Sanibel IslandWhat began as a sandbar is nowSanibel, a barrier island fringed withmangrove trees, shallow bays, andwhite sandy beaches located off thesouthwest coast of Florida.

For over 2,000 years the CalusaIndians made the lush island, with itsready source of food from the sea,their home. By the mid-1800s,European settlers arrived and soondisplaced the Calusa tribe.

For years the island was mainly usedby farmers until a fierce hurricane in1926 destroyed the agricultureindustry. Construction of the SanibelCauseway in 1963 opened the way fortourism on the island.

Dav

id M

eard

on

J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife RefugeJay Norwood Darling wasinstrumental in the effort to block thesale of a parcel of environmentallyvaluable land to developers onSanibel Island. At Darling’s urging,President Harry S. Truman signed anExecutive Order creating the SanibelNational Wildlife Refuge in 1945.

The refuge was renamed in 1967 inhonor of the pioneer conservationist.The refuge consists of over 6,400acres of mangrove forest, submergedseagrass beds, cordgrass marshes,and West Indian hardwoodhammocks. Approximately 2,800acres of the refuge are designated byCongress as a Wilderness Area.

The refuge was created to safeguardand enhance the pristine wildlifehabitat of Sanibel Island, to protectendangered and threatened species,and to provide feeding, nesting, androosting areas for migratory birds.Today, the J. N. “Ding” DarlingNational Wildlife Refuge providesimportant habitat to over 220 speciesof birds.

Fra

ncin

e Li

tofs

kyF

ranc

ine

Lito

fsky

J. N. “Ding” DarlingBorn in Norwood, Michigan in 1876,Jay Norwood Darling was to becomeone of the most well known men ofhis era. A nationally syndicatededitorial cartoonist, he was famousfor his witty commentary on themany different subjects thatconcerned the nation.

An affable, dynamic, and talentedman, Darling began his cartooningcareer in 1900 with the Sioux CityJournal. After joining the Des MoinesRegister as a cartoonist in 1906, hebegan signing his cartoons with thenickname “Ding” – derived bycombining the first initial of his namewith the last three letters.

In 1924, “Ding” was honored with aPulitzer Prize for a cartoon thatespoused hard work. He would againwin this prestigious award in 1942.An avid hunter and fisherman, Mr.Darling became alarmed at the lossof wildlife habitat and the possibleextinction of many species. As anearly pioneer for wildlife conservation,he worked this theme into hiscartoons and influenced a nation.

“Din

g” D

arlin

g Fo

unda

tion

In July 1934, President Franklin D.Roosevelt appointed “Ding” Darlingas the Director of the U.S. BiologicalSurvey, the forerunner of the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service. In his 18months as Director, Darling initiatedthe Federal Duck Stamp Program,designed the first duck stamp, andvastly increased the acreage of theNational Wildlife Refuge System. Healso developed partnerships withstate universities to train scientists inthe emerging study of wildlife biology.

With the passage of the MigratoryBird Hunting and ConservationStamp Act in 1934, all waterfowlhunters 16 years and older becamerequired by law to purchase aFederal Duck Stamp. Proceeds fromthe sales of these stamps are used topurchase wetlands for the protectionof wildlife habitat. Since 1934, over$670 million in funds have beenraised and more than 5.2 millionacres of habitat have been purchasedfor wildlife.

Darling also designed the Blue Gooselogo, the national symbol of therefuge system. Rachel Carson, authorof Silent Spring, scientist and chiefeditor for the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService from 1932-52, wrote of theemblem, “Wherever you meet thissign, respect it. It means that the landbehind the sign has been dedicatedby the American people to preserving,for themselves and their children, asmuch of our native wildlife as can beretained along with our moderncivilization.”

“Din

g” D

arlin

g Fo

unda

tion

This blue goose, designed byMr. “Ding” Darling, has becomea symbol of the Refuge System.

