Mountain Bogs National Wildlife Refuge

Mountain Bogs National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in Ashe County that preserves specialized bog ecosystems in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The refuge encompasses multiple private properties bound by conservation agreements and home to rare plant and animal species.

The refuge was established in 2015 to protect the unique bog habitats of the southern Appalachians from development. This decision came as recognition grew about how rare and threatened these ecosystems had become.

The refuge represents a partnership between federal agencies and private landowners to maintain ecological diversity in the southern Appalachian region.

The area is not open to public access as it remains under private control and subject to habitat protection requirements. The closure is necessary to keep rare species and their habitats undisturbed.

What makes this refuge distinctive is its structure: the bog habitats sit on private properties whose owners have voluntarily committed to conservation. This demonstrates an innovative approach to protecting nature without full public control.

Location: Ashe County

Inception: April 22, 2015

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/mountain_bogs

GPS coordinates: 36.41472,-81.56556

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41