Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in Daytona Beach, FL

The Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is located west of Daytona Beach, Florida and is a division of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge was established in 1964 for the purpose of protecting wintering and migrating birds and includes a total of more than 30,000 acres. It also strives to provide habitat and protection for endangered and threatened species and to provide wildlife-dependent recreation and environmental education for the public. Included in this refuge's ecosystem are freshwater marshes, cypress and mixed hardwood swamps, uplands, and more than 1,000 acres of streams, lakes, and canals.

The western boundary of the refuge is formed by the St. Johns River, and other water areas inside the park include 2,200-acre Lake Woodruff and 1,800-acre Lake Dexter. As a matter of fact, much of the refuge is only accessible by boat.

The refuge employs five full-time employees and welcomes about 30,000 visitors annually who head here to view the birds and wildlife that call the place home. Indeed, wildlife watching is the main recreational pursuit here at Lake Woodruff NWR and, currently, the refuge reports about 215 species of birds. There is a large concentration of ducks, wading birds, deer, and raptors at the park and many of the animals and birds found here are endangered or threatened, including the manatee, snail kite, wood stork, bald eagle, limpkin, indigo snake, gopher tortoise, and American alligator. An observation tower located about three-quarters of a mile from the parking area provides the best view of some of the wildlife that call Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge home either all year long or for just a few months annually.

Bank fishing is permitted at Lake Woodruff and the most common fish caught here are bass, crappie, bream, bluegill, jackfish, and sunfish. Hiking and walking provide good exercise and can put visitors close to some of the animals here. Biking is also permitted on some of these trails. However, care should always be taken when traveling along the trails, especially near the water, as alligators do live in the park. Avid photographers also make regular visits to the refuge to photograph the flora and fauna there as well as the animals and birds. Boating is popular as well and provides yet another view of the birds and other wildlife that live here. During certain seasons of the year, deer hunting is permitted for those who possess the proper permits.

Environmental tours and programs are offered to the general public, including school groups, scouts, and any other organizations that are interested in learning more about this unique eco-system.

There are no camping facilities at Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge nor is there a concession area or gift shop. Chemical toilets are available for the comfort of guests.

Useful Links:

http://www.fws.gov/lakewoodruff/

http://www.stateparks.com/lake_woodruff.html

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