“Wildlife Wonders” talks, weekly beach walks and nature crafts highlight the free summer programming offered now through August 6 at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.
The schedule of weekly activities follows. No pre-registration is necessary.
• Reading at the Refuge, every Wednesday at 10 a.m.: Attendees of each 45-minute reading-and-crafts session learn about a refuge animal and make a take-home craft related to it. Meet in the Visitor & Education Center Classroom.
• Indigo Trail Hike, every Thursday at 10 a.m.: Join refuge naturalists as they lead a one-hour tour to the Wildlife Education Board to identify and discuss the ecosystem’s plants, mammals, birds, and reptiles – fun for adults and children alike. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor & Education Center.
• Family Beach Walk, every Friday at 9 a.m.: The one-hour program convenes at Gulfside City Park to explore the refuge’s gulf-front Perry Tract. City parking fees apply. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.
• Wildlife Wonders, every other Saturday at 11 a.m.: Refuge education staff lead this indoor program about the mysteries of manatees, alligators, crocodiles and birds in the Visitor & Education Center auditorium.
Summer programming is made possible by support from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS). For more information, call 472-1100 ext.236 or visit dingdarlingsociety.org/summer-programming.
