Island Bay Wilderness

The tangled masses of roots stemming from mangrove trees often intertwine to form islands, a haven for pelicans, herons and egrets. The four small mangrove islands and two small mangrove points were given protected status by President Theodore Roosevelt when they became what is now known as Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge, today managed by J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The Island Bay Wilderness was established as one of the smallest units in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Several shell mounds pay tribute to the Native Americans who once called the area home. Illegal digging for artifacts has caused great harm to this critical bird habitat, a fragile ecology best viewed from a boat anchored at a respectful distance of at least 200 feet. Visitors may view wildlife or fish off shore but may not access the Wilderness.