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

Observation Guidelines

WS 1

WS 2

WS 3WS 4

WS 5

WS 6

WS 7

Indigo Trail

WS 8

Cross Dike

Sanibel-Captiva Road

Calusa Shell M

ound Trail

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.

This Blue Goose, designed by Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, is the symbol of the National Wildlife 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 July 2020

Tram Pick-up/Drop-off

January-April along Sanibel-Captiva RoadM

ay-December Visitor &

Education Center lot

Wildlife Education Boardw

alk and Tower

Visitor & Education Center

Canoe/kayak Launch

Mangrove Overlook

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

Wildlife D

rive 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 w

ildlife. The Indigo Trail starts at the Visitor &

Education Center and ends at the Cross Dike. Visit the W

ildlife Education Boardw

alk w

ith Tower 3/10-m

ile along the way.

The 1/3-mile W

ulfert Keys Trail takes visitors to an open view of the

Pine Island Sound.

The 1/3-mile Calusa Shell M

ound Trail has interpretive signs to inform visitors

of Calusa Indian life history.

More than 1 3/4-m

iles of trails are located at the Bailey Tract on Tarpon Bay Road, w

here alligators, herons, egrets, w

aterfowl, and other w

ildlife are found (see other side).

Respect wildlife – Remember you are in their home.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.

For an enjoyable visit ...Leave nothing but footprints; take nothing but pictures. 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.

Stay Connected #dingdarlingnwr@dingdarlingrefuge@dingdarling

@ Ding Darling Wildlife Society

@ dingdarlingwildlifesociety

Nature at your fingertipsDownload 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.

DingDarlingSociety.org

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