Tarpon Bay Explorers, the official concessionaire for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, invites you to welcome three new staff members to their working family. In an effort to provide excellent customer service, the Explorers filled three additional positions this summer including a naturalist and two captains.
Megan Lamrock – Naturalist
Megan originally hails from Oscoda, Michigan. While she lived in Michigan, Megan earned two degrees. Megan’s first degree was a B.A. in Communications from Alma College in 2014. Megan’s next degree was from Grand Valley State University where she earned a Biology degree in 2020. After school, Megan was in search for a new adventure. During 2020, she found adventure by mustering the courage to snorkel with 10 bull sharks! The Tarpon Bay family is happy that she survived that adventure and harnessed that passion to become a Naturalist at Tarpon Bay Explorers. “I was looking for work in the area where I could use my degrees to help wildlife and conservation efforts,” explains Megan. As a naturalist for Tarpon Bay Explorers, her combination of communications and biology will serve Megan well while she conducts tours of the refuge.
Layton Childress – Fishing Captain
Florida’s warm, sunny days lured Layton away from the Virginia area to the island. Originally from Lynchburg Virginia, Layton has experience in a variety of fields ranging from Education to History. For several years he was a Washington D.C. Tour Guide. Layton led tours through the U.S. Capitol, White House, Congressional buildings and Arlington Cemetery. On top of his knack of history, Layton enjoys outdoor hobbies, especially fishing. Captain Layton was a charter Captain in Galveston, Texas before moving to Florida. Tarpon Bay is happy he has taken his talents to Sanibel. Layton is excited about his new, outdoor office space and the people he’ll be able to meet along the way.
Tony Bebb – Cruise & Fishing Captain
Captain Tony is a born & raised Floridian hailing from Lakeland, Florida. Tony graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering almost a decade ago. Tony spent many years down in the Keys pursuing his passion for diving. Captain Tony is a certified SCUBA instructor and enjoys spearfishing when he can find the time. Tony is excited to be a part of the Tarpon Bay team and enjoys conversing with the myriad varieties of visitors Tarpon Bay Explorers hosts along with the ample wildlife that inhabits the bay.
Tarpon Bay Explorers invites you to meet their expanding family and experience the many adventures they have to offer. Tarpon Bay Explorers is the concession to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge offering recreational and educational opportunities within the Refuge. The company provides guided eco-tours by kayak, standup paddleboard, pontoon boat and tram for the refuge. They also offer various fishing options for Tarpon Bay ranging from fishing charters to Hobie fishing kayak rentals. Other options visitors can utilize to explore “Ding” Darling are family pontoon boats and bicycle rentals. A unique, nature-themed gift shop is also onsite. The Explorers are open 7 days a week at 8:00am. You can visit Tarpon Bay Explorers in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge at 900 Tarpon Bay Rd., Sanibel. Call 239-472-8900 for information and reservation or visit their website at www.tapronbayexplorers.com.
