Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Situated within a vast complex of mangrove islands and brackish bay, Island Bay Refuge protects six undeveloped tracts of land covering 20 acres.

The refuge tracts do not cover entire islands, but they protect the higher portions of several islands and the mangrove shorelines including Gallagher Key, Bull Key and two unnamed islands between Bull and Turtle bays.

Two other refuge tracts include Cash and John Quiet Mounds, on the edge of Turtle Bay. The shell mounds, or middens, were built by Calusa Indians who inhabitated the coastal regions of south Florida hundreds of years ago. Their principle food was shellfish.

The beaches and shores of the refuge are habitat for shorebirds, gulls and terns. The shallow bays are feeding areas for wading and water birds.

Other wildlife includes raccoons, marsh rabbits, manatees and sea turtles.

At times, refuge staff use chemicals to battle the alien and invasive Brazilian pepper plant that threatens the island plant communities.

The islands are accessible only by boat and access is difficult in the mangrove areas. Visitors are restricted to fishing and wildlife observation.

During most of the year, mosquito infestation is severe.

The public is not permitted on the islands during the nesting season.