‘Ding’ Darling honors valued volunteers

“Ding” Darling volunteers celebrated together on March 29.

“Ding” Darling Refuge and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) honored the volunteers who helped get the area reopened after Hurricane Ian.

They held a luncheon and awards ceremony last month.

“This was the first luncheon we’ve been able to hold to honor our volunteers since COVID,” said Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland. “We gathered at The Roost for barbecue, socializing, games and awards.”

Refuge staff reports that between refuge reopening in April 2023 through March 2024, 110 volunteers worked nearly 9,000 hours, the equivalent of 375 consecutive days. Each volunteer worked an average of 81 hours during the one-year timeframe.

“Without our loyal, hardworking volunteers, the refuge would have been unable to reopen after Hurricane Ian or continue to function today,” said DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman. “As federal budgets continue to shrink, so does refuge staff. Our volunteers are our saving grace.” ¦

DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman and Refuge Manager Kevin Godsea thank the “Ding” Darling volunteers.

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