Earth Day at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Because Earth Day 2019 falls on the Monday following Easter, a day off for Lee County Schools students, we have expanded the free event to include a full day of tours, crafts, films, and programs on April 22. The Refuge will celebrate the 49th anniversary of Earth Day in partnership with the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society. Take part in recycled Earth crafts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the free-admission Visitor & Education Center, where you can meet Bagzilla, a “bag monster” dressed in the average person’s annual plastic bag consumption. Bike or hike Wildlife Drive for free from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ride your own bike and stop at Tarpon Bay Explorers, our official recreation concessionaire, for a free gift.

9 AM – Biking the Refuge (2 hrs) meet @ Flag Pole Bring Your Own Bike 9:30 AM – Birds and Wildlife Tour (1 hr & 30 min) meet @ Flag Pole

10 AM – Beach Walk (parking fees apply) (1 hr) meet @ Gulf Side City Park

11 AM – Photo Walk (1 hr) meet @ Flag Pole

11 AM – Horseshoe Crab (30 min) meet @ Visitor Center

1 PM – Gators & Crocs ( 30 min) meet @ Crossdike Pavillion

2 PM – Refuge Cleanup (1 hr & 30 min) meet @ Flag Pole