Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1929 by President Herbert Hoover, the 762-acre Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge protects the breeding ground of colonial nesting migratory birds. Hoover's act saved entire avian populations from slaughter in time when hunters sought feathers for the ladies'' apparel industry. Even today, the refuge remains a closely guarded treasure, important as both a wildlife sanctuary and a recreational resource, protected from development.

To further secure this natural habitat, four of the thirteen original refuge islands were designated in 1972 as National Wilderness Areas under the Wilderness Act. The islands range in size from just one acre up to 120 acres, serving as home to 20,000 elegant wading birds, including 10,000 white ibis. Also found here are great egrets, cattle egrets, snowy egrets, many varieties of herons, cormorants, and brown pelicans. Osprey, bald eagles, frigate birds, and roseate spoonbills nest in the area, too.

The Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is located in Levy County on the Gulf of Mexico, along the southern edge of Florida's Big Bend Region. There is no office or staff on the property, which is open to the public 24/7 without fee. There is a walking trail and interpretive kiosk on the property at Atsena Otie Key, where saltwater fishing is possible from the beach and a manmade dock.