The Friends Group completed the construction of the tower, pavilion and several hiking trails on this Refuge property in 2010 and donated the improvements to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The improvements were made possible by a donation from the Lastinger Family Foundation. A boardwalk allowing access into the wetlands was constructed in 2013. Since the completion of the improvements, the site has been used for environmental education for 4th and 5th grade students. See the story and pictures on our Education page. The property is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. It is a pack-in, pack-out (leave only footprints) property with no facilities. You may park at the entrance on Mason Creek Rd. and hike into the Refuge. . No public parking on property. The site is available to Boy & Girl Scouts and other organizations for educational purposes.
Please Remember:
- Drinking water or restrooms are not available on this refuge.
- Please bring adequate water with you especially during the summer heat.
- Emergency vehicles cannot get past the locked gate, should you have an emergency.
- Enjoy the Salt Marsh Trails, BUT remember this is a wildlife refuge and not a park.
- Please help in keeping this refuge pristine and take with you all the items that you brought and only those items, leave only footprints.
- Trails are open from dawn to dusk.