Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area

Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area is a protected landscape in central Florida spanning three counties with wetlands, grasslands, and forests. These diverse habitats support native wildlife and birds that depend on the region's water systems and vegetation for survival.

The refuge was established in 2012 as the 556th unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System under a conservation initiative. Early expansion focused on acquiring private agricultural lands to protect the region's critical water resources and natural systems.

The refuge serves as an educational center where researchers study habitat preservation techniques while engaging local communities in environmental protection.

Check the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website before your visit to confirm which areas are open and any access restrictions in place. Planning ahead ensures you can spend your time exploring the sections that interest you most.

The refuge protects headwater wetlands that are the source of the Everglades ecosystem rather than the swamps most people know. Few visitors realize this upper drainage system feeds the entire southern wetland region below it.

Location: Hardee County

Location: Polk County

Location: Highlands County

Website: https://fws.gov/southeast/evergladesheadwaters

GPS coordinates: 27.63340,-80.96337

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:01