Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a study in transition. Here, the waterlogged wet pine savannas give way to the marshes, freshwater streams, and bayous of the Escatawpa River system. Slowly these fresh water systems system wind their way toward the Mississippi Sound and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. Neither fresh nor salt, the brackish waters and marshes found throughout much of the refuge serve as a home and nursery to numerous different fish, fowl, and flora.

Visit Us

The Grand Bay Coastal Resources Center, which serves as headquarters and visitor contact station of the refuge is pictured here.
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Visitors to Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) are encouraged to begin their tour at the Grand Bay Coastal Resources Center’s interpretive center. Here visitors will learn about the diverse habitats located at Grand Bay NWR and the flora and fauna that make this place home.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      A multi-colored male painted bunting in the leaf litter.
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      A male painted bunting at the refuge.

      Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in coastal Mississippi and Alabama. The refuge was established in 1992 to help protect one of the largest remaining expanses of Gulf Coast wet pine savanna habitat. With only 3% of wet pine savanna remaining across its originally range, it is considered an endangered habitat.

      The 10,188 acre refuge partially overlays the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Together, they protect nearly 18,000 acres of relatively undisturbed wildlife habitat.

      In addition to the wet pine savanna, other refuge habitats include maritime forest, tidal and non-tidal wetlands, salt marshes, salt pans, bays and bayous. These numerous and  varying habitats provide a unique opportunity to view the diverse numbers of species that make their home here.

      Our Species

      Our Library

      Grand Bay NWR Hunting Regulations 2023-2024
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      Grand Bay NWR Hunting Regulations 2023-2024
      PDF

      Get Involved

      A group of volunteers get together for a photo after lopping pine saplings.
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      Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love.



      National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference.



      Find out how you can help make American lands healthier and communities stronger while doing something personally satisfying.