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The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that because of steeply rising property values and costs, it is faced with an end-of-January deadline to raise a final $550,000 on an 8.5-acre Sanibel land acquisition that it has been working toward for several years.

Thanks to residents Don and Joan Sherman, every dollar donated now will be matched.

Adjacent to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge property, the land in question holds a six-acre lake that directly feeds into the Tarpon Bay. The DDWS reported that its preservation not only means protecting wildlife habitat, but also buffering refuge water quality against red tide and blue-green algae events that it has experienced in the past.

Some of the documented listed species on the property include the gopher tortoise, little blue heron and mangrove cuckoo. In addition, small-toothed sawfish, juvenile tarpon, baby sea turtles and West Indian manatees use the lake, along with bobcats and migratory birds.

“We were very close to purchasing this highly desired island property, and then the pandemic happened, driving real estate prices and demand through the roof,” DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller said. “It is such critical habitat that even with the increased value and purchase price, we believe it is crucial to protect.”

The DDWS has already raised the majority of the purchase price toward the acquisition through donations and pledges, but needs $550,000 to reach the final asking price. The refuge’s nonprofit arm would own and manage an existing home on the property, while the refuge would manage the surrounding land and lake for conservation purposes.

“Local support in helping us acquire the Woodring Homestead in 2013, and again in 2019 for acquiring the Lee Anne Tauck Conservation Tract, was instrumental in our success,” she said. “We are hopeful donors will consider supporting this acquisition as well.”

“This is a unique opportunity to double the impact of contributions through a generous matching donation. Land can’t be replaced and we are working hard to protect this vital piece of Sanibel Island,” Miller added. “All gifts large and small are appreciated and make a difference.”

To support the acquisition, contact Birgie at director@dingdarlingsociety.org or 239-292-0566.