As part of the federal Every Kid Outdoors initiative, the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge is issuing free annual passes to any fourth-grade student and homeschool equivalent in the U.S. during the current school year.
The passes are available and valid through August 2022 at all national wildlife refuges, national parks and national forests, and provide free admission for every fourth grader, accompanying siblings up to age 15, and up to three accompanying adults.
“The Every Kid Outdoors program is part of an ongoing effort to get kids outside and enjoying nature,” said Toni Westland, Supervisory Refuge Ranger. “That has been our goal for years, so we are taking it a step further to encourage fourth graders and their families.”
Obtaining the free annual pass – a value of $80 – requires fourth-grade students to print out a voucher online. Fourth graders should complete the voucher and take it to the Refuge Nature Store in the Visitor & Education Center or the fee booth on Wildlife Drive to obtain their passes. They must present a completed printed voucher; electronic forms are not accepted.
For more information about obtaining a pass at “Ding” Darling, call 239-472-1100, extension 237.
