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.

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.

Two of our hardworking volunteers keeping the boardwalk in good shape.
01/07/2026

Two of our hardworking volunteers keeping the boardwalk in good shape.

A raccoon chowing down on sable palm berries on the Centennial Trail.
01/02/2026

A raccoon chowing down on sable palm berries on the Centennial Trail.

Happy New Year from Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge!!
01/01/2026

Happy New Year from Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge!!

Due to the federal government shutdown, this account is not being actively updated.For more information, please visit:
10/01/2025

Due to the federal government shutdown, this account is not being actively updated.
For more information, please visit:

Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

Our baby gopher tortoise checking out the flowers. Photo credit Kevin Platts.
06/25/2025

Our baby gopher tortoise checking out the flowers.
Photo credit Kevin Platts.

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

Website

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