J.N. “Ding” DarlingNational Wildlife Ref-uge Fishing and Boating Regulations2000

J.N.”Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Refuge Map

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge provides a sanctuary for many species of wild animals, birds and native vegetation. Many people come to the refuge each year to observe and photograph the inhabitants of this unique ecosystem.

While the disturbance of a single visitor may be small, the cumulative impact of nearly a million people a year is large. To enhance the experience of each visitor and to reduce our impact on the wildlife, these guidelines should be followed:

Leave nothing but footprints; take nothing but pictures. To all who take pictures, use courtesy to fellow visitors and wildlife.

Enjoy and appreciate our native vegetation, but please leave it untouched. Plants provide food and lodging for the wildlife.

Please place all trash and recyclables in receptacles. If you do not, wildlife could ingest or become entangled in plastic and other trash. They often become ill and die.

Do not feed or approach the wildlife. Animals that are fed lose their fear of humans. They become dangerous and may have to be destroyed.

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 but not where birds are close to the road.

Maintain a “comfort distance” from wildlife so that your presence does not alter their behavior. While wildlife may accept one observer, they will be disturbed by several

people. Tell-tale signs: the bird “freezes”, lifts feet, walks or flies away. Let a telephoto lens or binoculars bring you a closer image. Binoculars are loaned at information desk in education center.

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.

Observation Guidelines

WS 1

WS 2

WS 3WS 4

WS 5

WS 6

WS 7

Indigo Trail

WS 8

Colon’s Point

Cross Dike

Sanibel-C

aptiva Road

The National Wildlife Refuge System...

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge

System. The System, encompassing over 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 and Wildlife Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior.

This blue goose, designed by “Ding” Darling, has become a symbol of the Refuge System.

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge 1 Wildlife DriveSanibel, Florida 33957www.fws.gov/dingdarling239-472-1100

Printing made possible by “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society January 2014

New

tram pick-up/drop off

January-April along Sanibel-Captiva Road

Wildlife Education Boardw

alk

Education Center

Canoe Launch

Mangrove Outlook

Cross Dike Pavilion

Observation Tower

Restrooms

Fishing Pier

Water Control Structures

Refuge Lands Closed to Public Access Use designated trails only

WiLDLiFE DRivE

CLOSED TO ALL ACCESS

ON FRiDAyS

The 2-m

ile Indigo Trail enables

visitors to see alligators, wading

birds, and other wildlife. T

he Indigo Trail starts at the V

isitor/Education C

enter and ends at C

ross Dike. V

isit the Wildlife

Education B

oardwalk 3/10 m

ile along the way.

The 1/3 m

ile Wulfert K

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an open view of the P

ine Island Sound.

The 1/3 m

ile Shell Mound T

rail has interpretive signs to inform

visitors of Calusa Indians.

Over 1 3/4 m

iles of trails are located at the Bailey

Tract on Tarpon B

ay Road, w

here alligators, herons, egrets and other w

ildlife are found (see other side).

For an enjoyable visit ...Start your tour of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge at the Visitor/Education Center. The staff and volunteers will orient you to the refuge. Take your binoculars, cameras, sunscreen, and water. Drive slowly, walk a trail and look closely. This will help you see animals that blend in with their surroundings. Visit the refuge during periods of low tide for the best wildlife observation opportunities. Tide changes occur on the refuge one to two hours later than times stated on island tide charts.

Sanibel was once known for its immense mosquito population. Current mosquito control practices have reduced insect populations but be prepared for mosquitoes and other biting insects.

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DD_MAP_Brochure2014_INSIDE_FINAL.pdf 1 1/25/14 8:54 AM