Four National Wildlife Refuges have been established in the Florida Keys that are all part of the subtropical ecosystem of the region covering a total of approximately 416k acres and open waters. They protect the marine water, freshwater wetlands, mangrove forests, tropical hardwood and pine rockland forests. The Visitor Center for the Refuge Complex is in Big Pine Key across from the Winn Dixie on Key Deer Blvd.
Exhibits provide information about wildlife found in each refuge. They are:
- Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge (established 1980) preserves the mangrove wetlands, a key nesting area for crocodiles as well as many trees and shrubs in the hardwood hammocks. The refuge is also home to migratory songbirds, tree snails and butterflies. It is closed to general public use, although Key Largo Hammock State Botanical Site is contiguous to the refuge.
- Key West (established 1908) and Great White Heron (established in 1938) refuges encompass islands (49 of them) that are breeding grounds for native birds. Wading boards were close to extinction until these habitats were protected. Additionally, the refuges protect breeding sites for endangered turtles (Atlantic green, loggerhead, and hawksbill). Camping is not permitted and access is restricted on the refuge islands.
- Key Deer (established 1957) is located near the Visitor Center. Comprised of 25 islands, there are pine and mangrove forests, freshwater wetlands, and marine waters. The smallest sub-species of the Virginia white-tailed deer, Key deer, stand only 24-28” at the shoulder. This is the only place in the world where they can be found. Federally listed as endangered, there are about 600 Key Deer left.
With a refuge map in hand, we drove first to the nearby Blue Hole site. A volunteer at the observation deck provided us with interesting information about the wildlife here.
An abandoned limestone quarry that provided material for most of the roads on Big Pine Key, wildlife can be seen at Blue Hole here including fish, turtles, birds, and alligators.
Our sweet doggie, Sadie, really wanted to go for a swim, but not possible with alligators swimming around! Check out this red dragonfly (one of many).
Nearby are two hiking trails. The first, Jack Watson Wildlife Trail, is a 2/3 mile loop we first saw freshwater wetlands (home to alligators).
Next was the hardwood hammock where several types of palm trees thrive.
Periodic prescribed fires are conducted in the pine rockland. If the fires do not occur, the pine rockland will eventually become a hardwood hammock.
The short (800’) Fred Mannillo Wildlife Trail leads to an observation deck above the freshwater wetlands. Here you can see that many trees were destroyed by Hurricane Irma storm surge last year, but the pine rockland is recovering.
But...we did not see a single Key Deer on either trail! As my husband would tell you, I was not going to leave this refuge without seeing at least one! So we decided to drive over to No Name Key and hope for the best.
Sure enough, it was not long before we saw several deer in a housing community. I hopped out of the car to snap some photos while they made their way to a forested area. They were not at all intimidated by my presence. Compared to deer we are used to seeing in PA, these were so small!
Our last stop at the refuge was on Long Beach Road. Damage from Hurricane Irma has not yet been cleared from the refuge trail there.
We did see several more Key Deer here (awesome!) Their newborns weigh only 2-4 pounds. Their diminutive size made them so endearing!
What a treat to see this endangered species. We really appreciate the National Wildlife Refuges in our country. They continue to preserve and protect our natural resources and I am always amazed at the foresight of those who came before us. Well done!
If you get the opportunity, this is a great place to visit (and is free). Be sure to take the time to “drive around” if you do not spot any Key Deer on the trails. The folks at the Visitor Center can tell you where you might find some. For additional information, go to www.fws.gov/refuge/National_Key_Deer_Refuge.
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