Units of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge cover about 7,000 acres of coastal lands on the Fort Morgan peninsula. Founded in 1980, it is one of the 550+ refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Like all refuges, Bon Secour protects and preserves the unique habitats and wildlife that live here for future generations. With 5 miles of gulf beaches and 12 miles of bayfront along Mobile Bay, there are beach dunes and rolling pine-oak woodlands.
Located just a half mile from our RV park is the refuge Visitor Center. Displays of the various wildlife found in the refuge are on display. Loggerhead sea turtles lay eggs on the beaches of the refuge from May to September. The hatchlings find their way to the water in the fall. We hope one day to see this in person!
Alligators are found throughout the refuge (and grow to 6-12’). Foxes and bobcats live here as well, and their furs are on display, too.
Various shore birds live here year-round, and osprey migrate to the refuge beginning in mid-April. Piping plovers (shown below), on the endangered list since 1986, nest on the sandy beaches of the refuge during the winter months.
We picked up a map of the refuge at the Visitor Center and learned that dogs are not permitted on any trails. This came as a surprise to us as we have been to many other refuges throughout the country that do permit dogs. Bummer for our girl, Sadie, but we decided to hike a short trail without her.
There are four trails on the refuge and can be accessed from several locations along Highway 180 on the Fort Morgan peninsula (not too far from the visitor center). At the trailhead of Jeff Friend Trail is a kiosk with information about the refuge and wildlife here.
Part of the trail is shell-covered and other portions are boardwalk or sand. The first part is through the maritime forest. Benches along the trail provide opportunities to sit and enjoy the natural beauty and sounds of the area.
We passed a fresh water pond with lilies before coming to the boardwalk and our first glimpse of Little Lagoon.
The boardwalk continues to an overlook of the lagoon.
Across the lagoon are many beautiful homes along the gulf, rebuilt since Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The category-3 hurricane caused a 16’ storm surge leaving Little Lagoon with debris (including 30 boats) as far as the eye could see. A massive cleanup (costing about $4M) for both Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina (2006) has been accomplished returning the lagoon to its previous beauty.
Continuing on the trail we came again to the maritime forest where live oaks and southern magnolias flourish despite hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. The mid- and under-story of the forest is filled with saw palmettos, myrtle oak, and ferns.
After the hike, we wanted to see some of the beachfront of the refuge. Driving west on Highway 180, we turned onto Mobile Street that dead ends with a parking lot. A boardwalk across the fragile dunes leads to the beach. Information about the wildlife here and the “leave on footprints” message are posted.
Surf fishing is popular here as well as swimming and sunbathing. The wide white-sandy beaches are gorgeous, but no pets (of course).
The dunes and the maritime forest on the peninsula help protect the barrier island from devastating erosion
Whenever we are near a National Wildlife Refuge, we always find the time to visit. They are an invaluable resource to preserving habitats and wildlife in our country. Located along the North American flyways, migrating and local birds use them as a place to feed, rest, and nest. For additional information about Bon Secours NWR, go to www.fws.gov/refuge/Bon_Secour. There is no admission fee and it is open during daylight hours.
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