COASTE | OCT - NOV 2015

take a walk n the

His name was Jay Norwood Darling. Born more than 130 years ago, the man who signed his high

Federal Duck Stamp program); and the founding of the National Wildlife Federation, as well as

school yearbook with the abbreviated last name “D’ing” began his cartoonist career at his first job at an Iowa newspaper — but only when the subject of an article refused to be photographed. What followed was literally the stuff of legend: syndication in more than 125 newspapers across the U.S.; recognition for his art, political satire and environmental advocacy by two Pulitzer prizes; appointment by

what was to become the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Oh, and did we mention that J.N. “Ding” Darling loved Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and was a frequent vacationer here in the 1930s and 40s? In fact, thanks in part to his advocacy, more than 6,400 acres of Sanibel mangroves, bay and estuary became U.S. government property in 1945 — and 20 years later were renamed in

Thanks to his advocacy, more than 6,400 acres of Sanibel mangroves, bay and estuary became U.S. government property in 1945 — and 20 years later were renamed the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge .

President Franklin Roosevelt to lead a variety of conservation efforts (including creation of the

his honor as the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, part of the largest undeveloped

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs