Getting on/off a motorcoach; in/out of a pontoon boat. Walking about 2 miles; boardwalks, uneven terrain.
At the hotel.
We will set out via motorcoach on a full-day field trip to the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. and world renowned for its migratory bird populations. President Harry Truman issued an executive order establishing the refuge in 1945. Many years later, it was named for Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, an ardent conservationist who helped create the National Wildlife Federation and loved to go birdwatching here.
At a local restaurant.
We’ll return to the wildlife refuge for a study cruise aboard a quiet, environmentally friendly, covered pontoon boat. The captain will provide commentary as we cruse and learn more about the refuge, the mangrove estuary, and the amazing wildlife as we look for some of the numerous species of birds that call this area their home such as egrets, herons, ibis, cormorants, and pelicans. Dolphins and manatees have also been spotted.
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure after our closing session in the morning.