Florida: Sanibel, Checkout Ding Darling iNature Trail. 
Now with a smartphone that downloads apps, trails at at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) on Sanibel Island are revealed.
Here’s the scoop. Designed to appeal to the next generation's techie side and get them outside, the Refuge iNature Trail along Wildlife Drive has two components - one for kids and one for adults.
The iNature Trail uses a set of QR (Quick Response) codes that smartphone-users can scan with free downloadable apps such as Neoscan or QR Scan. Similar in appearance to common bar codes, QR codes typically send scanners to websites for more information.
How cool is this? The refuge's iNature trail goes a step further and incorporates short, engaging YouTube videos, making it more interactive. For instance, one of the 22 QR codes along the iNature Trail takes you to a YouTube video of Refuge Manager Paul Tritaik welcoming guests to the refuge, while another shows families how to plant a mangrove tree. The iNature signs will be easily recognizable along the Trail and can be accessed while walking, biking, or driving along Wildlife Drive.
According to Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland this is the first interactive trail of its kind within the 550-plus national wildlife refuges and possibly the interactive QR wildlife trail in the US.
Funds for the iNature Trail along Wildlife Drive were made possible by private contributions to the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS). As a non-profit, DDWS works to support "Ding" Darling NWR's mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop proceeds.
Actively enjoy Ding Darling Refuge. Tarpon Bay Explorers provides various tours within the refuge. From guided tram tours along the Wildlife Drive leaving from the Education Center parking lot to kayak/canoe and sea life interpretive tours, they provide visitors expert commentary and with views of indigenous marine life. (www.TarponBayExplorers.com)
Create your own family fun. It is also possible to rent bicycles, kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, and fishing equipment or arrange for a charter fishing trip. Guided kayak and canoe tours are offered from Canoe Adventures along the Drive ((239) 472-5218) and there is also kayaking/canoeing around Buck Key off of Captiva Island.
Attend Ding Darling Days. Each October the refuge celebrates adding themed days plus character meet-and-greets on a special free Family Fun Day. Festivities throughout the week include free live wildlife presentations, giveaways, a butterfly house, touch tank, nature crafts, face painting, family nature art workshops, cartooning, and a free tram photography workshop for the first 30 who sign up that day at the tram booth in the refuge parking lot. For a complete schedule of the event
www.dingdarlingdays.comLocation on the planet. The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel along Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast. It is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. Bonus points: The visitor center features interactive exhibits on refuge ecosystems, the work of "Ding" Darling, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and a hands-on area for young children. The center is located two miles west of Tarpon Bay Rd. on Sanibel Captiva Rd. Sanibel, FL 33957. (239) 472-1100.
Make it happen. Get an overview from
www.fws.gov/dingdarling/ or to access vacation for The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel just visit the iNature trail. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit
www.dingdarlingsociety.org or contact Birgie Vertesch at (239) 292-0566, 239-472-1100 ext. 4,
Content and images provided by J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Copyright 2011.
