Winter Wellness on Sanibel and Captiva Islands – Featuring “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society

Looking for some new self-care activities this winter on Sanibel and Captiva Islands? Well look no further, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society has the event for you!

As part of its 40th-anniversary celebration this year, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society is announcing its Wellness Week: Mind. Body. Heart. From February 7-12, “Ding” Darling will be holding its Wellness Week in partnership with:

  • The Refuge
  • Tarpon Bay Explorers, the Refuge recreation concession
  • The Sanibel Rec Center’s Heart Healthy Month

“Wellness Week makes that connection between physical and mental health and the healing properties of being out in the natural world, especially coming off the stressful holiday season and entering into our resolutions for a more centered new year,” said Jessica Barry,  “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society’s Development and Outreach Assistant and Project Leader.

The Bailey Tract Mindfulness Trail features QR codes and podcasts so hikers can enjoy a self-guided, mindful journey. There will also be three nature therapy guides who will be leading hikers and lectures about nature healing.

The featured guides include:

  • Dr. Joseph Blanda is a recently retired orthopedic surgeon who now helps people with well-being and mindfulness
  • Cristina Shaul leads guided meditation and mindfulness walks
  • Kim Sowinski teaches Ayurveda-inspired nature yoga in Cleveland, Ohio

This incredible mindfulness week includes the following events:

  • Daily
      • 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 10% discount on paddlecraft tours at Tarpon Bay Explorers. Mention Wellness Week when reserving (required) at 239-472-8900.
  • Monday, February 7th 
      • From 9 – 10 AM: Guided Mindfulness Hike at Bailey Tract
      • From 12:30 – 2:30 PM: Mindfulness Trail Ribbon Cutting with our Chamber of Commerce team – featuring Pop-up stations.
      • At 4 PM: Virtual Guided Mindfulness Meditation
  • Tuesday, February 8th 
      • From 7 – 8 AM: Sunrise Yoga on the Beach at Perry Tract
      • From 9 – 10 AM: Sunrise Yoga on the Beach at Perry Tract
      • From 10-11 AM: Mindful Nature Journaling on Indigo Trail
      • From 11 – 11:45 AM: Refuge Bootcamp 
      • From 3 – 4 PM: Wildlife Olympics on Indigo Trail
    • Wednesday, February 9th 
      • From 10 – 11:30 AM: Ranger-led Bike the Refuge
      • From 11 – 11:45 AM: Refuge Bootcamp
      • From 12 – 12:45 PM: Refuge Bootcamp
      • From 2 – 2:45 PM: Refuge Bootcamp
  • Thursday, February 10th 
      • From 8-9 AM: Morning Yoga at the Refuge
      • From 10-11 AM: Morning Yoga at the Refuge
      • At 7 PM: Virtual “Nature Can Heal” with Dr. Joe Blanda
    • Friday, February 11th 
      • from 8:30-9:30 AM: Guided Mindfulness Meditation at the Wildlife Education Boardwalk
      • From 11th from 10-11 AM: Ornitherapy Lecture with author Holly Merker at The Community House
      • From 4-5 PM: Guided Mindfulness Hike at Bailey Tract
  • Saturday, February 12th
    • From 8:30-9:30 AM: Walking Meditation, Earthing, and Grounding 101 at Bailey Tract
    • From 11 – 12 AM: Paint a Planter with Rachel Pierce
    • From 1 – 2 PM: Paint a Planter with Rachel Pierce

To register for these events, please click here. We hope to see you there.