Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge located in southwest Florida near Sanibel. This refuge was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 under executive order in order to protect the habitat of endangered birds threatened by the plume trade of the early 20th century and other resident wildlife. Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge has been designated as a Florida State Aquatic Preserve and spans over 17 islands. Archeological evidence tells us that before the arrival of the first Spanish explorers the Calusa tribe occupied this region. Wildlife: Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous wild animals including West Indian Manatees, gopher tortoises, ospreys, pelicans, wood storks, and bald eagles. Please treat their home with respect. Due to the fragility of this ecosystem Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge is not open to the public.