J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has announced that the gates to Wildlife Drive will reopen Tuesday, April 4, for the first time since Hurricane Ian. The four-mile, one-way road takes motorists, cyclists and hikers through parts of the 6,300-acre preserve —home to more than 200 species of birds, alligators and other animals.
The “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center also reopens that same day.
Wildlife Drive’s observation tower will also be accessible to the public starting April 4, along with a section of Indigo Trail, Wildlife Education Boardwalk and Wulfert Key Trail.