Florida Keys
Wildlife Society
Supporting the National Wildlife Refuges of the Florida Keys through education, non-adversarial advocacy, volunteerism and fundraising
Nature Center
When planning a visit to any of the refuges located within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex, it is worth visiting the Nature Center on Big Pine Key, located at 30587 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043. Situated in a natural setting, it gives visitors an appreciation and understanding of the refuges with opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife.
Current operational hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Phone number (305) 872-0774.
Admission is free to the general public.
Inside the Center, “Connections in Nature” is a major theme to the exhibits that include a new video and theater area, Key deer story exhibit, a mangrove/shallow water aquarium, sounds of nature exhibit, zooming into nature exhibit, traveling exhibit about the Miami blue butterfly and a kids corner with books and activities.
Volunteers and staff are present in the Nature Center to assist with questions and information about Key deer and other wildlife, refuge updates, and to help residents and visitors get outdoors and explore your National Wildlife Refuges.
NATURE STORE – The Florida Keys Wildlife Society, the refuges official Friends group, has a Nature Store in the building that focuses on nature-oriented gifts. It is managed by the staff and volunteers of the The Florida Keys Wildlife Society. All proceeds from the Nature Store directly benefit research, wildlife, and education activities at the Refuges.
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