‘Ding’ Darling Visitor & Education Center to Close for Repairs

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Still recovering from damage inflicted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center will close temporarily for repairs to the air-conditioning system and other improvements starting April 1. Tentative reopening date is April 6, but could be extended. Watch refuge social media and dingdarlingsociety.org for updates.

“We have kept the center open in its current condition to make it through winter season, but now’s the time to get it back to even better shape than pre-Ian,” said Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland. “America’s Best Restrooms, The Roost, Wildlife Drive, and all the trails will remain open except on Friday, as usual.”

The “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center normally opens Saturday through Thursday 9 to 4 p.m. free-of-charge. It holds the Refuge Nature Store and hands-on displays, plus distributes information and advice about visiting the refuge.

ABOUT DDWS
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991 or wildman@dingdarlingsociety.org.