Refuge Unveils iNature Trail along Wildlife Drive

First of its kind in the National Wildlife Refuge System

Click here to watch WINK-TV's sneak preview broadcast.

If you have a smart phone that downloads apps, you’re ready to hit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s latest. Designed to appeal to the next generation’s techie side and get them outside, the Refuge iNature Trail along Wildlife Drive has two components – one for kids and one for adults.

The iNature Trail uses a set of QR (Quick Response) codes that smart phone-users can scan with free downloadable apps such as Neoscan or QR Scan.

Similar in appearance to common bar codes, QR codes typically send scanners to Web sites for more information. The refuge’s iNature trail goes a step further and incorporates short, engaging YouTube videos, making it more interactive and engaging. Users experience a free tour unique from any other current refuge offering.

For instance, one of the 20 QR codes along the iNature Trail takes you to a YouTube video of Refuge Manager Paul Tritaik welcoming guests to the refuge, while another shows a family planting a mangrove.

The iNature signs will be easily recognizable along the Trail and can be accessed while walking, biking, or driving along Wildlife Drive.

“This is the first such interactive trail in the 550-plus national wildlife refuge system,” said Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland. “We also believe this to be the first interactive QR wildlife trail in the nation.”

Have you visited our iNature Trail along Wildlife Drive? Please click here to scan one final code.