Refuge issuing free federal lands passes for students
As part of the federal Every Kid in a Park initiative, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel is participating by issuing free annual passes to fourth-grade and home-schooled students nationwide for the 2021-22 school year.
The passes are available and valid through August 2022 at any national wildlife refuge, national park or forest, and other federal land. The pass provides free admission for the fourth-grader, accompanying siblings up to age 15, and up to three accompanying adults.
“The Every Kid in a Park program is part of an ongoing effort to get kids outside and enjoying nature,” Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said. “That has been our goal for years, so we are taking it a step further to encourage fourth graders and their families.”
Obtaining the pass — valued at $80 — requires fourth-graders to print out a voucher available at everykidinapark.gov. They should complete the voucher and take it to front desk at the refuge’s Visitor & Education Center or the fee booth on Wildlife Drive to receive their pass. They must present a completed printed voucher; electronic forms are not accepted.
For more information, call 239-472-1100, ext. 237.