Sanibel Ding Days Photo Contest Entries Sought

July marks the opening of the 24th annual "Ding" Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest. The contest, sponsored by the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) and held in conjunction with "Ding" Darling Days, October 16 to 22, honors the birthday of Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, one of the foremost conservationists in American history.

He was the driving force behind the eponymous J N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Deadline for submission is 4 p.m. on September 15. For an entry form and other contest information and rules, log on to www. dingdarlingsociety.org and click on Photo Contest, or contact DDWS at dingdarlingoffice@ yahoo.com or 472-1100, ext. 233. Winners will be announced and awarded prizes at Conservation Art Day on Saturday, October 22, during "Ding" Darling Days. Entries may be delivered in person to J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR or by mail to "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, One Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957 (attn. Gary Ogden). New this year: Entry fee is $25 per person. First, second, and third place winners and honorable mentions will be formally announced during the "Ding" Darling Day's weeklong celebration held in October. Cash prizes will be awarded. Photos may be used by the society in any way with appropriate credit. The three judges will be a refuge staff person, a professional photographer and a member of the Sanibel community.

To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit www.dingdarlingsociety. org or contact Birgie Vertesch at 292-0566, 472-1100 ext. 4, or director@ dingdarlingsociety.org