THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL in Southwest
Florida is rich in natural beauty and wildlife, just waiting to be
discovered. Families will be entertained by many different nature
programs, exhibitions, and other special events that allow you to
explore and learn about the area’s natural habitat—and its inhabitants.It is an opportunity for families to be together and reconnect through
their love of nature and the outdoors.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on the
subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge
was established in 1945 as a way to safeguard the wildlife of the island.
Today, it is 6,400 acres of mangroves, seagrass beds, and marshes,
allowing for great eco-excursions. There are many trails to choose from.
The Bailey Tract is ideal for early-morning birdwatching. The 1.1-mile
trail takes visitors along freshwater marshes and mangrove islands, and
into buttonwoods where there’s a good chance to see osprey hunting.
The Indigo Trail is another popular birding site, where at certain parts
of the four-mile trail birds like ibises and colorful roseate spoonbills
can be seen. Wildlife Drive is also a good way to view a wide variety of
waterbirds and shorebirds, as well as alligators, marsh rabbits, and the
occasional otter.
If you prefer to have a more guided experience, take an expert-led tram
along Wildlife Drive, join a paddling tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers, or
stop by the Visitor & Education Center, which has interactive exhibits onrefuge ecosystems, migratory flyways, and the National Wildlife Refuge
System, and a hands-on area for children. The refuge went so far as
to take the usually mundane restroom area and turn it into “learning
lavatories.” The bathroom area was named “America’s Best Restroom” in
2018 and features animal sculptures and murals by artists like Andrew
Corke, who fashioned a mother and baby manatee out of recycled bike
tires from Billy’s Rentals on Sanibel. The lavatory also has fun, nature-
related factoids to read while waiting in line.
CROW (CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE)
is another great place to take the family. The Visitor Education Center
displays information about CROW’s history and day-to-day operations
by using interactive exhibits and video. The center also features live
animal exhibits, special children’s areas, and live camera feeds from
the hospital intake room and several outdoor rehabilitation enclosures.
You can also attend a daily “Wonders of Wildlife” presentation or take a
guided “Wildlife Walk” through the hospital, where kids can feel like a
“vet for a day” while they don official CROW lab coats. (O
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FORT MYERS & SANIBEL:
Reconnect with nature
These great family-friendly activities are just the start. There is so much more to
explore on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Visit fortmyers-sanibel.com.
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