Sample Listing from Section Two of "Boardwalks and Long Walks" (c) 2012 Will Holcomb
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Site
# 9329
Ten Thousand Islands NWR is located in Collier County on the
southwest coast of Florida. Established in 1996, this 35,000 acres refuge
protects important mangrove habitats and a rich diversity of native wildlife,
including several endangered species.
The refuge is part of the largest expanses of mangrove forest in North
America. Approximately two thirds of the refuge is mangrove forest, which
dominates most tidal fringes and the numerous islands (or keys). The northern
third of the refuge consists of brackish marsh and interspersed ponds, and
small coastal hammocks of oak, cabbage palms, and tropical hardwoods such as
gumbo limbo. Roughly 200 species of fish have been documented in the area and
much of the sea grass beds and mangrove bottoms serve as vital nursery areas
for marine fish. Over 189 species of birds use the refuge at some time during
the year. Prominent bird groups include wading birds, shorebirds, diving water
birds, and raptors. Common mammals found in the area include raccoon, river
otter, and bottle-nosed dolphins. Notable
threatened and endangered species include West Indian manatee, bald eagle, peregrine
falcon, wood stork, and the Atlantic loggerhead, green, and Kemp's Ridley sea
turtles .Ten Thousand Islands NWR is located between Marco Island and
Everglades City, Florida. The refuge is best accessed by boat. There is a new
parking lot and tower off of US 41 Tamiami Trail.
(C) 2012 Will Holcomb
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