J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Official)

09/12/2026

Join us at J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR on September 26 for National Public Lands Day! Give back through hands-on Conservation- including monofilament clean ups and garden restoration- or enjoy family-friendly crafts, a scavenger hunt, and ranger talks. All ages are welcome to help protect your public lands on Sanibel!

SCHEDULE OF PLANNED EVENTS:

8:00am to 11:30am - Monofilament clean up, bring your own kayak & PPE, meet at the Roost (next to parking lot).
8:00am to 11:30am - Pulling weeds for native plants, meet at the Roost.
9:00am to 3:30pm - Pick up Drive-along Wildlife Drive scavenger hunt and prize at the Roving Ranger (stationed by the restrooms).
9:00am to 3:30pm - Nature themed craft at the Nature Nook.
10:00am to 10:30am - Ranger-led, interactive education at the Roost.

Register with us below:

Join us in person for National Public Lands Day! It's a fun, hands-on way to help clean up and enjoy our awesome public lands!

08/24/2026

Tuesday, August 25, is a fee- free day in honor of the 110th Anniversary of the National Park Service. Drive, hike, bike Wildlife Drive and enjoy your day with us!!

Photo by Anna Marlow

08/10/2026

We are thrilled to welcome visitors back to the Bailey Tract! The newly completed entrance, parking lot, and boardwalk are now ready for you to explore. Come check out the upgrades and enjoy a stroll, birdwatching, or time in nature!

Photos by Jeff Decker, "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society- Friends of the Refuge

07/26/2026

Our Visitor and Education Center will be closed for ramp repairs from Monday, July 27 and projected reopening on Thursday, October 1.

You can still enjoy the Wildlife Drive during this time! (closed on Fridays).

06/17/2026

Help us restore important freshwater marsh habitat here at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge! We are seeking volunteers to help with planting events on July 8 - 10th from 8 - 9:30 am each day. Sanibel’s freshwater marsh has been stressed by habitat fragmentation, hydrologic changes to the landscape, wildfire suppression, and multiple recent storm surge events. We are planting native sand cordgrass to restore critical habitat for wildlife and our community. If making a difference for one of our unique landscapes appeals to you, learn more and sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freshwater-marsh-restoration-volunteer-planting-event-july-8-10-tickets-1990994017703?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

06/14/2026

Concluding our discussion on state symbols, the Sabal Palm Tree is regarded as our official state tree. Also known as Cabbage Palm, these trees have been very important in the history of Florida, being used for food, medicine, and shelter. Puddles the Blue Goose is seen in this photo hiding behind a Sabal Palm at our Observation Tower!

06/11/2026

Even more on state animals, the official state reptile is the American Alligator! It only became officially recognized in 1987, but before that it was highly recognized as an unofficial state symbol of Florida representing our beautiful swamps and wetlands.

By Anna Marlow

06/09/2026

Speaking of state animals, the Manatee is regarded as the official state marine mammal of Florida. They are known as gentle giants who love to munch on sea grass. Do you know what their nickname is?

Video by Anna Marlow

06/07/2026

Did you know that the Zebra Longwing is the official state butterfly of Florida? Something somewhat unique to them is where most butterfly species only live a couple of weeks, the Zebra Longwing and other longwings are actually known to live for a couple of months!

Video by Jim Bennight

06/04/2026

No, this isn’t dirt on the beak of the White Ibis. This black tipped beak is just a result of their mating and breeding coloring!

Photo by Anna Marlow