About Us

The refuge was established by President Woodrow Wilson on July 1, 1920, through Executive Order 3299 as a ". . . preserve and breeding ground for native birds" upon the recommendation of Thomas and Mina Edison. Originally, the Caloosahatchee NWR consisted of several mangrove islands. However, shoreline development, dredging of the river, and construction of the I-75 bridge has changed the physical arrangement and appearance of these islands. Today, the refuge still remains approximately 40 acres of mangrove shorelines and upland island habitats. The refuge is located adjacent to the Florida Power and Light Company's Orange River Power Plant and the Orange River's outflow. The warm water outflow from the power plant is a major wintering area for the endangered West Indian manatee. 

Other Facilities in this Complex

The Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The majority of the lands in these refuges are nesting and roosting islands. The entire complex is approximately 8,000 acres. The Refuge Complex headquarters is located at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957. 

Sunset oranges and yellows at J.N. Ding Darling NWR
Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1908 as a ". . . preserve and breeding ground for native birds." Located in a vast complex of mangrove islands and brackish waters, Island Bay Refuge consists of six undeveloped, roadless tracts of land totaling 20 acres occupying the higher...
National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel,FL
Bright pink birds with round, spoon shaped bills wading in blue water
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel, is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for spectacular migratory bird populations and the best place to start your visit is the FREE Visitor and...
National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel,FL
Matlacha NWR sunrise bright orange across the water
Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge
Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge was established on September 26, 1908, as three small islands created a, "preserve and breeding ground for native birds." Since then, the refuge has grown to 31 islands encompassing over 500 acres. The refuge islands are surrounded by the Matlacha Pass State...
National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel,FL
Pine Island in coastal saltmarsh
Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1908 to protect thousands of herons, egrets, and pelicans. The refuge is surrounded by the Pine Island Sound State Aquatic Preserve.
National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel,FL