Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
During the current public health emergency, whenever possible, outdoor recreation sites at national wildlife refuges will remain open to the public. For now, refuge visitor centers and other public facilities may be closed and most scheduled events have been postponed.

For local conditions review the information on this website and call ahead.

If visiting one of our location, please ensure public health and safety by following guidance from the CDC and state and local public health authorities. You can do this by maintaining social distancing, avoiding overcrowding and excercising good hygiene. For more information: FWS Coronavirus Response page.

Features

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    Where Wildlife Comes First

    National Wildlife Refuges are managed for wildlife and habitat and to ensure future generations will always have wild places to explore!

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    View the Sea Turtle Nest Updates

    Check out the latest numbers of sea turtle nests on Archie Carr NWR beaches!

    Sea Turtle Nest Update

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    Volunteers Needed!

    Close to 38,000 people volunteer with the US Fish and Wildlife Service annually. Wouldn't you like to be one of those?

    Get Involved

Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles

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While sea turtles are threatened with extinction throughout the world, the Archie Carr NWR hosts the largest nesting population of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles in the U.S., with a quarter of all loggerhead sea turtle nests and a third of all green sea turtle nests.

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Found Wildlife?

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Have you found a baby bird in your yard? See an injured bird on the road? Raccoons in your attic? Stranded or hurt sea turtle?

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Dr. Archie Carr

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The Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research (ACCSTR) at the University of Florida was established as a Center of Excellence in 1986 by the University Board of Regents of the State of Florida in recognition of the outstanding achievements and pioneering research of the late Archie Carr and the University of Florida’s international reputation in the field of sea turtle research.

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Come visit us!

Sea Turtle Watch Programs

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Sea turtle nesting season on our beaches is from June - October. The best time to view sea turtles nesting is in June and July when guided, night-time sea turtle watch programs are offered. The best time to see hatchlings emerge from their nest is during our turtle dig programs offered in August and early September.

Sea Turtle Watch Programs

About the Complex

Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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