2021 Friends of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Bird Tour tickets now available! The Friends is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, organized in 1998 to support the mission of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge located in Crystal River Florida. Donations are tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor for further guidance.
Crystal River, Florida is the wintering home to the endangered West Indian Manatee. When the temperature in the gulf drops below 70 degrees, manatees travel to the warmer waters of the sanctuaries of Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs. All of Kings Bay has been designated a year-round permanent manatee refuge by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Crystal River, Florida is the wintering home to the endangered West Indian Manatee. When the temperature in the gulf drops below 70 degrees, manatees travel to the warmer waters of the sanctuaries of Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs. All of Kings Bay has been designated a year-round permanent manatee refuge by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Services
Education Program
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After the construction of the tower, pavilion and hiking trails on the Salt Marsh Trails, the Friends saw the dream of an education program for elementary schools become a reality. It became apparent that this was the perfect place to take school children for hands-on environmental education. In 2010, we received a $10,000 Nature of Learning Grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation.
Wildlife Viewing
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Manatees are abundant throughout coastal and inland waters of Florida. During times of cold weather, manatees will concentrate in warm natural springs or in warm water discharges from power plants, both essential for their survival. Crystal River is special because it supports the largest concentration of manatees in a natural spring area.
Birding
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Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is a largely aquatic preserve, so it comes as no surprise that one of the best ways to bird it is by canoe. Thick hydric hammock surrounds the boat ramp, so bird the periphery for songbird migrants like hooded warblers before you launch your boat.
A large vulture roost populates the boat basin, and as you follow the river towards the Gulf, don't overlook the occasional bald eagle swirling on thermals with them.Along the river run, watch for skulking green herons and shy little blues at the water's edge. Calling prothonotary warblers and protective osprey on nests announce your progress down the river.
A large vulture roost populates the boat basin, and as you follow the river towards the Gulf, don't overlook the occasional bald eagle swirling on thermals with them.Along the river run, watch for skulking green herons and shy little blues at the water's edge. Calling prothonotary warblers and protective osprey on nests announce your progress down the river.
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