Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge is a small island located off the coast of Florida.


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Summary

It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including sea turtles, dolphins, and a wide variety of bird species. The refuge is only accessible by boat, but visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

One of the main attractions of the refuge is its large population of shorebirds, including the endangered piping plover. Visitors can also see a range of seabirds, such as pelicans and gulls, as well as wading birds like herons and egrets.

In addition to its wildlife, Passage Key is known for its pristine beaches and clear waters, which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water-based activities. Visitors can also explore the island's unique vegetation, which includes sea oats, mangroves, and other coastal plants.

The best time to visit Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge is during the winter months, when the weather is mild and the bird populations are at their peak. However, visitors should be aware that the island is closed to the public during the nesting season, which typically runs from March to August.

Overall, Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see destination for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. Its unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife make it a truly special place to visit.

       

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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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