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

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Official) Current Wildlife Drive hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Refuge (& all facilities) closed Fridays. 🚫 The J. N.
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"Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations. The refuge was created to safeguard and enhance the pristine wildlife habitat of Sanibel Island, to protect endangered and thre

atened species, and to provide feeding, nesting, and roosting areas for migratory birds. Today, the refuge provides important habitat to over 230 species of birds

Tuesday, August 25, is a fee- free day in honor of the 110th Anniversary of the National Park Service. Drive, hike, bike...
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

We are thrilled to welcome visitors back to the Bailey Tract! The newly completed entrance, parking lot, and boardwalk a...
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).

Help us restore important freshwater marsh habitat here at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge! We are seeking ...
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

Concluding our discussion on state symbols, the Sabal Palm Tree is regarded as our official state tree. Also known as Ca...
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!

Even more on state animals, the official state reptile is the American Alligator! It only became officially recognized i...
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

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 ...
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

Someone was hungry for a little bit of fish! Just a reminder, if you too are hungry for some fish, we do allow fishing o...
06/02/2026

Someone was hungry for a little bit of fish! Just a reminder, if you too are hungry for some fish, we do allow fishing on Wildlife Drive! However, you do need to abide by all State of Florida fishing laws.

Photo by Anna Marlow

Address

1 Wildlife Drive
Sanibel, FL
33957

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 8pm
Tuesday 7am - 8pm
Wednesday 7am - 8pm
Thursday 7am - 8pm
Saturday 7am - 8pm
Sunday 7am - 8pm

Telephone

+12394721100

Website

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