J.N. Ding Darling

Observation Guidelines Respect wildlife – Remember you are For an enjoyable visit ... in their home. Leave nothing but footprints; take nothing but pictures. At the J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR, we encourage visitors to respectfully enjoy wildlife at a safe distance. The disturbance or harassment of wildlife on a national wildlife refuge is unethical and illegal, and can result in hefty fines or arrest. Disturbance or harassment of wildlife is defined as any activity that affects or changes the natural behavior of wildlife, which can be detrimental to the animal’s health, safety, or productivity. Types of activities that can cause disturbance or harassment are: • • • • • • Getting too close to or chasing wildlife Using flash photography in close proximity to wildlife Playing recorded bird/wildlife calls Moving or cutting vegetation near a nest Feeding wildlife Throwing objects at wildlife Witnesses to any of these types of violations are encouraged to report them immediately to Refuge Management at (239) 472-1100. Respect wildlife and other visitors when viewing and photographing wildlife. To all who take pictures, use courtesy to fellow visitors and wildlife. Wildlife Drive is one-way, 15mph road, seatbelts required. Cars make good observation blinds because the wildlife have become accustomed to them. For better observation of feeding, resting, and preening birds, minimize noise by turning down radios, closing doors quietly, and speaking softly. Park at the edge of the road, on the right hand side but not where birds are close to the road. Please place all trash and recyclables in receptacles. Otherwise, wildlife could ingest or become entangled in plastic and other trash. They often become ill and die. Observe all speed zones and closed areas when boating. Manatees can be injured by boat propellers and birds can be disturbed when approached too closely. Federal and Florida State boating regulations apply. All refuge waters are slow speed/minimum wake zones. All refuge islands and lands accessed by water are closed to public entry. Motorized boats under 14 feet and non-motorized canoes and kayaks of any length may be launched on the right (North) side of Wildlife Drive. Carry water, sunscreen, binoculars, and bug spray. Check out America’s Best Restrooms of 2018. Nature at your fingertips Download the FREE Discover Ding Game & Wildlife Spotting App Head out on Wildlife Drive and test your knowledge using the first of its kind–place-based nature trivia game that helps you see more with Seymour! Share photos & field tips, and see what others are posting even when you return home. Available for both iPhone and Android. 2000 snoitaluegR gnitaoB dna gnhisiF egu ef-R eflidliW lanoitaN gnliraD ”gnDi“ .N.J Stay Connected #dingdarlingnwr @dingdarlingrefuge @dingdarling @ Ding Darling Wildlife Society @ dingdarlingwildlifesociety DingDarlingSociety.org Wildlife Drive is a 4 -mile, one-way paved road that is handicap accessible. The 2-mile Indigo Trail enables visitors to see alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife. The Indigo Trail starts at the Visitor & Education Center and ends at the Cross Dike. Visit the Wildlife Education Boardwalk with Tower 3/10-mile along the way. The 1/3-mile Wulfert Keys Trail takes visitors to an open view of the Pine Island Sound. The 1/3-mile Calusa Shell Mound Trail has interpretive signs to inform visitors of Calusa Indian life history. More than 1 3/4-miles of trails are located at the Bailey Tract on Tarpon Bay Road, where alligators, herons, egrets, waterfowl, and other wildlife are found (see other side). J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge 1 Wildlife Drive Sanibel, Florida 33957 www.fws.gov/dingdarling 239-472-1100 The National Wildlife Refuge System... J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The System, encompassing more than 150 million acres, is the nation’s largest network of lands and waters managed specifically for wildlife. The Refuge System is administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior. Tram Pick-up/Drop-off January-April along Sanibel-Captiva Road May-December Visitor & Education Center lot Wildlife Education Boardwalk and Tower WILDLIFE DRIVE CLOSED TO ALL ACCESS ON FRIDAYS Visitor & Education Center Canoe/kayak Launch Mangrove Overlook Cross Dike Pavilion Observation Tower Restrooms Fishing Pier Water Control Structures WS Refuge Lands Closed to Public Access WS This Blue Goose, designed by Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, is the symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Printing made possible by “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society July 2020 Wildlife Education Boardwalk with Tower Visitor & Education Center and Administration Headquarters Tram Ticket sales. Tram tickets sale and restrooms. Refuge lands Refuge lands closed to public access Use designated trails only BUCK KEY KAYAK TRAIL Canoe/kayak launch site Mangrove Overlook Refuge water boundary DAY USE ONLY Cross Dike Pavilion Canoe/kayak trail Restrooms Foot/bicycle trails Walk bikes on all boardwaIks. Wildlife Drive - 4 miles Closed to all access on Fridays. One-way for vehicles and bicycles J.N. "Ding" Darling Wilderness Area Motor boat use allowed except in No Motor Zone. No Motor Zone - pole/paddle only Observation tower Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife Healing Winds Visitor Education Center Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation - Nature Center Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Public beach access Tram pick-up/drop-off January-April along Sanibel-Captiva Road May-December Visitor & Education Center lot Fishing access - Florida state fishing regulations apply. Fishing license required. Seines and trotlines are prohibited. The use of bows or spears from land is prohibited. Use of cast nets is prohibited from any water control structure, bridge, boardwalk or rip rap affixed to Wildlife Drive. Did you lose or spot fishing gear? Report it to Mindyourline.org Florida state crabbing regulations apply. Crabs may be taken with dip nets only. Crab traps are prohibited. Tarpon Bay Recreation Area Tarpon Bay Explorers Rentals: kayaks/canoes, bicycles, boats, stand-up paddle boards, Guided tours: pontoon boat, kayak, and fishing. Nature gift shop. (239) 472-8900 TarponBayExplorers.com Sanibel Historical Museum and Village Bowman’s Beach Road Wulfert Flats Pole/TroIl Zone Seagrass protection area. No combustion engine zone pole/troll only. Picnic areas Visitor & Education Center Free entry 9a.m.-4p.m. Call for information (239) 472-1100 Main picnic area in parking lot Closed some Federal holidays COMMODORE CREEK KAYAK TRAIL Rabbit Summerlin Road CROSS DIKE TRAIL Wildlife Drive - CLOSED FRIDAYS Park on right side only Motorized vehicles $10 Hiker/biker $1 (Children 15 and under FREE) Federal passes available for entrance fees only One-way for vehicles and bicycles, 15 mph speed limit Tram tours available (239) 472-1351 Palm Ridge Road PROHIBITED REFUGE ACTIVITIES Algiers Lane Indigo Trail Hiker/biker $1 Visit the Wildlife Education Boardwalk with tower along the way Bailey Tract Free entry Hiker/biker only For more information and an updated list of all Refuge specific regulations visit www.fws.gov/dingdarling or call (239)472-1100. All visitors must exit refuge lands and waters no later than 1/2 hour after legal sunset. Hunting Bowfishing from land Cast-netting at water control structures or left side of Wildlife Drive Collecting Camping Feeding or disturbing wildlife Unleashed pets Drones Possession of unauthorized firearms Crabbing with baited line or trap Entering areas that are closed to public Using areas after sunset Biking against traffic flow on Wildlife Drive Entering Wildlife Drive from Wulfert Road EMERGENCY CALL 911 To report violations, call (239) 243-5999