discuss and pass around
animal artifacts found there.
Our
Feathery Friends- Birds of the Estuary What makes a bird a
bird?–Learn to identify and interesting facts
about the different wading birds of the Ding Darling Refuge.
The ranger will use bird parts to demonstrate how they use
their specialized beaks to find food and their feathers for
camouflage.
Nocturnal
Animals–While you were sleeping, you missed
a lot! When the sun goes down, many animals are just starting
their day! Become a nightwatcher and see how our five senses
compare to those of nocturnal animals. Learn about Florida
Owls and dissect an owl pellet.
Florida's
Wacky Wildlife Join us as we explore Florida's habitats
and discover the plants and animals that live in our own backyard!
Your students will create a poster and present their findings
to the rest of the class.
Magnificent
Manatees Come with us on a rare underwater adventure
as we visit the world of the Florida Manatee. A short video
will be seen followed by an interactive program on these marvelous
mammals. A FREE Manatee video will be provided to the teachers-
while supplies last.
Amazing
Adaptations Plants and animals adapt to their environment
in many ways. Join us as we visit with a variety of species
found in South Florida and discover the special behavioral
and physical characteristics which allow these living treasures
to survive in their natural habitats. A manatee's muscular
lips, the spoonbill's bill and horseshoe crab with many sets
of eyes are examples of amazing animal adaptations.
Animal Classification What makes a penguin
a bird? Do all animals have a backbone? We will discover the
answers to these questions and many more as we explore classification
in the animal kingdom.
Circle
of Life Students will be introduced to food webs
as they explore the plants and animals of Estuary. The class
will build a food web and learn how our complex environment
stays in balance.
Animals
in Jeopardy- Endangered Species The habitats of animals
throughout the world are disappearing. Some species are in
critical condition, yet others are on the comeback. Learn
about Florida endangered species. There is hope as we examine
this difficult issue and what we can do to help.
Fabulous
Flyways- Bird Migration It doesn't have to be International
Migratory Bird Day (celebrated May each year) to celebrate
and learn about animal migration. Which bird travels the farthest?
Teachers will receive a packet with learning activities that
focus on the world of migrating birds.
Who
was Ding Darling? What is a conservationist? How can we all
be conservationists in our lives? Learn about Jay
Norwood Darling's life and his impact on the Refuge in this
interactive PowerPoint Program given by Refuge Staff.
Monofilament
Madness! Humans impact the earth in many ways. Our
marine environment is affected greatly. How long does it take
for trash to break down? Work together as a class to assemble
a marine biodegradable timeline and find out! Learn about
recycling and discuss how we can make a change for the better.
Let's conserve wildlife and wild places for many years to
come.
I
Want to Work in the Outdoors! Students will explore
the career opportunities that as a US Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Refuge Ranger has to offer, and will participate in
activities that will help to prepare them for finding a job
in today's world. Students will have the opportunity to engage
in a question and answer session with a Refuge Ranger.*
Career
Preparation Emphasis Curriculum ? students will be
introduced to a variety of Park Ranger careers through hands-on
activities and will take part in a mock interview process
with the Refuge Ranger.
Jr.
Duck Stamp Program Learn about the importance of
wetland habitats, wildlife refuges, through the Jr. Duck Stamp
program. Get children excited about ducks and migratory birds
while participating in the Jr. Duck Stamp program.
http://duckstamps.fws.gov
Toni
Westland
Park Ranger, Environmental Education Specialist
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
US Fish and Wildlife Service
1 Wildlife Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
239.472.1100 x236
