The Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest, a unique monthly event, has been a platform for young artists across Florida to showcase their creative talents. This competition not only celebrates art but also fosters a deep connection with nature and wildlife conservation in young minds. The entries have been nothing short of spectacular, capturing the beauty and diversity of our wildlife through the eyes of these budding artists.

We are eagerly looking forward to many more upcoming activities, which promise to be both educative and fun. We recently had an event called Conservation Carnival that is family-oriented and aimed at creating awareness in people concerning the conservation of the environment. In this activity, people can participate in hands-on games, visit informative displays, and engage in many other activities. This was also the last day for our wonderful and fantastic resident volunteers, and it was heartbreaking to see them go. Although it was a sad day for us to see the volunteers go, this was a tremendous, engaging opportunity for all kinds of people to learn why and how we should keep our wild habitats safe and preserve wildlife.

Our Annual Tarpon Tournament, presented by our Friends at the 'Ding' Darling Wildlife Society, is another event to look forward to. This fishing contest, held in Tarpon Bay, is a celebration of our sea life bounty. Anglers are encouraged to take photos only and leave footprints, supporting our conservation efforts to preserve the delicate balance of our coastal ecosystems. It's a fun way to engage with nature while promoting its protection.

Another exciting event is our summer programs! Led by our volunteers, rangers, and interns, each program leader will focus on the biodiversity, history, and enrichment of Sanibel and the "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge by picking their own topic, which he or she will, in turn, lead our guests here at the Refuge. For my program, I will be doing a one-hour program about bugs and how they are essential to the biodiversity and enrichment of Sanibel and the refuge.

All these events reflect a common zeal for wildlife and environmental stewardship. The refuge is a place where people are brought closer to nature and view it as one of their obligations to the earth. The refuge nurtures community preservation and participation in our natural habitat and culture through programs like the Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest, Conservation Carnival, and Tarpon Tournament.

As we progress through the full months the calendar hosts, we do so with a conscience steadfast on our mission for conservation, education, and engagement. With each event, a little stride is made toward a more holistic coexistence between human beings and nature, but we are always focused on our wilderness, which is the lifeline of our very existence.