The Education Center
When we visit the “D’ing” Darling NWR we always visit the Education Center first. As enjoyable as the walking and driving trails at the Refuge are, you will definitely get the most out of them if you have familiarized yourself with the plants and animals you are likely to encounter in the Refuge. Enhancing your knowledge of the importance of different ecosystems throughout the world in general - and throughout Florida specifically - will also make for a more exciting outing.
The Refuge volunteer staff greets you upon entering the Education Center and can help direct you through the 4,000 sq.ft. exhibit room if you wish. There are games for children, short films (we like them a lot because they really keep our kids’ attention), visual displays and audio recordings of wildlife sounds you can listen for while exploring the Refuge. In the exhibit room you can learn a lot about the importance of the estuary, the history of the region, and the history of the Refuge as well. I’d like to mention, particularly for those who may be visiting with children, that a visit to the Education Center is one of our kids’ most favorite things to do on Sanibel.
The Education Center has a replica of J.N. “D’ing” Darling’s studio in Iowa where he spent much of his time. In addition, there is an auditorium for lectures, a shop that has a fantastic selection of books specific to the area (I get my best Sanibel reading here), a Discovery Room with teaching activities, and a birders’ room where bird watchers can try to spot their favorite Sanibel fowl.
The Education Center is the product of a five-year fund raising project that cost a total of $3.5 million in private contributions. It is a good idea to take advantage of its wealth of information before heading out for the wilderness trails. You will have a better idea of what you are seeing during your exploration and it’s great fun anyway!