Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge

Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge is technically in Big Pine Key, Florida which is part of the Florida Keys chain of islands. The refuge was founded in 1938 as a place for great white herons to be protected. The refuge also protected any other migratory birds and wildlife that may wander into the area. The refuge consists of 200,000 acres of open water and islands running from Marathon to Key West. The islands account for 7,600 acres of refuge.

Much of the islands are mangroves with some hardwood hammock habitats and pine rock land. The land is a protected area for nesting, feeding, and resting areas as it pertains to over 250 bird species and other wildlife. The Great White Heron is actually a color phase of the Great Blue Herons. They are only found in the Florida Keys. In the early 1900s these birds were almost extinct, so it was decided that a refuge was needed to stop the hunting of these birds. They were desired for their feathers, which were used for feather hats.

This backcountry area is also known for its sea turtle habitats. Loggerheads nest on the beach and hover around the sea grass beds.