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J.N. "Ding" Darling
National Wildlife Refuge
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 Refuge Overview: Located on Sanibel Island, a subtropical barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, J.N. “Ding” Darling is noted for its extraordinary population of wading birds and for protecting the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. The refuge was established in 1945 as Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge, but was renamed in 1967 to honor J.N. "Ding" Darling, noted cartoonist and conservationist, former head of the U.S. Biological Survey (predecessor to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service), and creator of the Federal Duck Stamp. Totaling 6,354 acres in size, Federal Duck Stamp dollars helped to purchase the refuge for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
George Gentry/USFWS photo |
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Habitat: J.N. “Ding” Darling National
Wildlife Refuge is a biologically diverse area, protecting around
240 bird species, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, and
30 species of mammals. Habit types represented on the refuge
include mangrove forests, cordgrass marshes, West Indian hardwood
hammocks, seagrass beds, mudflats, and open water.
Nearly 3,000 acres of the refuge have been designated as a federal
Wilderness Area. One of the primary management goals is the protection
of endangered species and their habitats. Endangered or threatened
species on the refuge include the following: eastern indigo snakes,
American alligators, American crocodiles, bald eagles, wood storks,
peregrine falcons, West Indian manatees, and Atlantic loggerhead
turtles. |
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| Recreation Opportunities: J.N. “Ding” Darling
National Wildlife Refuge offers a number of public use opportunities,
including fresh and saltwater fishing, hiking trails, canoe and
kayak rentals, bike rentals, and wildlife viewing and photography
points. The refuge’s staff also coordinates Florida’s
Junior Duck Stamp Program, a national environmental education and
creative arts program. |
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Additional Resources
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