Sobczak Wraps Up Season’s ‘Ding’ Darling Lecture Series

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Sanibel author Charles Sobczak closes the 2026 “Ding” Darling free winter lecture series on April 16 with exploring nature advice and background from his book The Living Gulf Coast: A Nature Guide to Southwest Florida. He will present two lectures at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at The Roost outside the Visitor & Education Center at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.

Sobczak has authored 10 books, including three non-fiction titles, two selected works, and five novels. His varied interests have taken his writing from the Fond du Lac Indian reservations outside of Cloquet, Minn., to Istanbul, Turkey.

The author’s non-fiction work focuses on local and regional Florida flora and fauna. Following his lectures, Sobczak will sign copies of his Florida books, which are available for purchase in the Refuge Nature Store. Profits from store purchases benefit the conservation and education work at “Ding” Darling.

The “The Wild Places of Southwest Florida” lectures will take audiences through some of the most popular parks and preserves in the local six-county area with stunning photography by Alan Maltz, Heather Greene, and RJ Wiley, and other well-loved regional photographers.

Sobczak will describe the best locations for spotting some of Southwest Florida’s most elusive species such as the snail kite, crested cara cara, and Florida panther. The audience will gain a better understanding of the natural beauty of places like J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Myakka State Park in Sarasota County, and the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Collier County.

DDWS and the refuge co-host Sobczak’s lectures, part of an eight-lecture series. Hightower Advisors Fort Myers is the sponsor. Note: Opinions expressed in guest lectures do not necessarily reflect the views of refuge and DDWS management, staff, and board of directors. Learn more about the lecture series at dingdarlingsociety.org/lecture-series.

Seating is limited on a first-come basis. Guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs to ensure a seat. Most of the open-air seating is under cover, however DDWS suggests sunscreen, bug spray, and weather-appropriate attire.

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.