Florida Keys
Wildlife Society
Supporting the National Wildlife Refuges of the Florida Keys through education, non-adversarial advocacy, volunteerism and fundraising
Happy National Wildlife Refuge Week – October 2026
Join us as we celebrate the outdoors in the Florida Keys and enjoy the flora, fauna and wildlife of the Wildlife Refuges.
CLICK here – Learn more about this program celebrated across the National Wildlife Refuge System.
See details below of events planned in the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge System in the Lower Florida Keys.
White Crowned Pigeon
Ranger Katy
Thursday October 15, 2026 – Take a Walk! Morning Birding and Nature Tour in the Lower Keys
WHEN: Thursday October 15th. – 8am.
WHERE: National Key Deer Refuge, the Jack C. Watson Wildlife Trail, Big Pine Key
DIRECTIONS: Proceed to MM30 on US 1/ Overseas Highway. At the stop light located at the corner of US1 and Key Deer Boulevard, turn north (Gulf side) and take the left fork at the turn for Key Deer Boulevard. Continue along Key Deer Boulevard for approximately 3.2 miles.
The parking lot for the Jack C. Watson Wildlife Trail and the Frederick C. Mannillo, Jr. Nature Trail is located on the west side of the road. Meet Ranger Katy at the parking lot.
BRING: Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Areas may be muddy. Optional: Binoculars, water.
For more info, contact info@FloridaKeysWildlifeSociety.org or Keydeer@fws.gov. Free and open to the public.
Saturday October 17, 2026, 8:00am – Cleanup event in Big Pine Key, Lower Keys
WHEN: Saturday October 17,8.00 – 11.00 am
WHERE: National Key Deer Refuge, LONG BEACH, Big Pine Key Oceanside
DIRECTIONS: Proceed on US1 / Overseas Highway to Mile Marker 33, turn Oceanside onto Long Beach Road. Landmark – Big Pine Fishing Lodge at Mile Marker 33 at the corner of Overseas Highway and Long Beach Road. Continue along Long Beach Road for 1/2 mile, meet the Ranger at the Refuge gate (left side of road).
PROVIDED: We will supply trash bags, hand sanitizer, water cooler to refill your water bottle. We have a limited number of long-handled grabbers.
WHAT TO BRING: Bring gloves, hat, sun protection and a water bottle.
Join us! Help us keep our natural areas trash-free by joining in our cleanup event.
For more info, contact info@FloridaKeysWildlifeSociety.org or Keydeer@fws.gov.
Long Beach cleanup
Where an activity has not been scheduled, take a walk or bicycle ride in the Refuges where access allows, kayak the surrounding waters, have a picnic , enjoy the outdoors.
Event details are subject to change.
As more information becomes available it will be posted here.
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