‘Ding’ Darling Summer Programs Begin May 21

There will be more than ever to do at JN ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island this summer. With support from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s Arts and Attractions Grant and ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS), an expanded calendar of programs runs from May 21 to August 15.

“With the temporary closing of Wildlife Drive for repaving and other improvements from May 20 until October, we put our heads together to develop enough activities to keep visitors busy and nature-engaged throughout the summer break,” said Ranger Becky Wolff, refuge education specialist. “Besides these programs, visitors will have access to the free Education Center, Tarpon Bay Recreation Area water activities, free Bailey Tract trails, and the beach at Perry Tract all summer long. Access to Indigo Trail and the soon-to-open Children’s Education Boardwalk will be by special tour only on designated days.”

Tarpon Bay Explorers (www.tarponexplorers.com) will continue its nature cruise, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding tours and fishing charters summer-long.

Started (*) listings entail a fee and require pre-registration at 472-8900; the rest are free and require no registration.

·         Family Beach walk, every Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m.: Back by popular demand, the program convenes at Gulfside City Park for a one-hour exploration of the refuge’s gulf-front Perry Tract. (City parking fees apply)

·         *NEW! Estuary Exploratory Tram, every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m.; Join a Tarpon Bay Explorers naturalist as you explore the estuary with seine and dip nets. Search the tidal zone for live shells, sea stars, crabs, fish and more on this 90-minute excursion. Fee: $13 adults and $8 children includes roundtrip transportation from the Education Center parking lot.

·         *NEW! Biking the Indigo Trail tour, every Monday at 10 a.m.: Travel to the main refuge entrance and then along the Indigo Trail on bikes with a Tarpon Bay Explorers naturalist to learn about refuge ecology, history and wildlife. The 90-minute tour will include a break to walk the new Children’s Education Boardwalk. Meet at Tarpon Bay Explorers. Fee $5 adults, $4 children ($10 per person half-day bike rental available).

·         Indigo Trail Hike, every Sunday, Thursday and Saturday at 10 a.m.: Join refuge naturalists as they lead a one-hour tour identifying and discussing the ecosystem’s plants, animals, birds and reptiles – fun for adults and children alike. Have an opportunity to explore the brand-new Children’s Education Boardwalk. Bring water and bug spray. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Education Center.

·         NEW! Bailey Tract Tour, every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.: Naturalists will lead you on a one-hour walk through the freshwater, spartina marsh ecosystem of the refuge’s Bailey Tract. Learn about the wildflowers, birds and other plants and wildlife. Meet in the Bailey Tract parking lot.

·         Reading in the Refuge, every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 11 a.m.: Attendees of each 45-minute reading-and-crafts session learn about a specific refuge animal. Meet in the Education Center Classroom.

·         Natural Wonders, every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1 p.m.: What makes a bird a bird? Why is a manatee called a “sea cow?” Is it a crocodile or alligator? Find the answers to these questions and more as you join a naturalist in exploring the refuge’s unique ecosystem. Geared for adults and children this 30-minute program meets in the Education Center Classroom.

·         NEW! Oh Scat! & Animal Tracks, every Friday at 1 p.m.; Whose scat is that? What makes those tracts? Learn about the wondrous world of animal tracking from a refuge naturalist in this fun, 30-minute interactive program in the Education Center Classroom.

·         *NEW! Bunche Beach Exploration Tram, every Wednesday and Friday around low tide (times TBA): Join a Tarpon Bay Explorers naturalist for this 90-minute excursion to see and identify an excellent variety of shorebirds. Some seashore exploration is also included. Fee $13 for adults, $8 for children, includes roundtrip transportation from the Education Center parking lot.

For more information on the refuge summer programs, call 472-1100 ext. 236 or visit www.dingdarlingsociety.org