Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in the Florida Keys, covering 200,000 acres of land and water.


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Summary

The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 250 species of birds, sea turtles, and various marine animals. The main attraction of the refuge is the great white heron, a rare and beautiful bird that is found only in the Florida Keys.

There are several reasons why visitors should consider checking out Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and offers a unique opportunity to experience the unspoiled wilderness of the Florida Keys. Visitors can explore the area by foot, boat, kayak, or canoe and view the wildlife up close.

Some of the specific points of interest within the refuge include the mangrove islands, which are home to several endangered species, such as the Key deer and the Lower Keys marsh rabbit. Visitors can also explore the shallow waters of the area, which are teeming with marine life, including various species of fish, crabs, and shrimp.

One interesting fact about the refuge is that it was established in 1938 as a sanctuary for the great white heron, which was on the brink of extinction at that time. Today, the refuge is one of the largest and most important nesting sites for the bird in the world.

The best time of year to visit Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge is during the winter months, between November and March. During this time, the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. However, visitors should also be aware that hurricane season runs from June to November, so it is important to check weather conditions before planning a trip to the area.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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