Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information
  • Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • Deer 125x90

    St. Marks Hunting Opportunities

    Hunting Opportunities include Big Game Hunting, Migratory Bird Hunting, Turkey Hunting, Upland Bird Hunting, Waterfowl Hunting.

    See the Hunting Regulations Brochure

  • Calendar of Events

    Check out the upcoming events at your refuge. Call the refuge at (850)925-6121 for more information.

    Events Calendar

  • Every Kid

    Hey Fourth Graders!

    See America’s natural wonders and historic sites. Fourth graders can bring family and friends on adventures free for a full year.

    Learn more about Every Kid Outdoors

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    e-Bird Tracker

    See what birds are being spotted here at the refuge with our e-Bird Tracker before you visit!

    Birding

  • Friends

    Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge

    We are a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to helping the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in all aspects of its mission.

    Partnerships

Highlights

Refuge Open - Visitor Center Closed

June 16, 2020

Out of concern for the health of our staff, volunteers, and visitors, all on-site, in-person refuge tours, classes, and other events have been canceled until further notice. The refuge remains open during daylight hours. Any virtual events will be listed on the Events Calendar. The Visitor Center and Lighthouse are closed. Restrooms are available near the picnic area. All trails and the boat ramp are open. Call 925-6121 with questions; call 911 for an emergency. Entrance fee required. Take the necessary precautions and stay well!

FWS Coronavirus Response

Monarch Festival Canceled

October 11, 2020 monarch-1

Happy Fall Everyone! It probably will come as no surprise, but due to the ongoing pandemic and the need for us to stay within the guidelines put forth by the CDC in regards to large public gatherings, and the need to keep everyone safe, we would like to announce that the St Marks National Wildlife Refuge will not be holding the Monarch Festival or monarch tagging this year. However, fear not! There will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beauty and majesty of St Marks National Wildlife Refuge and the magnificent Monarch Butterfly both virtually on our Facebook site @SMSVNWRS, where we will post daily activities between Oct 11 and Oct 31 for our “Live Your Wild At St Marks National Wildlife Refuge” campaign.

Live Your Wild

Youth Deer Hunt

November 1, 2020 Deer 125x90

2020 Youth Deer Hunt to be held Dec. 4-6, 2020. In light of the ongoing pandemic and the need for us to stay within the guidelines put forth by the CDC in regards to gatherings and social distancing, we will be changing the format of our youth deer hunt this fall. Instead of having a mentored youth hunt, we will be taking applications for youth 12-17 years of age to attend a youth hunt with a licensed guardian. This hunt will take place on the St Marks Unit of the refuge in the same location that the guided youth hunt generally takes place. For all the details and information, you can click on the link for rules and regulations for this hunt. Applications must be submitted by 11 pm on Nov 1, 2020; drawing will take place and participants will be notified on Nov. 3, 2020. Those chosen will have 24 hours to respond and then we will go to another applicant, so make sure the number you put on the application is one you can be reached with. For questions on this hunt call 850-251-8525

Youth Deer Hunt Rules and Application

New Hunt/Fish Opportunities

The New Hunt Program Changes as of August 31, 2020. St. Marks NWR has made changes to the hunt program in the Final 2020-2021 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations process.

Learn the Details . . .
Frosted Flatwoods Salamander

Frosted Flatwoods Salamander

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The frosted flatwoods salamander is associated with the longleaf pine flatwoods that once extended across much of the Southeastern U.S. Today, due largely to habitat loss, their range within Florida has been reduced primarily to Apalachicola National Forest and St. Marks NWR. Because of this reduction in numbers from loss of habitat, the frosted flatwoods salamander is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Frosted Flatwoods Salamander

About the Complex

North Florida Refuges Complex

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the North Florida Refuges Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

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
Follow NWRS Online