The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society and Lee County announced on March 17 that Sanibel Island’s historic 6.5-acre Woodring property had been acquired through a collaborative venture to conserve the local environment.
The property was purchased for $3 million with funds from both Lee County’s Conservation 20/20 Program — enacted by conservationists in 1996 to purchase undeveloped natural areas using a portion of property taxes — and the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society.
The wildlife society raised $1.8 million in private donations to help pay for the acquisition, which was the first of its kind on Sanibel Island.
Birgit Miller, executive director of the wildlife society, said county and island officials were both interested in acquiring the Woodring property for some time, yet it hadn’t become a reality until they decided to purchase it together.
“The desire was all about protecting such an important parcel of land that was connected to existing refuge land,” said Miller. “It’s the access to Tarpon Bay and the water entrance to the refuge.”
The property, one of the last undeveloped waterfront properties on the island, contains a number of unique habitats with species listed as endangered or threatened, so environmental officials wanted to secure its protection.
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is currently managed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which will also oversee the Woodring property, and researchers will be able to monitor more of the refuge’s estuaries and wildlife.
Not only will the Woodring property assist “Ding” Darling staff in preserving the ecosystem, but it’s also an important cultural and historical center of the island. Samuel Woodring was Sanibel’s first homesteader in 1881. The residence was built in 1916 and is an enduring example of the architectural style of the “Florida Cracker.”
– See more at: http://www.captivasanibel.com/page/content.detail/id/523554/Woodring-property-acquired-by–apos-Ding-apos–Darling–Lee-County.html?nav=5051#sthash.Tm9czcME.dpuf
– See more at: http://www.captivasanibel.com/page/content.detail/id/523554/Woodring-property-acquired-by–apos-Ding-apos–Darling–Lee-County.html?nav=5051#sthash.Tm9czcME.dpuf