Estuarine EcosystemThe J. N. “Ding” Darling NationalWildlife Refuge is located within anestuary, an area where salt water andfresh water mix. Estuaries createsome of the most nutritionally richhabitat for thousands of species ofplants and animals in an intricatefood web. The basis of this food webin South Florida is the extensivemangrove forests and productiveseagrass beds. Microorganisms thriveon the decaying leaves of seagrassesand mangroves, providing additionalfood for other animals. Rich in marinelife, these shallow waters attractthousands of fish, shrimp, crabs, andsnails, which are preyed upon by thenumerous wading birds of the refuge.

Seagrass beds and mangrove forestsserve as shelter, nursery, and feedingareas for many fish species such asmullet, snook, red drum, snapper andother marine organisms. Refugewaters provide essential habitat forfish that help to support the worldclass sport fishing of this estuary.Healthy seagrass beds are essentialto grazing species such as theendangered West Indian manateeand green sea turtles.

Fra

ncin

e Li

tofs

kyU

SFW

SC

indy

And

erso

n/U

SFW

S

The estuary is also importantto the thousands of shorebirds suchas red knots, dunlin, and Westernsandpipers that use the refuge asresting and feeding grounds duringtheir migrations. Great blue heron,reddish egret, roseate spoonbill, andother wading birds use the manyislands as roosting sites, and manynest on the rookery islands found inthe estuary. The refuge is also ahaven for many threatened andendangered species, such as theFlorida Manatee, Wood Stork, andAmerican Crocodile.

Uplands and Interior WetlandsThe sand and shell ridges of ancientbeach berms provide relatively highand dry ground on the interior of theisland and are dominated by seagrapes and cabbage palms. Sawpalmetto, wild coffee, Jamaica caper,and other subtropical shrubs form theunderstory of this forest environment.Tracts of hardwood forests, calledhammocks, are vegetated by gumbolimbo, strangler fig, mastics, andother tropical trees.

The upland vegetation providesessential food and shelter tomigrating songbirds during their longmigratory journeys. Mammals suchas bobcats, marsh rabbits, andraccoons and reptiles such as thegopher tortoise, green anole, andSouthern black racer find homes inthis woodland environment.

Jaso

n H

anle

y/U

SFW

STo

ni W

estla

nd/U

SFW

S

The freshwater wetlands on theisland’s interior exist as isolatedstrands of what historically was anextensive system of marshlands foundthroughout Sanibel Island. Among thegrasses can be found such marshvegetation as Spartina, leather fern,sedges, and cordgrass. Alligators,river otters, turtles, and frogs areamong the many wildlife species thatare commonly found in this habitat.

Refuge ManagementThe J. N. “Ding” Darling NationalWildlife Refuge achieves its goal ofconserving wildlife by managingwildlife habitat. Refuge managers andbiologists make concerted efforts torestore, enhance, and protect habitattypes against the ever changingconditions found on the refuge.

In the late 1960s the refuge built adike through the estuary to create two areas of impounded water in aneffort to control mosquito populations.For many years, the water level waskept high during the mosquitobreeding season in an attempt toprevent mosquitoes from laying theireggs on the exposed mud flats.Unfortunately, this also degraded theoverall health of the habitat in theimpoundments and reduced theirusefulness for all wildlife.

Susa

n W

hite

/USF

WS

Geo

rge

Gra

ham

Today, the water levels follow thenatural tidal fluctuations. The waterlevels in the impoundments areartificially lowered only to coincidewith the spring and fall shorebirdmigrations in order to provide optimalfeeding habitat for the hundreds ofbirds that use the refuge as arefueling area.

Exotic plants can quickly invaderefuge lands and out-compete nativeplants, degrading habitat necessaryfor wildlife. To combat the invasion,the refuge staff chemically andmechanically treats hundreds of acresof non-native plants such as Brazilianpepper and Australian pine.

Prescribed fires are used to maintaina variety of plant communities, mimicnatural fire cycles, and reducedevastating fire conditions. Controlledfires help wildlife by enhancing newplant growth, eliminating thickundergrowth, and controlling non-native plants.

Scientists from the refuge andpartner organizations study wildlifepopulations and habitat conditions toensure management and public useactions benefit a healthy ecosystem.

