The J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge was created as the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge on December 1, 1945, during the administration of Pres. Harry S. Truman. The refuge was renamed in 1967 to honor J.N. Ding Darling, a syndicated editorial cartoonist. He wintered on Captiva Island and advocated the establishment of the refuge. Situated on a barrier island in Southwest Florida, the refuge is a jewel among the 553 units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Sanibel, once cherished by the conquistadors, is renowned as one of the best places on the planet to collect seashells and...
The J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge was created as the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge on December 1, 1945, during the administration of P...