J.n. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Education

Field Trips

Environmental Education Field Trips at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Attention School teachers, Scouts, Homeschoolers! Come out to the Wildlife Refuge for a FREE field trip!

Ranger Toni Westland can tailor your trip to fit what you are studying in the classroom OR pick from one of the programs below. Each lesson incorporates a variety of hands-on activities into every class. Through multi-sensory experiences, audience interaction, fun animal biofacts and meaningful contact with Refuge Staff, all participants may experience a new awareness and appreciation for the natural world.

September - May (Monday - Friday) 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. *NOT FRIDAYS- Wildlife DRIVE is CLOSED
2-3 hour trips preferred
FREE
Ranger led experience inside our educational center and outside in the estuary
Multiple Classes
Classroom pre-visit by Ranger can be arranged

Call Refuge Ranger Toni Westland at (239) 472-1100 x236 for reservations.

Outreach Opportunities at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Don't have enough money for a field trip? Don't worry; visit the Refuge without ever leaving your classroom! The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Ranger or Staff member will bring the Estuary to you! Schedule a visit from a Refuge Ranger to supplement your classroom curriculum. See topic ideas below.

September - May (Monday - Friday) 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. *Friday's preferred
60-minute program
FREE
Multiple Classes & grades preferred from each school
Call Refuge Ranger Toni Westland at (239) 472-1100 x236 for reservations.
*Special Needs - The programs can be adapted to serve the special needs classes

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