Welcome to Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Visit the Refuge's Web Site: http://www.fws.gov/dingdarling/caloosahatchee

Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge The Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), administered as a satellite refuge of J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR, is located in Lee County on the Caloosahatchee River. The refuge was established by President Woodrow Wilson on July 1, 1920, through Executive Order 3299 as a ". . . preserve and breeding ground for native birds". 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 island habitats. The refuge is located adjacent to the Florida Power and Light Company's Orange River Power Plant and the Orange River's outflow. The warm water outflow from the power plant is a major wintering area for the endangered West Indian manatee.

Caloosahatchee NWR is managed as a natural area. Periodic biological and wildlife population surveys are conducted by staff to assess wildlife communities utilizing the area. The refuge uplands and wetlands are maintained in their natural condition in order to provide undisturbed habitat for birds, fish, invertebrates, and other animals. Occasionally, the refuge staff chemically treats Brazilian Pepper, an invasive exotic plant that threatens the overall plant community. Law enforcement patrols are routinely conducted for the protection of wildlife species including the endangered West Indian manatee which is commonly seen. A manatee viewing area is located adjacent to the refuge and managed through a partnership with Lee County Manatee Park.

The refuge is closed to the public.

Getting There . . .

Access to the waters surrounding the islands that make up Caloosahatchee NWR is by boat only. The islands are not accessible to visitors. Boaters should consult navigational charts and tide schedules before attempting to visit any waters surrounding the refuge. Numerous oyster bars and shallow back bay/estuary waters are difficult to navigate and fragile seagrass beds must not be damaged. By boat, the refuge is located under the I-75 bridge as you head up the Caloosahatchee River. Boaters should note boat speed restrictions strictly enforced for the protection of the West Indian manatee. For more information, contact the J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, Florida 33957 or call (239) 472-1100.