On the heels of the release of his latest Florida photographic collection, The Everglades, Clyde Butcher will be presenting at a Feb. 4 “Ding” Darling lecture at The Community House at 2173 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island starting at 10 a.m., along with his wife, fellow photographer-artist, Niki Butcher, and daughter-manager Jackie Butcher-Obendorf.

 

Clyde Butcher is known world over for his large-format, black-and-white nature photos that take the craft to levels of composed artistry. His wife, who will be mounting an exhibition at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge starting in mid-November 2021, specializes in hand-painted photographs that also glorify nature’s beauty.

 

Called “his most comprehensive collection of Everglades photography,” the oversized coffee-table book The Everglades showcases Clyde’s work in a collectible edition with notes from the photographer and behind-the-scenes photos. Originally scheduled to publish last winter, the collection was held up by the pandemic and released in late September. Both photographers will be sharing their work during their one-hour lecture.

 

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) hosts the 17th annual lecture series and Wayne and Linda Boyd sponsor the Butchers’ lecture.

 

The Refuge Nature Store will be setting up a mini gift store at the lecture that will include Clyde Butcher unsigned books, t-shirts, hats, note cards, and some of his artwork. Because of COVID, the photographer will not be signing any books that day. To obtain a pre-signed book for pickup on February 5 or after, please contact the Nature Store by Feb. 1 at 239-472-1100 ext. 241. Profits from Nature Store purchases benefit education, wildlife research, and overall conservation efforts at the refuge.

 

This season’s “Ding” Darling Lecture Series evolves with the times and persisting distance protocols by moving to the larger venue. Socially distanced seating for the free lectures is limited and available on a first-come basis. Staff will be distributing entry wristbands to attendees beginning at 9 a.m. that day, after taking touch-free temperature readings. Guests must be wearing wristbands and facemasks to enter the lecture room. Early arrivals may save their seat and one other with personal items. Saved seats must be filled by 9:45.

 

The season’s remaining schedule is listed below. Starred lecture indicates book signing to follow.

Note: Opinions expressed in guest lectures do not necessarily reflect the views of refuge and DDWS management, staff, and board of directors.

 

Upcoming lectures:

 

Thursday, Feb. 4 – Photographers Clyde and Niki Butcher, The Everglades, sponsored by Wayne and Linda Boyd

 

*Friday, Feb. 19 – Author Jack Davis, “The Bald Eagle: Symbol and Species in American History,” sponsored by Southwest Florida Eagle Cam

 

*Friday, March 12 – Author Paul Bannick, “Gray Owl: A Visual Natural History,” sponsored by Bill & Laurie Harkey

 

*Friday. March 19 – Author Kirk W. Johnson, Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century, sponsored by Ashton Kirchner Group/Keller Williams Realty Sanibel & Captiva, HighTower/Thomas & Swartz Wealth Management, Geoffrey & Karen Moss, and Sanibel Carts

 

*starred lecture indicates book signing to follow

 

ABOUT DDWS

As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits.

 

To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or contact Birgie Miller at  239-472-1100 ext. 4, or [email protected].