‘Ding’ Lecture Series To Open With Wellness in Nature Keynote Speaker

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Returning to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Visitor & Education Center on Sanibel Island for the first time since 2020, the “Ding” Darling Lecture Series begins Thursday, Jan. 18, with a lecture that also kicks off 2024 Wellness in Nature at “Ding.”

Dr. Sabine Grunwald, a professor in the Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department at the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, Fla., speaks on the topic “Unplug to Re-Connect: How Less Time on Screens Makes You a Happier Person.” Her two lectures take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) co-hosts the lectures with the refuge and through financial support from sponsors Mark and Kathy Helge. Note: Opinions expressed in guest lectures do not necessarily reflect the views of refuge and DDWS management, staff, and board of directors.

Dr. Grunwald earned her PhD in environmental sciences in Giessen, Germany. At UF, she leads the mindfulness program, building on her extensive training in tai chi, qigong, and various meditation styles. She holds a PhD in integral and transpersonal psychology focused on mindful exploration of the psycho-spiritual dimensions of health, wellness, well-being, and human flourishing.

Her PowerPoint presentation will use charts, images, and other graphics to demonstrate the growing dependence on social media and how it affects our health and happiness.

Seating for the free lectures is limited on a first-come basis. Early arrivals can check in after 9 a.m. or 12 p.m. for the respective lectures to obtain an entrance wristband and then can explore the Visitor & Education Center or Wildlife Drive and trails before the lecture starts. Saved seats must be filled 15 minutes before lecture time or risk being reassigned.

Below is the calendar of upcoming scheduled lectures. Book-signings will follow all starred (*) lectures. For more information about the lecture series, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/lecture-series. To learn more about the refuge’s four-day Wellness in Nature event, go to dingwellness.com.

• January 18: Dr. Sabine Grunwald, “Unplug to Re-Connect: How Less Time on Screens Makes You a Happier Person” (Sponsor: Mark & Kathy Helge)
• *January 25: Author/photographer Richard Crossley, “The Power of Birding” (Co-sponsor: The Gresham Family, Mark & Kathy Helge, and Hightower Fort Myers)
• *February 1: Author James Currie, When Eagles Roar: The Amazing Journey of an African Wildlife Adventurer (Co-sponsor: Jacqueline Aleandri, Hightower Fort Myers, Hank & Linda Spire, and Haley Ward, Inc.)
• March 7: Author/environmentalist Diane Wilson, “One Woman’s Fight to Save Our Waters from Microplastic Pollution” (Co-sponsor LMP Conservation Fund for Girls and Friend of “Ding” Darling)
• *March 14: Author/Sanibel islander Charles Sobczak, “Surviving the Storms – Hurricanes, Humans, and Wildlife” (Co-sponsors Cliff & Susan Beittel and Friend of “Ding” Darling)
• March 21: Recycling expert Stephanie Kissinger, “Talking Trash: Post-Hurricane Clean-Up and Recycling” (Sponsor Friend of “Ding” Darling)

NOTE: Book signings will follow all lectures marked with an asterisk (*)

ABOUT DDWS
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991 or wildman@dingdarlingsociety.org.