J.N. "Ding" Darling

November/December 2000 Issue

SCCF, Darling Foundation continue Conservationist’s Work

The original articles of incorporation for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and the J.N. “Ding” Darling Foundation both state the organizations will be guided by the principles and precepts of Jay Norwood Darling.
The not-for-profit J.N. “Ding” Darling Foundation is presided over by Darling’s grandson, Kip Koss. “Kip works tirelessly to make Darling known,” says SCCF’s Anders, “and to make his work more useful to people, to inspire them.” The Darling Foundation provides scholarships to Iowa students who exhibit academic prowess, particularly in animal ecology. Scholarship winners also must have a talent for communication, because the foundation recognizes that it’s not enough to have the knowledge: it must be shared effectively, as Darling did through his cartooning.
The Darling Foundation has recently produced a compilation on CD-ROM, entitled Editorial Cartoons of J.N. “Ding” Darling, of thousands of Darling’s cartoons. Koss and Anders hope to distribute the CD at no charge to educators and are looking for an “angel” to help finance the effort. All donations are appreciated. The CD is available for sale online through Koss or Anders, or at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. (see web addresses below.)

Learn more about J.N. “Ding” Darling
J.N. “Ding” Darling Foundation
Write to the Ding Darling Foundation at either 785 Crandon Blvd., Suite 1206, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, or P.O. Box 482, Sanibel, FL 33957; or email Kristie Anders at [email protected]. Visit the Web site at www.DingDarling.org

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society
Since 1982, this “friends” group has aided the refuge by increasing visitors’ understanding of natural history and the surrounding environment. The society produces maps, brochures, videos, and guides as well as providing volunteers who work at the Visitor Center. The society has donated more than $250,000 for a wide variety of projects. Visit the Web site (www.DingDarlingSociety.org) or write to: One Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957.

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
To delve a little deeper into J.N. Darling’s world, visit the new Center for Education at the refuge. In it is a life-size re-creation of Darling’s studio, where visitors can peek through the windows and imagine the cartoonist at work, while local docents share their favorite anecdotes.
The center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; Wildlife Drive is closed on Fridays. Mile Marker 2 on Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel Island. 941/472-1100

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Visit the foundation’s Nature Center, walking trails, and native plant nursery at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel Island. Find out more at the Web site (www.SCCF.org) or call 941/472-2329.

For the complete article, refer to the November/December issue of  Times of the Islands available now.