J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Sanibel, Florida: Thousands of native and migratory birds call the 6,400 acre wildlife refuge located on Sanibel Island their home. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has been a well known spot for bird lovers, photographers and biologist to observe many species of birds that flock to this unique ecosystem each year.

The refuge got started in 1945. Developers look to purchase the mangrove property in an attempt to develop it into a tourist hot spot similar to Miami Beach on the east coast. Knowing how environmentally important the land was to the ecosystem, political cartoonist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling led an effort to protect the land. The successful effort led to an executive order by President Harry Truman that created the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge and spared the land of any development.

Following the death of Darling in 1967, the refuge was renamed J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge” in his honor.

The 6,400 acre refuge consists of several ecosystems. The estuarine habitat has open water, sea grass beds, mud flats and mangrove islands. The interior freshwater habitats consists of open water, Spartina swales and hardwood hammocks. These habitats provide home for 238 species of birds, 51 species of reptiles and 32 species of mammals. Some of these animals include:

• Bald Eagles
• Ospreys
• Roseate Spoonbills
• White Pelicans
• Great Blue Heron
• Wood Storks
• Peregrine Falcons
• Eastern Indigo Snakes
• American Alligators
• American Crocodiles
• Manatees
• Loggerhead Turtles

The refuge is part of the Darling Wildlife Complex that also contains the Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge, Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge and Calooshatchee National Wildlife Refuge. The other refuges are islands that are not easily accessible, providing a place for the birds to nest without interference from man or predators.

The refuge hosts more than 850,000 visitors a year. The visitors can take a drive down the four mile Wildlife Drive and stop and observe the animals at their pace or ride a narrated tram that will inform you of the animals and history along the way. There are also 4 hiking trails and a observation tower to enhance the wildlife view. In addition to wildlife viewing, the refuge offers fishing in both fresh and salt waters, canoe and kayak rentals and bike rentals. There is also an educational center to learn more about the animals and history of the refuge.

For more photos, visit my Ding Darling NWR photo page.