Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1996 under provisions of the Arizona-Florida Land Exchange Act of 1988. The Department of the Interior conveyed 68 acres of Indian School property in Phoenix, Arizona to Collier family interests in exchange for 108,000 acres in Collier County, Florida. In addition, the Department received $34.9 million to establish Indian education trust funds. Approximately 35,000 acres were conveyed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish the refuge. The remaining acreage was added largely to Big Cypress National Preserve and Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
Several threatened and endangered species utilize the refuge including the Florida manatee, peregrine falcon, wood stork, as well as the green, Atlantic loggerhead, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Naples, FL on the south side of US HWY 41. The eastern boundary lies just east of the Port of the Islands community and Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. The western boundary is adjacent to Collier-Seminole State Park. The refuge surrounds the town of Goodland, just off of County Road 92. The Gulf of Mexico forms the southern boundary.
Primary public access to the refuge mainland is available via the Marsh Trail. With an 18 space parking lot, this area includes a mile-long hiking and biking trail, canoe and kayak trails, and a two-story accessible observation tower overlooking the marsh. The Marsh Trail parking lot is located about three miles east of Collier-Seminole State Park and County Road 92. Getting there from I-75 in Naples, take exit 101. Then follow Collier Blvd south to its junction with US HWY 41. Turn left. The Marsh Trail access area is 11 miles east along US HWY 41. Turnoffs for Goodland and Collier-Seminole State Park will be passed before you reach the parking area near mile marker 31.
The refuge and its meandering waterways are best accessed by boat. The two prominent boating access points are found in Goodland and Port of the Islands. Take US HWY 41 south out of Naples and drive 12 miles to Hwy 92, turn right and drive 5 miles to Goodland, or continue on US HWY 41 for 5 miles to Port of the Islands. The refuge does not offer paddle rentals or guided tours by USFWS staff.
Headquarters Office: Currently CLOSED
Email floridapanther@fws.gov for information