Refuge: Temporary closure of center for ‘renewal season’
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) has themed the 2026-27 season for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel “Wings of Renewal.”
The revitalization entered its final phases on July 27 as the refuge’s Visitor & Education Center was scheduled to close as work began on a new entrance ramp. At the same time, a project to upgrade the auditoriums will get finishing touches, work on trail boardwalks will wrap up, and construction will begins on the DDWS offices to replace those demolished by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
New high-tech AV will be coming to the auditoriums and throughout the center. Other auditorium improvements will include next-level acoustic wall panels and new carpeting and lighting, an art-hanging system, new seating, and improved accessibility for the hearing impaired.
“The excitement at ‘Ding’ has been steadily building these past couple of years as it comes back better and more impressive than ever,” DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said. “Now that the end is in sight, we can hardly contain the anticipation of our renewal, peaking with our Feb. 3 fundraiser Go Wild for ‘Ding’ — Wings of Renewal. It]s all about rebirth, restoration, the joyful spirit of community, and a legacy reimagined.”
The center’s shutdown includes the Refuge Nature Store, America’s Best Restroom and the main parking lot. Refuge visitors can still park in the upper (north) lot. The center will reopen on Oct. 1.
Wildlife Drive, the Bailey Tract and Tarpon Bay Explorers will remain open their regular hours during the closure. The boardwalk construction at the Bailey Tract will be completed by July 31. Refuge administration plans to open the Indigo Trail in its entirety by late August and the Mangrove Overlook by late September.
Friends and fans of the refuge can still shop online at ShopDingDarling.com, as well as at the refuge Lifestyles Store — part of the Homes by Rachel boutique — at 1626 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
For construction progress updates, subscribe to the DDWS newsletter at dingdarlingsociety.org, follow the DDWS on Facebook, or contact Wildman at 239-789-8991 or wildman@dingdarlingsociety.org.