The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island will partially close its Visitor & Education Center starting Monday, March 3, (open until 4 p.m. Sunday, March 2). At that time, the center’s interpretive exhibits and auditoriums will be closed for the installation of air-conditioning systems to replace those damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
The Refuge Nature Store, front desk, and 2018 America’s Best Restrooms at the Visitor & Education Center will remain open through most of the renovation. Wildlife Drive and Indigo Trail will remain open, but are closed Fridays as usual.
“Please continue to come out to our already scheduled free programs through April 5,” said Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland. “Any programs that were scheduled inside the visitor center will be relocated to the refuge’s sheltered outdoor flex space known as The Roost, including the final lecture of the season with Joe Wiegand as President Teddy Roosevelt on March 13. The fun is outside, anyway!”
At this point, the refuge is unable to set a reopening date, but encourages the public to monitor the Facebook pages for the refuge and its friends group, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS), for updates. Call 239-472-1100 ext. 9 for more information.
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].
