Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to protect and provide habitat for migratory and wintering waterfowl — ducks, geese and swans. The refuge encompasses a variety of habitats including beach, dunes, shrub-scrub, freshwater wetlands and woodlands. Its primary unit sits on a thin strip of barrier island coastline typical of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Other areas include islands in Back Bay and upland areas on the west bank of the bay, among them a public kayak launch and fishing site at the end of Horn Point Road, open April through October. Thousands of tundra swans, snow and Canada geese and a large variety of ducks visit the refuge during the fall and winter migration, with waterfowl populations usually peaking in December and January. The refuge also provides habitat for other wildlife, including threatened and endangered species such as the loggerhead sea turtle, and recently recovered species like the brown pelican and bald eagle. The refuge offers over eight miles of scenic trails, a Visitor Center, interpretive programming and, with advance scheduling, environmental education opportunities. Popular activities include hiking, biking, freshwater fishing, surf fishing, kayaking and canoeing, wildlife photography and wildlife observation.