Florida Keys
Wildlife Society

Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge

The Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 as a refuge and breeding ground for great white herons, other migratory birds, and other wildlife. Encompassing numerous islands known locally as the Backcountry, it is one of the oldest refuges in the nation.

The islands and marine waters that make up the Great White Heron NWR are often referred to as the “backcountry”.  The backcountry consists of hundreds of islands (keys) scattered amidst the biologically rich waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.  With few exceptions these islands are pristine, uninhabited islands in federal ownership .  These islands are a haven for a wide array of wildlife, from nesting sea turtles to bald eagles.  Many of these keys have been designated part of the National Wilderness System.

It is home to the largest heron species, the majestic great white heron, unique to south Florida and the Florida Keys.

Great White Heron NWR  stretches from north of Marathon (90 miles SW of Miami) to north of Key West, FL (130 miles SW of Miami)., a distance of approximately 50 miles.

If you have questions, the best place to start your visit is the Nature Center on Big Pine Key.

It is open 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.  The Nature  Center is accessible to all, and staffed with volunteers and refuge personnel who can answer questions and provide information.  The Nature Center is also home to our Friends organization’s Nature Store, filled with nature-oriented books and gifts.  Proceeds directly benefit the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges.

National Key Deer Refuge (the Nature Center for all the Florida Keys NWRs)

30587 Overseas Highway
Big Pine Key, FL 33043
305-872-0774

For more information, visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/great_white_heron/