Jack C. Watson Nature Trail

Key West National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, is a remarkable preserve and breeding ground for native birds and wildlife. Covering over 200,000 acres, with a mere 2,000 acres of land, this refuge is one of the earliest and most significant refuges in the United States, boasting a diverse range of over 250 bird species and serving as a vital nesting site for sea turtles. Located near Key West, the refuge is accessible only by boat. However, it is administered as part of the National Key Deer Refuge, headquartered on Big Pine Key, which is approximately 100 miles south of Miami. With its predominantly mangrove islands, interspersed with beaches and salt ponds, Key West National Wildlife Refuge offers a unique and captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.Generated from the website

The National Key Deer Refuge, established in 1957, is dedicated to protecting and preserving the national interest in Key deer and other wildlife resources in the Florida Keys. Located in the Lower Florida Keys, the refuge encompasses diverse habitats such as pine rockland forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, and salt marsh wetlands, providing a sanctuary for over 20 endangered and threatened plant and animal species. Home to the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer in North America, the endangered Key deer, the refuge offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these iconic creatures in their natural habitat. With a Nature Center staffed by knowledgeable volunteers and refuge personnel, visitors can learn about the wildlife and rare habitats while supporting conservation efforts through the Florida Keys Wildlife Society nature store.Generated from the website