Sanibel-Captive Road 3 miles from the terminus of Periwinkle Way
Sanibel, FL
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is charged with the operation and management of over 500 wildlife refuges in the United States. While far from being the largest of the many refuges, it surely is one of the busiest. The refuge consists of over 7,000 acres of mangrove estuary, populated with large resident flocks of neo-tropical wading water birds and migrating waterfowl, as well as alligators, otters, raccoons and even an American crocodile! Volunteers of the Refuge are at the desk at the present visitor center in the refuge to assist the many visitors and act as rover interpreters along the Wildlife Drive to help visitors identify the many forms of wildlife and flora, explain the mangrove ecology, and describe the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
What Can be Seen in the Wildlife Refuge?
On any given winter day, a novice birder can easily see over 50 species of birds, several alligators, perhaps a crocodile, and raccoons. For the expert birder, there are over 200 species that have been seen in the refuge, ranging from the reclusive mangrove cuckoo to the ubiquitous white ibis. Two favorite species of all visitors are the roseate spoonbills, year-round residents, and the large flock of white pelicans which regularly winter on the large ponds of the refuge. The Ding Darling Wildlife Society publishes and provides to visitors detailed bird check lists of all the birds of the refuge as well as guides to spotting wildlife and maps of the refuge. These can be obtained at no charge at the visitor center desk.
Where is the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge?
Sanibel Island is a sub-tropical barrier island located in the Gulf of Mexico, just off Ft. Myers, Florida. It can be reached by driving over a 3-mile causeway from the mainland to the island. Over half of the island (including the refuge) is set aside as natural habitat for the sub-tropical flora and fauna. The J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge is located on Sanibel-Captive Road 3 miles from the terminus of Periwinkle Way, Sanibel's main road.
What is there to do at the Refuge?
A first time visitor to the refuge should initially stop at the Ding Darling Center of Education. There, volunteers operate a video tape that explains the background of the refuge and what can be expected to be seen there. Displays of various birds, fish and mammals also help introduce the visitor to the inhabitants of the refuge, and the Society operates a shop where the interested visitor can purchase a bird field guide or one of the many publications on the wildlife of the region, or even a shirt depicting the latest federal duck stamp. Guided tours concentrating on birds, on native vegetation or the history of the Calusa Indians are conducted regularly by volunteers and staff of the U.S.F.W.S. The refuge itself consists of a 5 mile road, easily traveled by car, bicycle or foot, that wends through the mangrove forest while passing large open water areas. The estuarine environment of Pine Island Sound provides the ideal habitat for mangrove growth and water bird nesting and feeding. Volunteer interpreters, supported by the Ding Darling Wildlife Society, are regularly stationed throughout the drive to assist visitors and answer questions about the refuge and its inhabitants. The refuge is a Mecca for photographers and as a result, the Ding Darling Wildlife Society conducts an annual photo contest. With the financial support of the Society, the refuge has been able to emphasize youth conservation activities during the year, such as the Junior Naturalist Programs and the Junior Duck Stamp Program.Facilities Center of Education - exhibits, orientation video, book sales, information desk.
Open 9 am to 5 pm daily from November through April; May through October hours are from 9 am to 4 pm every day.
Wildlife Drive - five miles; one-way drive with interpretive signs. observation tower and pavilion. Open to pedestrians and bicyclists sunrise to sunset every day except Friday. The front gate opens to vehicles 1 hour after sunrise and closes 1/2 hour before sunset. $5.00 entrance fee, closed Fridays
Walking Trails:
* Indigo Trail - 2 miles each way
* Cross Dike - .25 mile
* Bailey Tract trails - 1.75 miles
Canoe Trails:
* Commodore Creek - 2 miles
* Buck Key - 4 miles
Tarpon Bay recreational Area (Concession):
* Tram, canoe and kayak tours
* Bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals
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