Sanibel - JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Located at the north end of the island, JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a 7000-acre mangrove estuary. Home to large flocks of neo-tropical wading water birds and migrating waterfowl, alligators, otters, raccoons and American crocodiles. Over 220 species of birds have been sighted in the Darling Refuge. Hiking trails, canoe routes, biking paths and an interpretative tram ride on the "wildlife drive." The refuge was named for cartoonist and early conservationist, Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling. It was created in 1945 and renamed in 1978 in his memory.