If you are visiting the Keys or if you live here, you will soon find that the refuges are a big part of life in this special place. Four National Wildlife Refuges protect the land, water, and species throughout the Keys;  National Key Deer Refuge, centered on Big Pine Key, is home to the Refuges’ Nature Center, the Key Deer Bookstore, and the adorable, endangered Key deer. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge at the north end of the Keys is home to many protected species including the American Crocodile; Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge encompasses much of the backcountry in the Lower Keys; Key West National Wildlife Refuge at the southernmost end of the island chain including the Marquesa Keys.

Our volunteers help maintain trails and habitats, participate in regular environmental trash clean ups on beaches and wild areas, and help visitors understand the unique environment and the species that are being protected by the Refuges throughout the Keys. They also operate the Bookstore & nature store shop at the Refuges’ Nature Center on Big Pine Key.