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Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
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National Park Contact Information |
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Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
16450 NW 31 Place
Chiefland, F, 32626
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National Park Overview |
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Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1979, is located along the southern edge of the Big Bend region of Floridas west coast, approximately 50 miles southwest of Gainsville. This 54,000 acre refuge is one of the largest undeveloped river deltaestuarine systems in the United States and was established to protect natural ecosystems of the Suwannee Rivers lower reaches and coastal marsh, as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
This diverse mixture of uplands, freshwater, saltwater and their associated wetlands, creates a great variety of wildlife habitat and scenic vistas. Osprey and bald eagle nest in early spring, while graceful swallow-tailed kites arrive in March for breeding and remain through July. In March and April migrating shorebirds cover the oysterbars thousands of knots, dowitchers, oystercatchers, sandpipers, turnstones, and plovers fatten up for their northward trip to their breeding grounds.
Wading birds are most abundant during the summer and they can be found feeding in the freshwater and salt marshes. White ibis, great, snowy, and cattle egrets along with great blue, little blue, green, and tricolored herons are among the birds that roost and nest on nearby Cedar Keys refuge. Rare Limpkins and endangered wood storks are occasionally seen prowling the waters edge during the warm months.
Alert boaters may see endangered Gulf Sturgeon jumping in the river. These prehistoric fish migrate from the Gulf of Mexico to the Suwannee River in the spring for spawning and remain there all summer. Manatees leave Crystal River springs, their winter haven, when the gulf waters warm and utilize the Suwannee River and its estuary from March through November. Seaturtles, mostly green, loggerhead and Ridleys utilize the rich Suwannee sound during the summer months but generally go unnoticed.
The beauty of the Suwannee river, with its hardwood lined banks where alligators loaf on exposed logs, long legged wading birds feed and otters play is a wonderful place for visitors to celebrate our National Wildlife Refuge System. |
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Area Accommodations |
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This lovely inn built in 1880 is located 125 miles north of Tampa. Discover Old Florida. 7 wonderful guest rooms w/private baths plus (2) awesome suite! Enjoy the Gulf view from the Veranda and our la |
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More Info | |
... Travel Guides for Dogs of ALL Sizes! Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge and other Places to take your Pet in ... City Guide Page Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge Lower Suwannee ... | |
... Manager Pamela Darty Public Use Specialist Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge 16450 NW 31st Place Chiefland, FL ... of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge contain valuable water ... | |
... Wildlife Refuge +1 352 493 0238 c/o Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge 16450 NW 31st Place, Chiefland, FL 32626 ... fl.lwd@fws.gov Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge +1 352 493 ... | |
... colonial bird nesting sites in north Florida. Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1979 with the ... Refuge Manager Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge 16450 NW 31 PL ... | |
Suwannee, Florida, USA. Where the salt waters of the Gulf of Mexico intertwine with the spring-fed ... the beautiful and wild Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, this unique small community ... | |
... 347 on CR 326 outside Cedar Key offers camping, boat ramp, and picnicking. Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge A new 40,000 acre refuge, offers nature driving and hiking trails for wildlife ... |
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Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
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