The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers.  The refuge provides habitat for threatened and endangered species, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, and wood stork, along with a wide variety of other wildlife.  It is world renowned for its amphibian populations that are bio-indicators of global health.The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has 353,981 acres of National Wilderness Area within the refuge boundaries. In addition, the refuge is a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR Convention – 1971) because of the Okefenokee Swamp's importance and value on an international scale.
Announcements

Proposed Minor Expansion for Okefenokee NWR 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting public input on the proposal to add approximately 22,000 acres to the acquisition boundary of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. This is a proposal that could expand the fuel reduction zone that protects neighboring properties from wildfires. An in-person public meeting was held on November 12, 2024 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Charlton County Annex Auditorium, 68 Kingsland Drive, Folkston, GA.

UPDATES (November 26, 2024)

The public comment period has been extended from December 9th to December 13th. The public may submit input via email to Okefenokee@fws.gov.

A virtual public meeting will be held using the Zoom platform on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Eastern Time. Please pre-register using this link: https://empsi.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sJwkU7wZRKW_WkU0QlELZg 

Please view the News Release for alternative ways to register and for more information about the proposed minor expansion. 

Documents

Friends of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is Hiring

Our Friends Group is hiring a part-time Nature Store Manager! Go to the Friends of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge's website to read the job description and learn how to apply. 

Volunteer Opportunities

We are currently accepting applications for multiple volunteer positions as a Visitor Center Front Desk Assistant, Maintenance Assistant, or Environmental Education Assistant. Visit the Get Involved page on our website to fill out an application or learn more!

Visit Us

Visit Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for the opportunity to enjoy a unique ecosystem with a fascinating cultural history and rich species diversity. Stop in to the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center to learn about all of the recreational opportunities on the refuge. The refuge is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to either 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. (seasonally) and the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center is open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (call for current hours/days of operation).

Visit our Facebook page or give us a call at 912-496-7836 for up-to-date information on programs and upcoming events.  

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge conserves the unique qualities of the Okefenokee Swamp for future generations to enjoy.  The swamp is considered the headwaters of the Suwannee and St Marys Rivers.  Habitats provide for threatened and endangered species, and a wide variety of other wildlife. It is world renowned for its amphibian populations that are bio-indicators of global health.

      What We Do

      Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
      A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

      Learn more about national wildlife refuge
      is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Green plains and a lake with a mountain range in the background.
      Wilderness areas are wild, undeveloped, federally protected areas where you can see wildlife in its natural habitat, enjoy adventure and unmechanized recreation, or just relish solitude. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages more than 20 million acres of Congressionally designated wilderness...

      Our Species

      The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was established to provide "refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.” The refuge provides habitat for threatened and endangered species, such as red-cockaded woodpeckers, wood storks and eastern indigo snakes. The most iconic species that resides in the Okefenokee NWR, is the American Alligator. With an estimated population of approximately 15,000 alligators living in the Okefenokee Swamp, visitors are almost guaranteed to have at least a few sightings of these important and beautiful reptiles. Other notable bird species include swallow-tailed kites, sandhill cranes, Bachman's sparrows, prothonotary warblers, red-shouldered hawks and barred owls. Other reptilian residents include: gopher tortoise, timber rattlesnakes, Florida softshell turtles and numerous species of watersnakes. 

      Get Involved

      Discover for yourself what tens of thousands of volunteers have learned: Volunteering for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is fun and rewarding in many ways. Master new skills. Meet new friends. Enjoy a sense of accomplishment from doing your part to further wildlife conservation for the pleasure of generations to follow. Check out the refuge's volunteer opportunities on our website, RV volunteer opportunities on Volunteer.gov or call the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center at 912-496-7836 for more information.