The federal government shutdown means the J.N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is closed to all public access until further notice.
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a federal facility and all areas managed by the refuge are closed to public access including the main headquarters building, Wildlife Drive and all trails, the “Ding” Darling Education Center, the Bailey Tract and Tarpon Bay Explorers are closed until the government reopens.
The closure comes at the peak of the fall bird migration, which attracts many visitors to the Refuge.