U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Thousand Islands area has attracted mark their home territory on the refuge. humans as well. For 2,000 years, the Manatees feed within the estuary and Calusa Indian tribe utilized the islands find shelter from the cold in the winter extensively, constructing large shell months at Port of the Islands. Wintering mounds, or middens. The midden waterfowl forage in the northern marshes structures made by these native people as Bald Eagles soar over the open water are only a small part of the story left searching for a meal. Rare reptiles, like for us, but have served as a testament the beautiful diamondback terrapin, can to the enduring spirit and added to the also be spotted if you’re quiet. The islands historical significance of the area. with higher elevations also have Tropical Hardwood Forests that add diversity The importance of the refuge increases to the plant communities that can be with the pressure of growing cities found on the refuge. The abundance and which continue to change the landscape. diversity of wildlife on Ten Thousand Preservation of natural areas for our Islands National Wildlife Refuge are nation’s wildlife serves to protect our directly related to the health and ecological systems as well as to provide diversity of the habitats on the refuge. beautiful areas for recreation and wildlife observation. Activities n Fishing (All state regulations apply) Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife n Boating White pelicans by USFWS/Larry Refuge was established in 1996 under Richardson the provisions of the Arizona- n Hunting (Waterfowl only) A maze of mangrove islands and narrow Land Exchange Act of 1988, and the tidal n Camping waterways serve as the nursery for many waters are co-managed with Rookery by n Wildlife Observation plants, animals and fish and define the National Estuarine Research Reserve. n Wildlife Photography area known as Ten Thousand Islands The refuge is located east of Marco Fishing National Wildlife Refuge. The 35,000-acre Island in Collier County, on the southwest refuge provides vital habitat for all kinds Fishing is the most popular recreational coast of Florida, and is part of the activity in the refuge. Fishing is productive of protected plants and animals. Nearly extensive Ten Thousand Islands estuary. 200 fish species have been documented year-round. Common saltwater sportfish The refuge was established in order to include tarpon, snook, redfish, seatrout, in the waters, which are also home to develop, advance, manage, conserve, and several endangered species including and mangrove snapper. Check local phone protect the refuge’s unique (subtropical) listings for tour or fishing guides. the West Indian Manatee, Snail Kite, estuarine ecosystem and its fish and Peregrine Falcon, Wood Stork, and the wildlife resources (Fish and Wildlife Act Canoeing Atlantic Loggerhead, Green, and Kemp’s of 1956). There is a parking lot on US 41 In the northern marsh, canoeing is Ridley sea turtles. Many of the nearly 200 for access to the hiking trail, observation allowed but visitors should check water species of birds that use the refuge are tower and limited access to some canoe levels beforehand because they vary migratory and use the mangrove islands trails. greatly seasonally. The refuge has four to protect them from storms, as feeding canoe trails with launch sites located off grounds, and to simply rest during their Rich Wildlife and Habitat Diversity of US 41. The refuge currently does not long migrations. Throughout the year, The rich estuarine, mangrove and marsh provide parking for trails 1, 3 and 4, so use visitors can expect to see herons, egrets, habitats attract hundreds of species of caution when accessing those areas along manatees, raccoons, river otters, and wildlife. During the summer, thousands of US 41. Most areas for canoe and kayaks bottle-nosed dolphins. water birds roost on the coastal islands. are accessible from late summer to early On summer nights, the loggerhead sea winter. The estuary, where salt and fresh water turtles drag themselves onto refuge mix, is a rich story of plant and animal beaches to nest, as they have been Hunting communities that are amazingly adapted doing for thousands of years. Mangrove Duck hunting is allowed by permit and to living on the dynamic edge of the sea. Cuckoos and Black-whiskered Vireos can all state regulations apply. An early A great abundance of food in the Ten be heard from the mangroves as they teal season opens in late September. For more information contact the refuge Website: Office hours: Monday through Friday http://www.fws.gov/floridapanther/ 7:30 am to 3:30 pm TenThousandIslands/ Phone: 239/353 8442 Fax: 239/353 8640 The office is co-located within the Comfort Inn, 3860 Tollgate Boulevard, Suite 300 just behind the Cracker Barrel off of Collier Blvd Naples, FL 34114 and I-75 (exit 101). Waterfowl season starts in late November and is open To Naples until January. Hunting is only 41 conducted on Wednesdays, Picayune Strand Saturdays, Sundays and State Forest federal holidays. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve Camping State Park Camping is allowed only on 92 Collier-Seminole the outer barrier islands State Park of the refuge for fishing Tamiami P Trail and wildlife observation. Practice “Leave No Trace” San 41 To to minimize the damage to Marco City Drive Mud Marsh wildlife habitats. There are Bay Trail Port of no facilities on the islands. the Islands If campfires are built, only Big Marco Marina dead branches can be used. River Ten Thousand Islands ▲ Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Faka No cutting or clearing of To Marco 92 Palm River Union live plants is allowed. Take Island Bay Canal ▲ Goodland ▲ sufficient drinking water for ▲ Bay ▲ Gill Rattle camping and day trips. ▲ Buttonwood▲ Creek Pumpkin Goodland ▲Bay Whitney Fakahatchee River River Special Events Drive Sugar ▲ Little Strand ▲ Bay ▲ Wood River Preserve Special events such as bird ▲ ▲ Pumpkin State Park walks, canoe trips, and coastal Shell Bay ▲ Key Wood clean-ups are scheduled in Tripod River late September and October Key Tidal waters co-managed with to commemorate National Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Wildlife Refuge Week. The ▲ ▲Faka Brush Union ▲ Bay refuge also hosts a bird ▲ Coon Key Key Dismal walk during the annual Key ▲ Nature ▲ Turtle ▲ Festival. Check local listings Key Fakahatchee Coon Key Light Bay or with the refuge for Lat 25o-52.90o N Long 81o-37.90o W ▲ additional activities scheduled Gullivan Bay Gullivan ▲ throughout the year. Please Key ▲ contact the refuge office ▲ White Hog ▲ directly for more information Horse Key G U L F O F M E X I C O Key Panther about upcoming events, Key ▲ hunting permits or water level ▲ data. ▲ ▲ Refuge boundary State forest Round Volunteers are welcome as Key we expand the activities State park National park on the refuge! Biological Camp ▲ Marked channels Lulu survey, interpretive and Key maintenance opportunities Boat ramp P are available to interested Parking lot Observation tower Everglades individuals or groups. National Park Canoe trails Contact the refuge office or fill out a volunteer form online at www.volunteer.gov.

Naples 75 95 “Leave No Trace” principles let everyone enjoy the 41 0 Miles 2 wildlife! Ten Thousand All plants and animals are Islands National Miami N protected. Wildlife Refuge 0 Kilo 2 Stay far enough away from resting birds so that they do not flush. Avoid building campfires. Protect yourself from sun stroke, biting insects, Take no live shells. Stay on and be aware of dangerous currents while trails. Take your trash with Use facilities on your boat or a “portable potty.” swimming. you. Dig a cat hole above the high tide line for fecal No digging or removal of artifacts. Be a responsible boater. matter.