Ken

dra

Will

et/U

SFW

SC

indy

And

erso

n/U

SFW

S

Paul

Rya

n/U

SFW

S

South Florida EcosystemMillions of acres of unique SouthFlorida environments have been lostto meet the needs of agriculture andgrowing cities. Restoration of theSouth Florida ecosystem, includingthe Everglades, has become one ofthe largest coordinated conservationand restoration efforts everundertaken. Private organizationsand local, state, and federalgovernments are working togetherto restore this fragile environment.

The health of J. N. “Ding” DarlingNational Wildlife Refuge and itsestuarine environment are dependenton the health of the Evergladeswatershed, which encompasses theKissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee,and the Caloosahatchee River.Artificially regulated freshwaterreleases into the Caloosahatcheedirectly affect the refuge and its waterquality. Too much freshwater (or toolittle), at the wrong time, candebilitate the fragile estuarineecosystem and its dependent wildlife.

Recreational OpportunitiesEducation CenterVisitors can orient themselves withthe refuge and receive valuableinformation at the Ding DarlingEducation Center. This state-of-the-artCenter was constructed with $3million in private donations from therefuge friends’ group, the Ding DarlingWildlife Society. The Center, opened in1999, features interactive exhibits onrefuge ecosystems, the work of “Ding”Darling, migratory flyways, theNational Wildlife Refuge System, anda hands-on area for children.

The Center is open January 1 –April 30 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, andMay 1 – December 31 from 9:00 am to4:00 pm, and is free of charge. TheCenter is staffed by the hundreds ofvolunteers that donate their time tothe refuge. These volunteers provideinformation and assist with any

Dav

id M

eard

on

questions from visitors. Outside thefront doors of the Center can be found an information board thatidentifies recent wildlife sightings.

The Ding Darling Wildlife Societyoperates a bookstore in the EducationCenter. Visitors can find numerousfield guides, nature books, children’sbooks, shirts, postcards, and manyother items. Proceeds from the storehelp to support the programs on therefuge. Visitors can also purchase aFederal Duck Stamp in the bookstore.Money from the sale of the DuckStamp is used to purchase land forthe Refuge System.

Wildlife Observation/Wildlife DriveThe most popular place to view wildlifeon the refuge is Wildlife Drive. This 4-mile, one-way road leads you throughthe heart of a mangrove forest. Whileon Wildlife Drive, you will begin toappreciate why Mr. Darling wanted toprotect this fragile and fascinatingenvironment. Today, over 800,000visitors travel Wildlife Drive annually.

Visitors can access Wildlife Drive byvehicle, guided tram, bicycle, or onfoot Saturday through Thursday. TheDrive is closed to all access onFridays to allow staff to performmaintenance of the road and viewingareas and conduct biological studies.It also provides time of reduceddisturbance for the wildlife. You canstill hike the Indigo Trail, visit the

USF

WS

Cin

dy A

nder

son/

USF

WS

Bailey Tract, or explore Tarpon Baywith our refuge concessionaire. Visit:www.tarponbayexplorers.com

An entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicleand $1.00 per pedestrian/bicyclistover 15 years old is required. Thosevisitors carrying a current FederalDuck Stamp, Senior Pass, AccessPass, Annual Pass or Refuge AnnualPass are not required to pay theentrance fee. A self-guided tape/CDabout the Wildlife Drive and asouvenir booklet are available forpurchase in the Education Center.

Visitors may tour the Wildlife Driveand most of the trails by bicycle. Allbicyclists must obey the one-way lawon Wildlife Drive. From the EducationCenter, it is an 8-mile loop alongWildlife Drive returning along themain bike path along Sanibel-CaptivaRd., or a 4-mile loop along WildlifeDrive returning via cross-dike alongthe Indigo Trail.

The best time to observe wildlife isnear low tide when the birds arefeeding in the exposed mud flats.Early morning or evening can alsobe a time of heightened wildlifeactivity. November through April arethe optimum months for bird viewingon the refuge. Water and insectrepellent can be purchased in thebookstore, and binoculars can berented at the Information Desk inthe Education Center.

