The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (DDWS) has made significant progress in its storm recovery efforts since Hurricane Ian devastated the refuge in September 2022.
The refuge’s Visitor & Education Center has almost returned to pre-hurricane conditions, and school field trips have resumed. Habitat cleanup and trails and Visitor & Education Center restoration continue with the DDWS’s support. Intern housing to replace what the storm destroyed remains a top need. Since the storm, the DDWS has been supporting housing rentals until the refuge is able to build new accommodations.
The DDWS is also working to restore the refuge’s natural habitats, which were severely damaged by the storm. Mangroves, which play an important role in protecting the coast from erosion and storm surge, were especially hard hit. The DDWS is planting new mangrove seedlings and working to restore damaged mangrove stands.
The DDWS is grateful for the support of the community and its partners in its storm recovery efforts. The refuge is open to visitors, but some areas may be closed due to storm damage. Please check the DDWS website for the latest information.
Here are some specific examples of the DDWS’s storm recovery efforts:
- The DDWS has planted over 10,000 mangrove seedlings since Hurricane Ian.
- The DDWS has cleared over 50 miles of trails since the storm.
- The DDWS has repaired or replaced over 100 signs and markers since the storm.
- The DDWS has restored the Visitor & Education Center to near pre-hurricane conditions.
- The DDWS has resumed school field trips.
The DDWS is committed to restoring the refuge to its former glory. With the support of the community and its partners, the DDWS is confident that it will be able to achieve this goal.
