The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel has announced the release of its post-Hurricane Ian reopenings in honor of the National Wildlife Refuge System’s 120th anniversary on March 14. Following the devastating storm on September 28, which severely damaged the refuge’s habitat and facilities, public access to all its waters and land was prohibited. However, the Tarpon Bay Recreation Area was reopened on February 1. On April 4, the gate to Wildlife Drive will be reopened for the first time, accompanied by a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. The refuge’s Visitor & Education Center will also be reopened on that day.
The Wildlife Drive hours will start out on Saturday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fees remain the same as pre-Ian: $10 for vehicles, and $1 for pedestrians and cyclists older than 15.
Along with the exhibit area in the Visitor & Education Center, the Refuge Nature Store will be open on Saturday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center’s auditoriums and classroom will remain closed until further notice.
Facilities also to remain closed will include: most of the Indigo Trail, except for the segment between Wildlife Drive and the Wildlife Education Boardwalk; Mangrove Overlook; Calusa Shell Mound Trail; and the trails of Bailey Tract. Staff continues cleanup efforts in these areas with the help of volunteers. No reopening dates have been set for these facilities.
At the Tarpon Bay Recreation Area, the Tarpon Bay Explorers recreation concession is offering limited facilities, rentals, and tours. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with last rentals issued at 3 p.m. Guided kayaking tours of the Commodore Creek Trail are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a.m. Click here for the full article
