Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge For the official source of information about Pelican Island NWR, go to: www.fws.gov/pelicanisland/ For the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service go to: www.fws.gov/southeast Pelican Island is near the town of Sebastian, on Florida's east central coast in the most biologically diverse estuary in the United States, the Indian River Lagoon. Pelican Island was first protected as a 5.5-acre refuge, but through the efforts of concerned citizens, the State of Florida, management agreements, conservation easements and out

right purchase of mangrove islands, uplands, and submerged land surrounding the island, the Refuge has expanded to over 5,400 acres. These valuable additions provide enhanced and restored marsh and lagoon habitat for over 100 species of birds, nine species of threatened and endangered species, and through the support of other agencies, provides the public with opportunities to understand and appreciate the values of this refuge. The primary objective of the refuge is to protect the historic significance of this national landmark.

Spotted beebalm is blooming all over the refuge now. It is a robust, aromatic wildflower that occurs naturally along roa...
07/30/2026

Spotted beebalm is blooming all over the refuge now. It is a robust, aromatic wildflower that occurs naturally along roadside and in meadows. It is a wonderful pollinator attracting bees, wasps and butterflies.

06/24/2026
June 22 - 28 is Pollinator Week!!
06/22/2026

June 22 - 28 is Pollinator Week!!

Thank you to staff and volunteers for completing the annual scrub jay survey at Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refug...
06/18/2026

Thank you to staff and volunteers for completing the annual scrub jay survey at Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge.

Come join us this weekend for the 123rd anniversary of the Pelican Island National WIldlife Refuge.  Teddy Roosevelt wil...
03/19/2026

Come join us this weekend for the 123rd anniversary of the Pelican Island National WIldlife Refuge. Teddy Roosevelt will be there to greet you and talk about some of our great conservation history.

03/14/2026

Happy Birthday to the very first National Wildlife Refuge!!

Black racer sunning himself at the refuge today.
02/09/2026

Black racer sunning himself at the refuge today.

The volunteers came upon quite a few birds at Jungle Bird Pond today.  Photos by Kevin Platts.
02/04/2026

The volunteers came upon quite a few birds at Jungle Bird Pond today. Photos by Kevin Platts.

Officer Soos visited today during the weekly meeting and greet.
01/30/2026

Officer Soos visited today during the weekly meeting and greet.

These beautiful Great White Egrets along the Joe Michael Trail.  The white pelicans relaxing at Jungle Bird Pond.
01/19/2026

These beautiful Great White Egrets along the Joe Michael Trail. The white pelicans relaxing at Jungle Bird Pond.

Address

11455 Jungle Trail, Vero Beach
Sebastian, FL
32963

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 7pm
Tuesday 7am - 7pm
Wednesday 7am - 7pm
Thursday 7am - 7pm
Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday 7am - 7pm
Sunday 7am - 7pm

Telephone

+17725815557

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