Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Georgia and Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Folkston, Georgia |
| Area | 402,000 acres (1,627 km2) |
| Established | 1937 |
| Visitors | 400,000 (in 2007) |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge |
| Designated: | 18 December 1986 |
| Reference #: | 350 |
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a huge protected area. It covers about 402,000 acres (1,627 km2) of land. This special place is located in Georgia and Florida, United States.
The refuge was created in 1937. Its main goal is to protect most of the amazing Okefenokee Swamp. The name "Okefenokee" comes from a Native American word. It means "trembling earth," which describes how some parts of the swamp feel.
About 400,000 people visit the refuge each year. This makes it one of the most popular refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It is also the largest refuge in the eastern United States.
Contents
Exploring the Okefenokee Swamp's Past
The Okefenokee Swamp has a long and interesting history. People have lived here for thousands of years. It has also seen big changes from explorers and logging.
Who Lived in the Okefenokee First?
Native Americans lived in the Okefenokee Swamp as far back as 2500 BC. Different groups, like the Deptford and Swift Creek cultures, made their homes here. The last tribe to find safety in the swamp were the Seminoles. Their time in the Okefenokee ended around 1842.
What Happened with the Suwannee Canal?
In 1891, a company bought a large part of the swamp. They wanted to drain it to grow crops like rice and cotton. This plan did not work out.
So, the company started cutting down trees instead. They dug a long canal, about 11.5 miles (18.5 km) into the swamp. This was called the Suwannee Canal.
When Did Logging End and Protection Begin?
Logging began in 1909 and continued for many years. A lot of timber was taken from the Okefenokee. By 1927, the logging operations finally stopped.
People started to realize how special the swamp was. In 1918, a group called the Okefenokee Preservation Society was formed. They worked to protect the swamp.
In 1936, the U.S. government bought most of the swamp. This was done to create a safe place for wildlife.
How Was the Refuge Established?
In 1937, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt officially created the refuge. He said it would be "a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife." Scientists from Cornell University had pushed for this protection for many years.
Later, in 1974, the inner parts of the refuge became a National Wilderness Area. This means these areas are kept wild and untouched. In 1986, the Okefenokee Refuge was also named a Wetland of International Importance. This shows its importance to wetlands around the world.
Discovering the Okefenokee's Unique Landscape
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a huge and important natural area. It protects a large part of the famous Okefenokee Swamp.
What Makes the Okefenokee Swamp Special?
The Okefenokee Swamp is a giant bog. It sits in a bowl-shaped area that was once part of the ocean floor. The swamp is now about 103 to 128 feet (31 to 39 m) above sea level.
Thick layers of peat cover much of the swamp floor. These layers can be very soft. Sometimes, the ground can actually "tremble" when you step on it! This is why Native Americans called it "Land of the Trembling Earth."
What Kinds of Habitats Are in the Swamp?
The swamp has many different types of habitats. These include:
- Open wet "prairies" (like grassy wetlands)
- Cypress forests with tall trees
- Scrub-shrub vegetation
- Upland islands (drier areas)
- Open lakes
The Okefenokee Swamp is one of the largest freshwater ecosystems in the world. It is known for its many amphibians. These animals are important "bio-indicators." This means they help scientists understand the health of the planet.
Where Does the Swamp's Water Go?
The water in the Okefenokee is tea-colored. This is because of tannic acid from decaying plants. The main river flowing out of the swamp is the Suwannee River. It flows southwest to the Gulf of Mexico.
Another river, the St. Mary's River, flows southeast to the Atlantic Ocean. This river forms the border between Georgia and Florida.
What Are the Prairies?
The swamp has many islands and lakes. It also has large areas without trees, called prairies. These prairies cover about 60,000 acres (240 km2). They were once forests. But during dry times, fires burned away the trees and peat.
These prairies are home to many wading birds. You can see herons, egrets, ibises, cranes, and bitterns here.
How Does the Refuge Protect the Land?
