Programs & Tours

See Calendar for exact times

Tours Daily: Jan- March 2008 Entrance Fees Apply for Tours on Wildlife Drive.

Birding the Bailey Tract  Join a volunteer naturalist to discover the bird life of this unique freshwater ecosystem.  The habitat and other wildlife that use this resource will also be explored.  Bring water and bug spray.  Meet in the Bailey Tract Parking Lot. Approximately 2 miles, 1 ½ hours

Birding the Refuge   Meet a volunteer naturalist for a birding tour along Wildlife Drive. This car caravan tour takes you through some of the most popular birding locations in the refuge, specializing in bird identification.  Bring water and bug spray. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Education Center. 1 ½  hours

Birds and Wildlife Tour   Come along on a tour of the refuge.  This tour highlights the many fascinating natural wonders of this unique mangrove ecosystem, and the wildlife that live here.  The naturalists will give you an overview of all facets of the refuge.  Meet at the flagpole.  1 ½ hours

Bailey Tract Tour   Join volunteer naturalists as they lead you through this freshwater spartina ecosystem to learn about the birds, wildlife, and wild flowers. Bring water and bug spray.  Meet in the Bailey Tract Parking Lot. Approximately 2 miles, 1 ½ hours

Refuge Bike Tour   Bike enthusiasts, bring your bicycle and join a volunteer naturalist on the Wildlife Drive/Indigo Trail loop to learn about the refuge’s bird life and ecology. The Drive is paved while the Indigo Trail is hard-packed shell, so the tour is suitable for people of all abilities. Bring water and bug spray. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Education Center. 4 miles, 1 ½  hours

Calusa Shell Mound Trail Tour   Meet volunteer naturalists who will enthrall you with tales of Calusa Indian history and teach you about native Florida plant life on this enchanting boardwalk trail. Bring water and bug spray. Meet at the Shell Mound Trail Parking Lot.   ¼ mile, 1 hour

Indigo Trail Hike   Volunteer naturalists lead a tour identifying and discussing the ecosystem’s plants, animals, birds and reptiles.  Bring water and bug spray.  Meet at the flagpole in front of the Education Center.  Approximately 2 miles, 1 ½ hours

Native Plants and Trees Walk   Walk the parking area and the boardwalk of the Indigo Trail with a naturalist to learn about the plants and trees of South West Florida.  Meet at the flagpole in front of the Education Center. Approximately ¼  mile, 1 hour

Plants of the Bailey Tract   Walk the trails of the Bailey Tract with a naturalist to learn about the plants and trees of the freshwater ecosystem of South West Florida.  Meet at the Bailey Tract Parking Lot.  Approximately 2 miles, 1 ½ hours

Programs Daily:  Jan- March 2008           Entrance Fees Apply for Programs at Crossdike Pavilion

Basic Birding Skills  Want to become a better birder?  Come learn skills to help you locate, identify, and wonder about the birds of the “Ding” Darling Refuge.  All birding levels welcome, binoculars recommended.  30 minutes

Endangered Species   The habitats of animals throughout the world are disappearing, affecting species everywhere. Come discover endangered species of Southwest Florida and what you can do to help them.   30 minutes

Gators and Crocs   Is it an alligator or crocodile? Learn about the order Crocodilia, including crocodiles, gharials, alligators, and caimans. Learn how to identify families and which species live in the refuge. Fun for adults and children alike. 30 minutes

Birds, Bills, and Beaks . . . How do they eat?    What is on the menu for the birds in the estuary? Learn how to identify the birds found in the refuge, their adaptations, and interesting facts about them. Watch a Refuge Ranger demonstrate how these birds use their specialized bills to find food in this diverse mangrove ecosystem. 30 minutes

Fishing the Refuge   Is angling your sport? Come learn what types of fish frequent refuge waters.  See where to look for them and what baits and lures to use to catch them.  This program is a must for both novice and experienced anglers.  30 minutes

Butterflies and Butterfly Gardening   Want to find out how to attract the natural beauty of butterflies to your yard?  Join a naturalist for pointers on this wonderful family project.  We will also help you to identify the butterflies you’ll see fluttering around the refuge. 45 minutes

Birds of the Refuge   Not sure which feathery friends you are seeing through your binoculars? Learn interesting facts about birds and how to identify them in the estuary. 30 minutes

Manatees   Explore the world of one of America’s most endangered species, the Florida manatee, as it faces a challenging future. Find out what you can do to help save this species. 30 minutes

Family Craft and Story-time   Join a naturalist for story-time at our refuge. Bring your family to hear an exciting book followed by a program/craft highlighting an animal in our estuarine ecosystem. Story-time is appropriate for pre-K through 8th, but everyone is welcome to attend. A new, exciting topic each week.   45 minutes

Toni Westland
Park Ranger, Environmental Education Specialist
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
US Fish and Wildlife Service
1 Wildlife Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
239.472.1100 x236