J.N. \u201cDing\u201d Darling National Wildlife Refuge Project Leader Kevin Godsea recently issued a status report on the significant progress that has made on the hurricane recovery projects.<\/p>\n
Many projects were completed last year and additional work is scheduled through 2027. The efforts focus on restoring infrastructure and habitats at the Sanibel refuge, while enhancing resilience against future storms. Completion dates are tentative.<\/p>\n
Visitor & Education Center:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Repairs completed: Air-conditioning, roof replacement, ADA lift installation, electrical upgrades, new doors, impact windows and ceiling<\/p>\n
\u2013 Office wing: The \u201cDing\u201d Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) offices destroyed by flooding will be rebuilt as a wing to the center in the current staff parking area. Construction will begin in the summer\/fall.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Entrance ramp: A new ramp to the center and administration building is scheduled for the summer. Limited visitor access disruptions are expected.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Ramp archway: Completed in January 2025<\/p>\n
\u2013 Auditorium renovations and AV upgrades: Starting at the end of February<\/p>\n
Boardwalks:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Mangrove Overlook, Indigo Trail and Bailey Tract: Under construction, with completion expected this summer<\/p>\n
\u2013 Shell Mound Trail boardwalk: Managed by the Federal Highways Administration under the Emergency Relief for Federal-Owned Roads program. The design phase is underway, with construction anticipated in fiscal year 2028 after tribal consultations and permitting.<\/p>\n
Wildlife Drive:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Erosion issues persist due to levee impacts on mangrove resilience. The plans include additional bridges and culverts. The design drawings are near completion; public feedback will be scheduled for March or April. Construction tentatively will begin in summer 2027.<\/p>\n
Intern housing:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Replacement of 13-bedroom facility in the design phase; construction will start in the fall at the Tram Parking Lot on Sanibel-Captiva Road.<\/p>\n
Administrative building:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Repairs completed in February 2025<\/p>\n
\u2013 Nature Nook picnic\/education area completed in January<\/p>\n
Tarpon Bay concessions:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Repairs completed in September<\/p>\n
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Marine Lab:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Repairs are ongoing. Roof, fencing and doors have been replaced. Project completion is expected in April.<\/p>\n
Boat docks:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Government docks repairs at Tarpon Bay completed in summer<\/p>\n
Gates:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Five gates were replaced in summer (three on Wildlife Drive, one at maintenance, and one at Tarpon Bay)<\/p>\n
Maintenance building:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Repairs and construction are ongoing; completion expected in the spring.<\/p>\n
Mangrove Island restoration:<\/p>\n
\u2013 In October and December, staff \u2014 along with partners at the SCCF and MANG and volunteers from Captains for Clean Water \u2014 planted hundreds of mangroves on two wading bird rookery islands in the Matlacha Pass. The refuge will monitor the growth of the efforts and hopes to plant mangroves on more islands following this year\u2019s nesting season.<\/p>\n
Marsh restoration:<\/p>\n
\u2013 The refuge is planning to replant spartina grasses within the marshes of the botanical site and along Sanibel-Captiva Road in late spring and early summer. It will need volunteers for the effort. Those interested can contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) biological technician Avery Renshaw at avery_renshaw@fws.gov for scheduling information.<\/p>\n