Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge Reopens On Sanibel
It’s a big day for nature lovers and the Southwest Florida island in general. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge reopens on Sanibel Island for the first time since Hurricane Ian. Officially called the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, it has a rich history dating back to 1945. That is the year President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order creating the refuge. It’s mangrove eco system is one of the largest undeveloped systems in the United States. And it’s really cool to visit
Who is Ding Darling
The refuge was named after Darling in 1967. He was a Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist and famous conservationist. Before the storm, visitors could take a tram tour or go it on their own by foot, bicycle and even canoe. You never knew what you were going to see. It has always been famous for migratory birds. Photographers come from around the world to capture them on film.
What parts of the refuge are reopen
However, the refuge has hit hard by the hurricane. Only parts of it are reopening today including the observation tower. Also accessible are a section of Indigo Trail, Wildlife Education Boardwalk, and Wulfert Key Trail. In addition, fishing and paddlecraft-launching spots open today, and narrated tram tours resume on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. At least for now.
In addition, there are limited recreatin concessions, rentals, tours and hours at Tarpon Bay Recreation Area. Finally, guided kayaking tours of Commodore Creek Trail are available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a.m.
Wildlife Drive hours right now are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Thursday. They’re closed on Fridays. Admission is $10 for motor vehicles. For pedestrians and cyclists over 15-years-old, it’s $1. So while not all areas are open and accessible, there is still plenty to see and do as Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge reopens on Sanibel following Hurricane Ian.
Returning To Sanibel Island
Returning to Sanibel Island has been nearly impossible since Hurricane Ian destroyed the Sanibel Causeway on September 28th. It was the only way to get on and off the island, other than by boat. Yesterday, for the first time since the storm, hundreds of bucket trucks were able to slowly drive across. Their important mission is to begin repairing lines and restoring power. The bridge is still not safe for regular traffic but workers have miraculously made it passable enough to continue restoration efforts.
Just look at this site. Bucket trucks lined up almost as far as the eye can see. It seems impossible that just weeks after being washed away in several places, that the causeway is actually passable. Right now the road is only open to emergency workers. Civilians are not allowed on the island, via the causeway, until October 21st.
Until yesterday, the only way workers were able to reach the island was via helicopter, boats and barges. However, this temporary bridge fix will expedite clean up and repair efforts in a major way.
Passes to return to Sanibel Island
Residents and business owners need passes to return to the island. That or a driver’s license with your Sanibel or Captiva address on it. If you don’t have one, the reentry passes are being issued at The Crown Plaza Hotel in Fort Myers. It’s located behind The Bell Tower Shops. This is where city officials have set up a temporary, satellite city hall of sorts.
Here are some pictures of the Sanibel Causeway after Ian hit. It makes returning to Sanibel Island after only two weeks seem like an incredible feat. It is, but it is happening thanks to an incredible amount of work and fortitude. Thank you to all of the linemen and construction crews who have run to our aid. We are truly grateful.
**For more hurricane recovery information, including how you can help, click here.
Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.
