📷 A rainbow over Roseate spoonbills at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, FL | Jamey Binneveld / USFWS
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is deeply saddened by the news from Florida regarding the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Many of our staff, board members, and partners are a part of the Florida community, especially in the southwest which was most directly impacted. As we survey the impacts of Hurricane Ian on national wildlife refuges across Florida, the Refuge Association will work hard to secure funding to repair losses to critical habitats, repair damages to refuge facilities, and assist the communities affected in rebuilding.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, Florida unfortunately took a hard hit from the storm. “Ding” Darling NWR is not only one of the crown jewels of the National Wildlife Refuge System it is also a jewel of its surrounding community. The National Wildlife Refuge Association is monitoring the effects of the storm on “Ding” Darling NWR and other refuges in Florida.
In times like these, we are called upon to come together as a community and we are happy that our national wildlife refuges are safe havens for not just wildlife, but for all of you who love these special places just as much as we do. We are in awe of the individuals helping people and wildlife in need. The National Wildlife Refuge Association sends its hope and best wishes to those experiencing hardship in Florida.