Refuge staff and volunteers work hard to keep the swamp natural. They protect wildlife and offer fun activities for visitors. They also do "prescribed burns" in dry areas. This helps to keep the habitat healthy. They also plant longleaf pine trees and watch over animal populations.
The Okefenokee depends on rainfall. During dry periods, wildfires can happen. These fires are a natural part of the swamp's cycle. They help the Okefenokee stay a unique wetland. Fires can change where plants grow and where animals live.
Amazing Wildlife of the Okefenokee
The Okefenokee is full of life! It has many different habitats, which means it's home to a huge variety of plants and animals.
What Plants Grow Here?
There are 621 different kinds of plants in the swamp. One important tree is the Longleaf Pine.
What Animals Live in the Okefenokee?
The refuge is home to many animal species, including:
- Fish: 39 different kinds
- Amphibians: 37 species, like frogs and salamanders. These are important for showing how healthy the environment is.
- Reptiles: 64 species, including the famous American alligators and various snakes.
- Birds: 234 species, from wading birds and ducks to raptors and songbirds.
- Mammals: 50 species, such as Florida raccoons, North American river otters, Florida bobcats, red foxes, wild boars, minks, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, Florida skunks, and Florida black bears.
Are There Any Protected Species?
Yes, the swamp also provides a home for threatened and endangered species. These include:
Fun Things to Do at Okefenokee Refuge
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge offers many ways to explore and enjoy nature. You can go hiking, fishing, canoeing, or just watch for wildlife.
Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center
The main visitor center is a great place to start your visit. It has exhibits that teach you about the swamp. There's also a bookstore and a theater where you can watch films about the refuge.
Exploring Chesser Island
In the late 1800s, a family named Chesser settled on an island in the swamp. Today, their old home, the Chesser homestead, is still there. You can visit it and learn about their life. There's also a boardwalk and an observation tower for great views.
Fishing in the Swamp
The Okefenokee has over 60 lakes and many slow-moving water trails called "runs." The largest lake is Billy's Lake. Fishing is allowed all year, following Georgia's fishing rules.
Canoeing and Boating Adventures
There are 121 miles (195 km) of water trails in the swamp. About 70 miles are open for motorboats with 10 horsepower or less. You can also go on overnight canoe trips. There are seven shelters in the swamp's interior where you can camp.
The refuge has six different boating trails. These trails offer twelve different overnight canoe trips.
Walking and Driving Trails
- Swamp Island Drive: This is a 9-mile (14 km) loop where you can drive, bike, or walk. Along the way, you'll find walking trails, open areas for wildlife viewing, and hardwood forests. This drive also leads to the Chesser Homestead, the Boardwalk, and the Observation Tower.
- Canoe Trails and Camping: There are many canoe trails and camping shelters. Here are some helpful locations for your trip:
- Refuge's East Entrance (Visitor Center): N30.73803° W082.14135°
- Monkey Lake: N30.67493° W82.20594°
- Monkey Lake Shelter: N30.67439° W82.20601°
- Coffee Bay Shelter: N30.76133° W082.22659°
- Restroom on Suwannee Canal: N30.73811° W82.17332°
- Junction of Suwannee Canal and Prairie Lakes Run: N30.73708° W82.17473°
- Junction of Prairie Lakes Run and Tater Rake: N30.72608° W082.18269°
- Tater Rake and Suwannee Canal: N30.73704° W082.18188°
- North End of Tater Rake & Cutoff (From Suwannee Canal): N30.73641° W82.17790°
How to Get to the Refuge
There are three main entrances to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Each entrance has its own special features and facilities. You will need to pay an entrance fee at each one.
- East Entrance: This is the main entrance managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It's about 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Folkston, Georgia.
- West Entrance: This entrance is at Stephen C. Foster State Park. It's about 17 miles (27 km) east of Fargo, Georgia.
- North Entrance: This entrance is at the Okefenokee Swamp Park. It's about 8 miles (13 km) south of Waycross, Georgia.
Images for kids
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Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge sign
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Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
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Map of Okefenokee NWR
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Controlled burn at Okefenokee NWR
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Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
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Canoeing in the Okefenokee NWR
