Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is located in the state of Florida and is the first national wildlife refuge in the United States.


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Summary

The refuge was established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt to protect the brown pelican and other birds from being hunted for their feathers.

There are many good reasons to visit Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge provides a home for over 30 species of birds, including pelicans, herons, egrets, and terns. Visitors can observe these birds in their natural habitat and learn about their behaviors and ecological importance.

One of the main points of interest in Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is the Pelican Island Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to many different species of birds and is a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the refuge to learn more about the wildlife and habitat.

Interesting facts about Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge include that it is home to the largest mangrove forest in the United States and that it has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention.

The best time of year to visit Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is during the winter months, when the weather is mild and many migratory birds are in the area. However, the refuge is open year-round and visitors can enjoy the wildlife and scenery at any time of year.

       

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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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