Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges

Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife RefugesFriends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife RefugesFriends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges

Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges

Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife RefugesFriends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife RefugesFriends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges
  • Home
  • The Refuges
    • Egmont Key
    • Passage Key
    • The Pinellas Refuges
  • Get Involved
    • Bird Surveys
    • Bird Stewards
    • Guardhouse Docents
    • Refuge Cleanups
    • Membership
    • Event Calendar
    • Donate
  • Resources
    • Hurricane-Recovery-Update
    • Releasing a Hooked Bird
    • Bird Rescue Organizations
    • Egmont and The Seminole
    • Save Egmont Key
    • Friends Matter Newsletter
    • Volunteer Forms
  • Contact Us
  • Gift Shop
  • More
    • Home
    • The Refuges
      • Egmont Key
      • Passage Key
      • The Pinellas Refuges
    • Get Involved
      • Bird Surveys
      • Bird Stewards
      • Guardhouse Docents
      • Refuge Cleanups
      • Membership
      • Event Calendar
      • Donate
    • Resources
      • Hurricane-Recovery-Update
      • Releasing a Hooked Bird
      • Bird Rescue Organizations
      • Egmont and The Seminole
      • Save Egmont Key
      • Friends Matter Newsletter
      • Volunteer Forms
    • Contact Us
    • Gift Shop
  • Home
  • The Refuges
    • Egmont Key
    • Passage Key
    • The Pinellas Refuges
  • Get Involved
    • Bird Surveys
    • Bird Stewards
    • Guardhouse Docents
    • Refuge Cleanups
    • Membership
    • Event Calendar
    • Donate
  • Resources
    • Hurricane-Recovery-Update
    • Releasing a Hooked Bird
    • Bird Rescue Organizations
    • Egmont and The Seminole
    • Save Egmont Key
    • Friends Matter Newsletter
    • Volunteer Forms
  • Contact Us
  • Gift Shop

The Pinellas National Wildlife Refuges

Seven Mangrove Islands Protect Tampa Bay's Bird Population

Established in 1951 as a breeding ground for colonial bird species, these important refuge islands located in Pinellas County provide densely vegetated mangrove habitat and act as a critical safe haven for local and migratory birds. The Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge islands are Listen Key, Mule Key, Jackass Key, Little Bird Key, Indian Key, Tarpon Key, and Whale Key. Tarpon Key once hosted the largest Brown Pelican rookery in the State of Florida.


To protect the abundant seagrass beds, motor boats are not permitted on the surrounding flats. Due to their critical importance, the islands are closed to the public year round. Please, no landing!

Support The Refuges By Joining The Friends! Click for Membership Details

Pinellas Refuges Photo Gallery

Copyright © 2025 Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges - All Rights Reserved.

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  • Hurricane-Recovery-Update

Hurricane Recovery Update - Reopening Notice

Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is now open, though all structures in or near the lighthouse area and within the private property of the Pilots Compound remain off limits. Significant damage remains from recent hurricanes, please exercise caution while visiting the refuge and obey all posted warnings and direction by Service staff and Law Enforcement Officers.


To view the full official USFWS update on Egmont Key, please click here

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