Key West National Wildlife Refuge

Key West National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in the Florida Keys consisting of mangrove islands and extensive marine waters. The refuge spans thousands of acres with shallow waters, seagrass beds, and forested islands that support diverse wildlife.

President Theodore Roosevelt established this refuge in 1908 to protect birds from hunters who harvested feathers for the hat trade. It was among the earliest wildlife refuges in the United States, helping to pioneer federal conservation efforts.

The refuge provides nesting and feeding areas for over 250 bird species, from frigatebirds to herons that rely on these islands for survival. Visitors can observe these birds in their natural habitat, especially during breeding seasons when activity peaks.

Access to the refuge requires a boat since it comprises islands and water channels with no land bridges. Wildlife viewing, kayaking, and photography are best enjoyed during daylight hours while staying in designated areas.

The refuge contains the only known nesting site in the United States for hawksbill sea turtles, a critically endangered species. These rare turtles return to the same beaches to lay eggs year after year, making the refuge irreplaceable for their survival.