https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jn-ding-darling

Good afternoon, Conch Krewe!

I have found a wonderful philanthropy project for anyone who is interested! I have been in contact with Ranger Katy at the J. N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, FL.

This is a volunteer opportunity to help clean up J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. The clean up day is scheduled  for Saturday, April 15th, 2023. The area is still in great need of post Hurricane Ian clean up. The hours are flexible. Once we have a group of people who are available and willing to go down there, we can determine the times. If anyone would like to go with me the evening before and stay in Ft. Myers, we can discuss that too!

We have a few options that Ranger Katy presented to me:

Option 1 and 2-

Would be for 2-4 talented paddlers. We have some debris to remove from the canal that backs up to the end of our Bailey Tract property.  It's easy to paddle, but pulling the debris while in the kayaks may prove challenging.  I can supply up to 4 single kayaks if that helps!

We could also use anyone else on the land (probably up to 30ish), in that same tract pulling out debris from the bushes ands what ever the kayaks pull out. This group will want to come prepared in closed-toes shoes, sleeves, and pants as the vegetation can be quick thick and scratchy. This group will want to look out for poison ivy as well. 

OR 

Option 3-

Everyone will carpool over to a neighborhood that boarders refuge property and we would work as a large team to remove debris from the mangrove that washed out of their garages and single story homes. It's about a half a mile of area to clean and there is still quite a bit out there. I would drive a truck with a trailer to load the debris in and take it back to our maintenance yard to dump it. The crew would continue to pull more while I made the dumping trips! 

Usually groups are happy doing 2-3 hours of cleanup. It is getting pretty warm out so the earlier the better! I can start as early as 8am! I'll let you make that decision as you know your crew best and I know you have to account for travel as well. 

The Nitty Gritty-

We will meet at 1 Wildlife Drive in the upper lot. See map below. There we will check in, sign waivers, and consolidate into as few cars as possible. I will supply gloves, buckets, grabbers, trash bags and water dispensers.  This is our only location with restrooms too! I know some of you all will be driving a distance and might need a pitstop.

Please have everyone dress in clothes they are comfortable getting dirty! Long sleeves and pants are preferred as the environment can be sunny, buggy, and we will be moving around dead vegetation. Please wear closed toe shoes. Please tell everyone to bring their own sun protection and water bottle for refilling!! 

Please join me and bring your family and friends. Older children are welcome to help. Waivers will need to be signed upon arrival for children under 18. 

Thank you for considering to help others in need.

It is sure to be a fun and rewarding day!

Conch On,

Keri Kozerski