St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge expands, creating more conservation opportunities

ST. MARKS, Fla. (WCTV) - A popular North Florida wildlife refuge is expanding, which means more conservation, and maybe a few more photo opportunities for Floridians who travel from all across the state.

This week, Ducks Unlimited announced it transferred 1,300 acres to St. Marks. The land, right near the front entrance, now won’t be sold to private hands.

“We both share a mission in migratory bird conservation and wetlands conservation at the forefront of that,” director of conservation programs for Ducks Unlimited, Emily Purcell said. “So, Terry had identified this opportunity to acquire and protect basically the gateway into St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.”

Ducks Unlimited says the acquisition protects the wildlife in the refuge is a boost for North Florida visitors, many of whom enjoy the vivid Monarch Butterfly festival each year.

“So, this property obviously provides critical habitat for Florida black bears, but it also provides important opportunity for threatened and endangered species conservation, including habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker,” Purcell said.

The 1.2 mile parcel borders the St. Marks River and is near the entrance to Lighthouse Road.