Visit Us
Come visit us at the refuge from sunrise to sunset.
The refuge's Shoveler Pond Auto-Tour loop, Butterfly Garden, moist soil units and Skillern Tract are just a few of the places on the refuge where the wildlife watching is spectacular. Here you will find excellent views of alligators and opportunities to see any of the six rail species. Boardwalks and overlooks provide great vantage points so bring your camera and your binoculars!
Location and Contact Information
About Us
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
What We Do
We actively manage the landscape to remove invasive plants and simulate natural ecosystem events. Through tools such as prescribed fire, cooperative grazing, moist soil management, and carefully managed water hydrology, our team strives to ensure the healthiest and productive habitat for migrating birds. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from our purpose and mission, to the recreational activities we offer, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.
Our Species
The mottled duck has always been of conservation concern due to its limited range and small population size, as well as its popularity as a game bird. It is considered an indicator species for the health of coastal marshes and wetlands.