provided to Santiva Chronicle
Join J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge for a free guided bike tour of its Bailey Tract trails on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020. Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge’s recreation concession, will be providing the free use of bicycles and helmets to a limited number of up to 20 participants ages 10 and older. Reserve in advance at 239-472-8900, and meet at TBE by 9 a.m. Cyclists with their own bicycles can also join the tour for free, but must also preregister.
The bike tour is part of the refuge’s year-long 75th anniversary celebration, which culminates on Dec. 1, 2020. Refuge guides will lead the 90-minute tour from TBE through the 2.2 miles of trails at Bailey Tract. Participants will learn about the alligators, bobcats, birds, and endangered Sanibel rice rat that call the tract’s marsh and wetland habitat home. Cyclists should bring drinking water, sunscreen, and insect repellant.
Other highlights of the refuge’s 75th anniversary season include a Clyde Butcher photography exhibition through Feb. 5, 2010; an art exhibition by Ed Anderson, the refuge’s official 75th anniversary “resident artist,” from Feb. 25 through April 24; Project Refuge: A Couture Fashion Show Using Trash on March 10; a fall exhibit of Jay N. “Ding” Darling cartoons and historic artifacts; special lectures; discounts on TBE tours; and a public celebration on Dec. 1, 2020.
For more information about “Ding” Darling’s 75th celebration, visit ding75.org.
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