Tybee National Wildlife Refuge

Tybee National Wildlife Refuge is a 100-acre sanctuary at the mouth of the Savannah River with saltwater marshes, wooded areas, and sand deposits. The site has developed into an important habitat for birds and marine life through the continuous accumulation of dredged materials from the river.

The refuge was established in 1938 through an executive order by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to protect migratory birds and their habitats. This creation came during a period of growing national efforts to conserve wetlands and bird populations along the American coast.

The refuge is an important site for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts who use telescopes from nearby Fort Pulaski to observe species across the water. The marsh habitat supports many bird populations that visitors can study from a distance.

The area is not open to public access, but visitors can observe wildlife using binoculars or telescopes from nearby Fort Pulaski National Monument. The best viewing spot is from the fort's shore across the river from the refuge.

The land began as a single-acre oyster shoal and gradually expanded to its present size over decades through river dredging. This unusual origin demonstrates how wildlife habitat can develop from unexpected sources.

Location: Jasper County

Inception: 1938

Website: https://fws.gov/tybee

GPS coordinates: 32.04190,-80.91650

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22