Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Apalachicola Bay is one of the most productive estuarine systems in the Northern Hemisphere. Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve features 1,162 subspecies of vascular (or "higher-level") plants, 308 species of birds, 186 species of fish and 57 species of mammals. It has the largest natural stand of tupelo trees in the world. The Apalachicola Basin has the highest species density of amphibians and reptiles in all of North America, north of Mexico. The reserve protects this high biological diversity, as well as the economic value of the natural resources and pristine conditions.
Archie Carr NWR Archie Carr is a linear refuge stretching for 20.5 miles between Melbourne and Wabasso along Florida's east coast. It protects the best nesting habitat for loggerhead and green sea turtles in the United States. It is the second most important nesting beach in the world for loggerheads: up to 17,000 nests are laid annually within the ACNWR. This represents 23-35% of all loggerhead and green sea turtle nests in the U.S. To help preserve this globally important nesting ground the Service has established a partnership with State and local governments and private conservation groups to acquire and manage this beachfront property. The primary management thrust is to provide long term protection of this habitat for sea turtles and other listed species as well as providing compatible public use.
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR The refuge is all that remains of the northern Everglades. A 400-acre cypress swamp is located in the headquarters area. Everglades habitats of wet prairies, sloughs, sawgrass marshes, and tree islands comprises approximately 85 percent of the refuge. It is a key wintering and migration are for many species of birds. The refuge provides habitat and protection to 30 plant and animal species listed as endangered and/or threatened by federal and state agencies.
Big Cypress National Preserve The 729,000 acre Big Cypress National Preserve was set aside in 1974 to ensure the preservation, conservation, and protection of the natural scenic, floral and faunal, and recreational values of the Big Cypress Watershed. The importance of this watershed to the Everglades National Park was a major consideration for its establishment. The name Big Cypress refers to the large size of this area. Vast expanses of cypress strands span this unique landscape.
Biscayne National Park Turquoise waters, emerald islands and fish-bejeweled reefs make Biscayne National Park a paradise for wildlife-watching, snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing and other activities. Within the park boundaries are the longest stretch of mangrove forest left on Florida's east coast, the clear shallow waters of Biscayne Bay, over 40 of the northernmost Florida Keys, and a spectacular living coral reef. Superimposed on all of this natural beauty is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, including stories of native peoples, shipwrecks, pirates, pioneers, and Presidents.
Caloosahatchee NWR The Caloosahatchee NWR (Refuge), administered as a satellite refuge of J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR, is located in Lee County on the Caloosahatchee River, within the City of Ft. Myers. Originally, the Caloosahatchee Refuge consisted of several mangrove islands. However, shoreline development, dredging of the River, and construction of the I-75 bridge has changed the physical arrangement and appearance of these islands. Today, the Refuge still remains approximately 40 acres of mangrove shorelines and upland habitats - island habitat. The Refuge is located adjacent to the Florida Power and Light Company's Orange River Power Plant and the Orange River's out-flow. The warm water out-flow from the power plant is a major wintering area for the endangered West Indian Manatee.
