Along the Atlantic coast of Florida, a little island lays in Indian River Lagoon. It may look small, but it has a very large international footprint. The 5400+ acres of land and water at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge represent the world’s first wildlife refuge. Established on March 14, 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the site protects birds that were nearly hunted to extinction – like the Brown Pelican. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 3/14/16.
More than 800 rocks, reefs and small islands off the Washington coast make up Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was set aside by Teddy Roosevelt in 1907 to protect habitat for struggling seabird populations. Today the islands swell with raucous flocks of migrating seabirds in excess of a million during fall and spring migrations. With a 200-yard buffer zone around each island to protect the wildlife, this refuge is best enjoyed from the beach with spectacular views like this one. Photo by Melissa Hahn. From the Department of the Interior’s blog.
At only 315,000 acres (492 square miles), Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is the smallest refuge in Alaska. But as this little fox can show, you don’t have to be large to be special. Famous for its numerous and diverse inhabitants, wildlife at Izembek includes foxes, wolverines, caribou, moose, brown bears, shorebirds, seabirds and an incredible array of waterfowl. The waters offshore are home to salmon, sea lions, seals, otters, walruses, and whales. Getting here isn’t easy, but the reward is great. Photo by Kristine Sowl, USFWS. Photo from the US Department of the Interior’s blog.
Named for the world-renowned environmentalist, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Maine is a great place to find peace and connect with nature on a quiet stroll, catching glimpses of bird and bunnies in the woods and on the beach. Open in all seasons, the refuge is always welcoming. Photo from the US Department of the Interior’s blog.
On the far northern end of the Hawaiian archipelago lies Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge — a place of astonishing beauty. This small refuge is one of the oldest atoll formations in the world that provides nesting habitat for millions of seabirds, while protecting remnants from one of the most decisive battles of World War II. The clear, turquoise waters of Midway Atoll are teeming with a vibrant and diverse collection of life, including sharks, green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Photo by Wyland. From the US Department of the Interior’s blog.