March 13 brings the 2025 “Ding” Darling Lecture Series to a close with a visit from the “conservation president.” Two lectures feature Joe Wiegand, who has been bringing President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt to life for more than a decade and has performed in all 50 states and overseas, including a White House performance in honor of Roosevelt’s 150th birthday in 2008. A regular at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, “Teddy” delivers a lively and factual reprisal of the 26th president of the United States.

 

His free lectures take place at The Roost, outside the Visitor & Education Center Auditorium, starting at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) co-hosts Wiegand’s lectures along with the refuge and sponsorship from Heather and Bill O’Keefe. Note: Opinions expressed in guest lectures do not necessarily reflect the views of refuge and DDWS management, staff, and board of directors. Learn more about the lecture series at dingdarlingsociety.org/lecture-series.

Formerly a veteran political consultant and elected public servant in his native Illinois, Wiegand is a political science graduate of the University of the South – Sewanee in Sewanee, Tenn..; a former graduate assistant at Northern Illinois University’s Center for Governmental Studies; and a Harry S. Truman Scholar and Thomas Watson, Jr., Fellow.

Wiegand will deliver a “bully” performance focusing on the history of the president’s strong connection with conservation, Sanibel and Captiva islands, and “Ding” Darling. He will also touch on the forthcoming Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library being built in North Dakota and a new hardcover book about the president, Theodore Roosevelt:  The Women who Created a President by Edward O’Keefe. It is currently available for purchase in the Refuge Nature Store.

 

Limited bench seating will be available for the free lectures, and visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. Early arrivals can check in after 9 a.m. for the morning lecture and 12 p.m. for the afternoon and obtain a free entrance wristband so they can explore Wildlife Drive and trails before the lecture starts. Saved seats must be filled 15 minutes before lecture time or risk being reassigned.

 

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 Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991 or [email protected].