The Day In The LIfe of a Resident Refuge Maintenance Volunteer

J.N. Ding Darling NWR (Sanibel, FL)  82 degrees, blue skies

We will soon be finishing up our winter volunteer assignment at J.N. Ding Darling NWR. I thought it might be fun to let you know how John spends a typical day volunteering at this beautiful refuge.  John works three, eight shifts per week, and this is how he spent last Friday.

His day starts very early at 6:30 a.m before the refuge is open.  Dawn is breaking and the no-see-ums can be fierce if there is not a breeze.  Sometimes a little bit of "sanibel aftershave" is needed (aka bug spray).

Dawn at the refuge

First task of the day is blowing the parking lot, sidewalks, and ramp leading up to the visitor center removing debris and leaves.  Trash is also picked up from several areas and taken to the main dumpster.

Blowing the sidewalk and parking lot outside of the refuge

Afterwards there is a meeting with the maintenance refuge staff and tentative plans are made for the day.  John says it's always tentative because "stuff" happens. Today a boat motor had stopped working on the biology boat and their next stop after the meeting was to  check it out. On Friday John worked with Toby, an employee whose position is shared with the refuge and SCCF (Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation).  

Biology Boat

After examining the motor it was  determined the boat needed to be taken to the marina for more extensive repairs and it was towed.

Working tow boat (John & Toby(

Getting ready to tow the biology boat

Mission accomplished, now on to the next task.  A sign in  Tarpon Bay needed a small repair.

It was a nice day out on the water.  It's a tough job, but someone has to volunteer.  :)

Upon return to the refuge, the boat was dropped off and washed down.  Equipment is kept in good working order on the refuge.  The maintenance department has some some very nice equipment.  We have worked for campgrounds in the past and having good, well maintained equipment, to use is not always the case.  

Next stop is out to one of the trails to do a little bit of maintenance.  

Look who is peaking out beneath the brush.  Can you see him?

Here is a closer view.  It's a huge gopher tortoise.  Pretty cool!  Being surrounded by nature is such an added benefit.

Part of the day is spent driving to all the locations needing some maintenance or going out ot get supplies. A truck is provided for use while you are working.

Next stop...a bathroom toilet is leaking in the administration office.  Toilets are always a one or two "tripper" to fix.  Usually some parts are necessary and these have to be picked up at a local hardware store if not in stock.  

The last job involved a little bit of mowing.  Let's just say there is a lot of grass to mow on this island and it grows very fast in Florida.

Well, the day is now over.  A maintenance volunteers job is really never done.  There is always a very long "honey do" list.  John has really enjoyed this volunteering job very much. Everyday is different and there is a lot of variety. He feels his skills are valued and appreciated and he has learned a lot too. Life is good!