Trails construction entering final phases
“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) has themed the 2026-27 season at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island “Wings of Renewal,” and the revitalization enters its final phases starting July 27. The “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center closes that day as work begins on a new entrance ramp.
At the same time, a project to upgrade auditoriums gets finishing touches, work on trail boardwalks wraps up, and construction begins on DDWS offices to replace those demolished by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
New high-tech AV is coming to the auditoriums and throughout the center. Other auditorium improvements 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 center’s shutdown will include the Refuge Nature Store, America’s Best Restroom, and the main parking lot. Visitors will be able to park in the upper (north) lot. The center will reopen October 1, in time for “Ding” Darling’s 150th birthday celebration and Art in the Wild October 20-22.
Friends and fans of the refuge can still shop to support “Ding” online at ShopDingDarling.com and at the refuge Lifestyles Store, 1626 Periwinkle Way. It is part of the Homes by Rachel boutique in Heart of the Islands center and opens Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wildlife Drive, Bailey Tract, and Tarpon Bay Explorers will remain open their regular hours throughout the closure period. Boardwalk construction at Bailey Tract will be completed by July 31. Refuge administration plans to open Indigo Trail in its entirety by late August and Mangrove Overlook by late September.
“The excitement at ‘Ding’ has been steadily building these past couple of years as it comes back better and more impressive than ever,” said DDWS executive director Ann-Marie Wildman. “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.”
In the past year, following phase 1 renovations, “Ding” Visitor & Education Center opened its new Pollinator Garden and Ranger Toni’s Nature Nook in the area once occupied by DDWS offices on the ground floor. The refuge also recently completed installation of a new air-conditioning system.
To keep informed about construction progress, subscribe to “Ding” on the Wing email newsletter, follow the DDWS Facebook page, or contact Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991 or wildman@dingdarlingsociety.org.