Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition film at Ding Darling NWR April 3rd

A photojournalist, a conservationist, and a bear biologist walk into a swamp. This is no joke: In fact, the three hiked and paddled 1,000 miles over 100 days from the Everglades to Okefenokee Swamp to explore the Florida Wildlife Corridor (FWC) that the National Wildlife Refuge System hopes to turn into the next Florida refuge.

Follow their challenging journey during "Ding" Darling Refuge's airing of Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. in the "Ding" Darling Education Center auditorium.

Photojournalist Carlton Ward, Jr., conservationist Mallory Dimmitt, and biologist Joe Guthrie traversed the dense wildlife habitats, watersheds, and participating working farms and ranches that comprise the FWC opportunity area. The film by Elam Stoltzfus follows their strenuous journey.

"For me, a filmmaker, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the landscapes, wildlife habitats, winding waterways, and conservation legacies of Florida," said Stoltzfus. "Experiencing the wilds of Florida was like an epic dream come true."

Admission is free to the film, which is sponsored by the Sanctuary Golf Club of Sanibel Island and "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS), the last in their inaugural eight-week Film Series. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis.

"We thank the Sanctuary and all of our loyal 'Ding' fans for the success of our first Film Series season," said Birgie Vertesch, DDWS executive director. "It was so popular that already we are planning next year's series." For more information about the Film Series, please call 239-472-1100.