Refuge’s The Roost cause for chamber ribbon-cutting
Delayed a year by Hurricane Ian’s interference, the much-anticipated The Roost outdoor pavilion at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel celebrated its reveal on Oct. 21 with a SanCap Chamber ribbon-cutting as the kickoff to its inaugural Art in the Wild weekend.
“It is so heartening to see the refuge not simply recovering, but actively thriving with this new addition to its visitor services facilities,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “The Roost promises to greatly enhance the islands’ most popular destination for residents and visitors alike.”
A 2,590-square-foot, earth-friendly pavilion, The Roost will serve as an outdoor classroom for visiting school and other groups. The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge also foresees creative new uses that reflect the refuge’s arts legacy and experiential mission — including music and artist events, puppet shows, lectures, mindfulness classes and culture-driven programs.
“Since the COVID outbreak, the refuge looked for alternatives to indoor programming, where participants could not only be spaced apart, but breath the fresh air while participating,” DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said. “As a refuge devoted to the great outdoors and the legacy of artist-cartoonist ‘Ding’ Darling himself, we feel this will become an invaluable addition.”
The DDWS raised funding for the more than $1 million project.
“Thank goodness for our wonderful friends group, who built the much-needed outdoor pavilion,” Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni said. “We’re really excited to expand our programs and be able to do them outdoors. It’s a game-changer for us.”
The refuge celebrated the occasion on Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling’s 147th birthday with re-enactor Tim Milligan, cookies, and a rousing round of “Happy Birthday” led by the Tice Elementary School’s choir. Throughout the festival weekend, The Roost hosted live music, a nature puppet show, yoga and attendees simply looking for a place to rest and observe nature.
“We foresee this becoming an important asset to the island community, which has so strongly supported us through the years,” Wildman said.
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel.