Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida.
The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge stretches across 20.5 miles of beach and shoreline habitat between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach along Florida's east coast in Brevard and Indian River Counties. The refuge was established in 1991 and was named after the late Dr. Archie Carr, Jr., in honor of his extraordinary contribution to sea turtle conservation. The Refuge is a direct result of Dr. Carr bringing attention to the world's declining turtle populations due to over-exploitation and loss of safe habitat. The Refuge hosts a variety of birds, reptiles, fish, mammals and invertebrates including brown pelicans, sea turtles, gopher tortoises, snakes, manatees, and crabs that make their homes in the ocean as well as on several habitats including the beach and dunes, coastal strand and scrub, maritime hammock, and mangroves.
The refuge was designated to protect habitat for what is the most significant area for loggerhead sea turtle nesting in the world, and the most significant area for green turtle nesting in North America. This represents 20-35% of all loggerhead and green sea turtle nests in the US. It also serves as a minor nesting area for the leatherback sea turtle, which is one of the world's largest and rarest sea turtles. The long stretches of quiet, undisturbed sandy beaches, with little or no artificial light, are essential to the reproductive success and survival of the 15,000 to 30,000 sea turtles nests we receive annually.
The 258-acre refuge is also unique for its placement within a patchwork of protected lands and among properties that have already been developed. To help preserve this globally important nesting ground the Service has established a partnership with state and county governments and private conservation groups to acquire and manage this dune habitat. The primary management thrust is to provide long term protection of this habitat for sea turtles and other listed species as well as providing compatible public use. Collaboratively, this partnership, known as the Archie Carr Working Group has protected over 2,600 acres and continues to educate thousands of residents and visitors about the unique characteristics of the barrier island ecosystem.
Nearby Activities
- Birding
- Fishing
- Photography
Directions
Office Directions: 4055 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Follow I-95 to Co Rd 512 in Fellsmere. Take exit 156 from I-95
Continue on Co Rd 512. Take 85th St, FL-510 E and Florida A1A N to Wildlife Way in North Beach.
Destination will be on your left in 3.1 miles.
Barrier Island Center Directions: 8385 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Follow I-95 to US-192 E in Brevard County. Take exit 180 from I-95
Follow US-192 E to Florida A1A S/S Hwy A1A
Keep left to continue on US-192 E/E Strawbridge Ave
Turn right onto Florida A1A S/S Hwy A1A/S Miramar Ave
Turn left onto Florida A1A S/S Hwy A1A/Ocean Ave
Destination will be on the left in 12.8 miles.
