Unique Birding and Nature Opportunities at the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges
For the Birds – Unique Outdoor Guided Birding Adventures in the four Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Saturday, March 11: 7:30am-9:00 am. In Key Largo at Crocodile Lake NWR – A behind the scenes walk into the refuge with experienced birder Trevor Watts. Meander the tropical hardwood hammock towards the edge of a mangrove forest to witness avian diversity during the spring migration. Cost=FREE (wear light long pants and shirt, bring bug spray)
Wednesday, March 15: 10:00am-12:00pm Boca Grande Island, Key West National Wildlife Refuge. This one is a little quirky; it is a “bring your own boat” adventure that meets out at the island itself. Refuge biologist Kate Watts will introduce you to the incredible birding, butterfly and wildlife species that make this island home or just migrate through. Email [email protected] to register. Limited to 15 people, Cost=FREE
Thursday and Friday, March 16 and 17: 8:00am-11:00am. A three-hour tour of the Backcountry islands and shallow waters of Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. Relax and enjoy the trip on a large catamaran boat (with restroom). Join Refuge biologist Kate Watts, Park Ranger Kristie, and ecotour guide Bill Keogh for an amazing journey into this area considered by most to be a national treasure. Cost=$30
Saturday, March 18th: 7:30am-10:30am. Join refuge biologist Kate Watts and several of our experienced volunteers for a land-based birding walk in National Key Deer Refuge. You’ll never know what you’ll see during the spring migration season. Beginners and experts welcome. Cost=FREE
These events and dozen’s more are part of the 2nd annual Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Outdoor Fest that runs from March 11-18, 2017. Space is limited, so registration is required. For a complete list of events and to register visit www.fws.gov/refuge/National_Key_Deer_Refuge/ or call Kristie at 305-304-9625 for more information.
The Outdoor Fest is a week of action-packed days and nights filled with family-friendly, mostly free outdoor adventures and hands-on activities—set for Saturday, March 11th through Saturday, March 18th, created by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex and their Friends group FAVOR. It is sponsored in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.