St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Expanding over 83,000 acres across Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties, this refuge is a massive wintering migratory habitat for over 300 species of birds, including the bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker, Wilson’s plover, and peregrine falcon. Each year, over 300,000 people visit to catch a glimpse of their favorite bird, hike along the countless trails, or fish from the abundant coastline. But as land along Florida’s Big Bend region continues to draw attention from development companies looking to build along the coast, Trust for Public Land is working to safeguard these threatened spaces so more Floridians can enjoy the benefits of nature.

Since 1990, Trust for Public has helped add over 1,080 acres to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. These additions include our most recent work at Dickerson Bay, which will enhance climate resiliency to nearby communities as they are low lying and extremely vulnerable to hurricane and tropical storm surges. With our partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Department of Environmental Protection, we’ll continue to safeguard the spaces like St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge the bring us all outside.