Secrets of Sanibel

Exploring the J.N. “D’ing” Darling NWR

After you’ve had a chance to visit the Education Center and have familiarized yourself with the variety of plant, animal, reptile, and aquatic life you’ll be spotting during your outdoor exploration, you will want to make sure you have the following items before heading out on a trail. 

Good preparation before you start will ensure that you get the most out of your visit to the Refuge.

• Bottled water
• Candy bars
• Sunscreen & hats
• Comfortable walking shoes that you won’t mind getting wet or muddy
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Cell phone
• Record keeper

For your protection – and the protection of Refuge wildlife – please remember and respect the following rules:

1. Observe the 15 mph speed limit on Wildlife Drive.

2. DO NOT feed any animals.

3. Never approach or try to touch animals.

4. Poison ivy abounds, so stick to clearly marked paths.

Please click on a link below for detailed information regarding Wildlife Drive, Refuge trails, and Refuge wildlife:

• Wildlife Drive

• Indigo Trail

• Shell Mound Trail

• Wulfert Keys Trail

• The Cross-dike

• Canoeing or Kayaking on Commodore Creek

• Mangroves

• Water Birds

• Plant Life

• Reptiles

• Manatees

• Species of Concern