Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge located in Chiefland, Florida.

Refuge History: Over 2,000 years ago, long before European settlers began settling in North America, the archaic and woodland Native American cultures ruled the land that is now Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. Today some of their mounds are still standing inside the boundaries. During the second Seminole War in 1839 the U.S. Army built a hospital and supply depot on this land that they called Depot Key. In 1840 nearby Seminole Key was used as a POW camp for Seminoles. In 1854 the Seahorse Key lighthouse was built in the region which allowed for industry to move into the region in the 1860's with the Eberhard Faber Pencil Company. The town of Atsena Otie had nearly 300 residents. In 1861 the Civil War started and the land was occupied by the Union Army up until 1864. After the war the area boomed until Tampa began drawing more migrants in the 1890s.

The final blow to the local economy occurred in 1896 when a hurricane struck. In 1929 Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge was established and in 1952 the University of Florida began using the lighthouse as a research center for marine science.

Flora and Fauna: Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous plant and animals species. Some of the plants that grow inside the refuge boundaries include oaks, cabbage palms, redbays, saw palmettos, wild olives, and of course cedars. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include brown pelicans, snowy egrets, and blue herons. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge boasts awesome wildlife viewing opportunities and so much more. Come on out and explore.