Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge

The Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 538 acres across 31 islands covered with mangroves and tropical vegetation species.

President Theodore Roosevelt established this wildlife refuge in 1908 to protect native birds and their breeding grounds within the Matlacha Pass estuary.

The refuge functions as part of the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex, protecting endangered species and maintaining ecological balance.

Access to the refuge requires a boat, and visitors need to check navigation charts due to numerous oyster bars and shallow waters.

The refuge incorporates Fisherman Key, where previous residents maintained fish camps before the area received protected status.

Location: Florida

Website: https://fws.gov/dingdarling/matlachapass

GPS coordinates: 26.55917,-82.07139

Latest update: April 9, 2025 08:59