Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge is a protected wildlife area located in the state of Florida.
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Summary
It spans over 23,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including numerous bird species, reptiles, and marine life. The refuge is known for its mangrove forests, which provide important habitat for many species.
There are several good reasons to visit Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge, including its beautiful scenery and unique wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing in the area. The refuge is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area.
Some specific points of interest to see in the refuge include the Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, which is home to numerous species of fish and other marine life, and the Observation Tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the refuge's hiking trails, which provide opportunities to see wildlife up close.
Interesting facts about Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge include that it was established in 1908 as a bird sanctuary, and it is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the United States. The area is also home to several endangered species, including the Florida manatee and the wood stork.
The best time of year to visit Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge is during the winter months, when many bird species migrate to the area. However, visitors can enjoy the refuge year-round, as there is always something to see and do in this unique and beautiful ecosystem.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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