New look at Bailey and Perry tracts
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge reported that new interpretive signage at the Bailey Tract and Perry Tract bring it another step closer to recovery from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Entry signs at the Bailey Tract replace torn-up ones with complete information about wildlife, the Mindfulness Trail, other activities, and the value of prescribed burns at the tract. It also guides visitors to various areas and activities within the refuge, from exploring the Visitor & Education Center to enjoying biking, hiking and fishing. At the seaside Perry Tract, pieces of the three-panel sign were flown far and wide by Ian. Staff collected parts of the original sign and commissioned the destroyed parts for a new exhibit with hands-on elements and lessons about nesting sea turtles, shorebird and shell identification, and how to protect the beach.