Cin

dy A

nder

son/

USF

WS

Cin

dy A

nder

son/

USF

WS

Jeff

Com

bs/U

SFW

S

Wildlife can often be seen close to theroad or trails. Alligators and a residentcrocodile can be seen basking alongthe water’s edge, herons and egretsoften fish near the water control gates,and raccoons and marsh rabbits canbe seen feeding in the brush. For yourown safety, please do not approachor feed any wildlife. These animalsare wild and can be dangerous.Feeding of wildlife is illegal, andviolators will be prosecuted.

HikingThere are three trails that can beaccessed from Wildlife Drive. The 4-mile, round-trip, Indigo Trail leavesfrom the Education Center parkinglot and ends at the universallyaccessible cross-dike, which extendsfrom the Drive. Along the trail,visitors often spot wildlife such asalligators, night-heron, or white ibis.

The Wulfert Keys Trail off the WildlifeDrive is a short 1/4-mile-long trail,which follows a power line access toPine Island Sound. Here, visitors willget a spectacular view of the Sound andmay see brown pelicans and osprey.

The Shell Mound Trail is a 1/4-mile,universally accessible, interpretiveboardwalk that originates near theend of Wildlife Drive. The Trailmeanders through a hardwoodhammock that has grown on top of anancient Calusa Indian Shell Mound.Visitors will learn about the ancientIndians, as well as the uniquehammock environment while readingthe interpretive panels. This is anexcellent place to spot warblers andother migratory songbirds during thespring and fall migrations.

Bailey TractLocated off of Tarpon Bay Road, theBailey Tract is a unique area of therefuge. This 100-acre parcel is aninterior wetland where freshwaterplants and wildlife dominate. The

Geo

rge

Gra

ham

Cin

dy A

nder

son/

USF

WS

Cin

dy A

nder

son/

USF

WS

trails can be accessed by walking orbiking from sunrise to sunset. Thosesearching for freshwater bird speciesand songbirds are not oftendisappointed during spring and fallmigration. Also seen in this area arenumerous alligators and turtles. Thelucky person may even spot a bobcat.

FishingRecreational fishing and dip netting ofcrabs in the refuge is a welcomedactivity when done in accordance withcurrent Florida state fishing andrefuge regulations and in compliancewith refuge special designation areas.Visitors should refer to the J. N. “Ding”Darling Fishing and Boatingbrochure and the Florida fishingregulations, both of which can befound in the Education Center, formore information. Many people fish forsheepshead, spotted sea trout, snook,redfish, and the occasional tarponalong the Wildlife Drive. Fishing froma boat is also allowed in accordancewith state and refuge regulations.Visitors should pick up a refugeboating and fishing brochure to seespecific regulations, closed areas, andno motor zones.

Canoeing/KayakingThere are two designated kayak/canoelaunch sites along the right side ofWildlife Drive that visitors shouldlaunch from. The impoundments onthe left hand side of Wildlife Drive areclosed to all vessels, and public accessbeyond the area closed signs.

Sunn

y D

ay G

uide

Fra

nk M

oore

Cin

dy A

nder

son/

USF

WS

Guided kayak and canoe tours areoffered from Canoe Adventures alongthe Drive and in Tarpon Bay withTarpon Bay Explorers. There is alsokayaking/canoeing around Buck Keyoff of Captiva Island.

Wildlife PhotographyNature photography, bird watching,and observing other wildlife isencouraged anywhere along theWildlife Drive or the trails. Visitorsshould be courteous to others andrespectful of wildlife. You may stopand park on the right-hand side ofthe Drive and comply with all “areaclosed” signs. When there is wildlifeon or near the Drive, do not approachor disturb. There are often volunteersalong the Drive and trails who cananswer questions and identify birds.

Tarpon Bay Recreational AreaTarpon Bay Explorers is the refuge’slicensed concessionaire. They run theguided tram tours along the Driveleaving from the Education Centerparking lot. They provide kayak/canoeand sealife interpretive tours, wherevisitors can view refuge marine life upclose. Visitors may also rent bicycles,kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, andfishing equipment; purchase bait andfishing licenses; or book a charterfishing trip.

Refuge ConcessionaireTarpon Bay Explorers239/472-8900900 Tarpon Bay Rd.Sanibel, FL 33957tarponbayexplorers.com

Canoe Adventures239/472-5218

“Ding” DarlingWildlife Society239/472-11001 Wildlife Dr.Sanibel, FL 33957

Sunn

y D

ay G

uide

Cin

dy A

nder

son/

USF

WS

The J. N. “Ding” Darling NationalWildlife Refuge is located on the

subtropical barrier island ofSanibel in the Gulf of Mexico.

The refuge is part of the largestundeveloped mangrove ecosystem

in the United States. It is worldfamous for its spectacular

migratory bird populations.J. N. “Ding” Darling is one of over

540 refuges in the National WildlifeRefuge System administered bythe U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

J.N. ”Ding“ DarlingNational WildlifeRefuge Calendarof EventsJanuary■ Manatee Park Discovery Day – last

Saturday in January■ Interpretive programs and tours

are held January-March■ An abundance of shorebirds,

waterfowl, wading birds,passerines, and raptors can befound

February■ Wading birds begin to show

breeding plumage■ Shorebirds are plentiful and often

seen feeding on mudflats

March■ Florida Jr. Duck Stamp Art

Competition entries are due■ Refuge water impoundment

draw down to coincide withshorebird migration

■ Peak of osprey nesting■ Adult spoonbills leave the refuge

to head to nesting grounds■ Waterfowl begin to migrate north

April■ Earth Day Festival – in cooperation

with island partners.■ White pelicans begin to

migrate north■ Peak of wading bird nesting■ Peak of snowy plover nesting■ Black-necked stilts begin to nest at

the Bailey Tract

May■ International Migratory Bird Day –

2nd weekend in May■ Florida Jr. Duck Stamp Reception■ Mangrove cuckoo sightings are

more frequent■ American crocodile begins to nest■ Sea turtles begin to nest on

Sanibel beaches■ Male alligators may be heard

bellowing to attract a mate

USF

WS

USF

WS

Den

ny S

ouer

sU

SFW

S

June■ National Boating and Fishing Week■ Sea turtle nesting continues■ Female alligators begin to nest

July■ 4th of July Parade – in cooperation

with the City of Sanibel■ Manatees can be found in

Tarpon Bay

August■ Manatees can be found in

Tarpon Bay■ Sea turtle hatchlings are emerging

from their nests

September■ Ding” Darling Children’s Editorial

Cartoon Contest■ National Estuaries Day – last

Saturday in September■ Spoonbills returning to refuge■ Beginning of migratory bird season

October■ Ding” Darling Days/National

Wildlife Refuge Week – 2nd fullweek of October

www.dingdarlingdays.com■ Refuge water impoundment

draw down to coincide withshorebird migration

■ Shorebirds are visible inrefuge impoundments

November■ White pelicans begin to arrive on

the refuge■ Waterfowl begin to arrive on the

refuge■ Peregrine falcons can be seen along

the Wildlife Drive

December■ Numerous waterfowl can

be observed■ Manatees can be seen at Lee

County Manatee Park

Other Yearly Events■ Homeschool Day – varies by subject

and month■ Jr. Refuge Manager Badge – daily

in Education Center

Note: Wildlife sightings are basedon biological surveys and are notguaranteed.

Den

ny S

ouer

sD

enny

Sou

ers

Terr

y B

aldw

inU

SFW

STe

rry

Bal

dwin

J.N. “Ding” DarlingNational Wildlife Refuge1 Wildlife DriveSanibel, FL 33957239/472 1100www.fws.gov/dingdarlingemail: dingdarling@fws.gov

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service1 800/344 WILDhttp://www.fws.gov

March 2007

Den

ny S

ouer

s

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge