10/12/2026
Happy National Wildlife Refuge Week! Thanks to President Theodore Roosevelt, who established Pelican Island in 1903 as the nation’s first national wildlife refuge, America’s National Wildlife Refuge System was born!
October 10–17, 2026, we celebrate the incredible wildlife refuges and protected lands that preserve our natural heritage, protect wildlife, and connect us to the beauty of the places we call home.
Along the Indian River Lagoon, we’re fortunate to have some truly extraordinary natural treasures!
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge: Established in 1903 as the nation’s FIRST national wildlife refuge, Pelican Island represents a historic milestone in wildlife conservation. Right here in the Indian River Lagoon, it continues to provide vital habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: A remarkable sanctuary along the Indian River Lagoon, where diverse habitats support hundreds of species of birds, manatees, sea turtles, and countless other animals.
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge: A globally important nesting area for threatened and endangered sea turtles, this coastal refuge helps protect the sandy beaches these incredible creatures depend on for survival.
Canaveral National Seashore: With its beautiful undeveloped beaches, coastal dunes, and lagoon habitats, this protected stretch of Florida’s Atlantic coast provides essential habitat for wildlife while preserving the natural beauty of our shoreline.
These special places are more than beautiful landscapes. They protect the interconnected ecosystems that sustain the Indian River Lagoon, support incredible biodiversity, and preserve Florida’s natural legacy for future generations.
Have you visited any of these incredible places? Share your favorite wildlife refuge or a memorable wildlife encounter in the comments!
