The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge proudly observes Native American Heritage Month, honoring the enduring legacy and vibrant culture of Indigenous peoples in Southwest Florida. While the Wildlife Drive and Calusa Shell Mound Trail remain closed for hurricane recovery, we’ve set up an interpretive table on the Calusa inside our free Visitor and Education Center, offering a glimpse into their history and impact.Indigenous presence on this land is alive and ongoing. Native communities

🐍 Meet the Victorian Carpet Python! 🐍 Also known as the Murray-Darling Carpet Python, this non-venomous snake growing up to 2.5 metres long. Found across northern and central Victoria, and along the Murray River into southern NSW and southwest Queensland, they live in woodlands, grasslands, rocky areas, and even on farms. With their beautiful patterned scales, these pythons are harmless to humans and help control pests like rats and mice. Sadly, they face threats from habitat loss and fear-dri