Tybee National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tybee National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Tybee National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jasper County, South Carolina, United States |
| Nearest city | Savannah, Georgia |
| Area | 100 acres (0.40 km2) |
| Established | 1938 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Tybee National Wildlife Refuge |
The Tybee National Wildlife Refuge is a special place created to protect birds and other wildlife. It was started on May 9, 1938, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He used an "executive order," which is like a special rule from the president, to make it a safe home for animals.
This refuge is about 100-acre (0.40 km2) big and sits at the mouth of the Savannah River. It actually began as a tiny 1-acre (4,000 m2) island called Oysterbed Island. The United States Army Corps of Engineers used this island to dump sand and mud. This material, called "spoil," came from digging out the harbor to make it deeper for ships. Because of all this dumped sand, most of the refuge is now covered in sand.
Some parts of the island are more stable and have plants growing on them. You can find trees like eastern red cedar, wax myrtle, and groundsel. There are also areas of saltwater marsh around the island's edges.
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Why Tybee Refuge Is Important for Birds
Tybee National Wildlife Refuge is a very important stop for birds that travel long distances. It gives them a safe place to rest and find food. Many different kinds of birds visit, including gulls, terns, and shorebirds. Even tiny songbirds that fly between North and South America use this refuge.
Birds That Nest at Tybee
Some birds even choose to build their nests and raise their young right here. These include Least terns, black skimmers, and Wilson's plovers. They often nest on the sandy areas created by the dumped material.
Resting Spots for Water Birds
All year long, the refuge's shoreline and open sandy areas are popular resting spots. Large birds like brown pelicans, along with gulls and terns, can be seen relaxing here.
Protecting Rare Animals at Tybee
The refuge is also home to some animals that are considered "endangered." This means they are at risk of disappearing forever.
- Piping Plovers: These small shorebirds are often seen on the refuge's land. They are a protected species.
- Wood Storks: These large wading birds, also endangered, have been spotted at Tybee.
- Shortnose Sturgeon: In the waters around Tybee, you might find these ancient fish.
- Manatees: These gentle "sea cows" also swim in the waters bordering the refuge.
People who love watching birds, called birdwatchers, can observe the refuge's birdlife from across the river. They use telescopes from the levees at Fort Pulaski National Monument to get a good view without disturbing the animals.
