So many people are asking – Is the wildly popular J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge open? We have the answer that you have been waiting for!
“Ding” Darling will reopen to the public on Tuesday, April 4th, 2023!
Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
Phone: 239-472-1100
Website: www.fws.gov/refuge/jn-ding-darling
Info on hours & what to do here.
Hurricane Ian dealt a huge blow to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife Drive was left with 5-foot-deep gulleys, boardwalks were destroyed & observation platforms were blown away.
Thanks to a lot of hard work and help from wonderful volunteers, the refuge will reopen, although a little bit different.
Several of the popular spots in the refuge are not open yet. The Wildlife Drive and the Welcome Center ARE open and the AWARD-WINNING bathrooms are as well!
Tarpon Bay Explorers the licensed concession to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge IS also open.
They provide tours & eco-friendly recreational opportunities under contract with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 12% of what you spend at Tarpon Bay Explorers benefits U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
So who is J.N. “Ding'” Darling anyway? Find out here.
Watch our previous podcast with the AMAZING Toni Westland, Head Supervisory Ranger at “Ding”.
Info about the INCREDIBLE Joe Wiegand – world’s premiere Theodore Roosevelt reprisor.
Stay tuned and subscribe to our email list to keep up to date.
We LOVE showing you the REBUILDING of the Islands & can’t wait to WELCOME you back!
-Nick, Lori & Max
Shine on Sanibel!
