Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
AN AUDUBON FLORIDA SPECIAL PLACE
By William Hobson
Lake Woodruff is a place that brings people together to enjoy all the best of what nature
offers in Florida. So it was on a pleasant day last year that 12 of us were given a special tour by
National Park Service staff of one of the 29 national wildlife refuges in Florida. Like Florida, our
group was quite different in terms of age, natives and snowbirds, ethnic background, and
novice and seasoned bird watchers and nature lovers.
For nearly two hours our group was mesmerized by the mottled ducks, egrets, great
blue herons, alligators, and limpkins that we were able to view and photograph. It was
particularly exciting to see a swallow-tailed kite since Lake Woodruff has the second largest
roosting colony in the Southeast for swallow-tailed kites that migrate 5,000 miles annually to
Brazil.
Located 25 miles from the popular tourist destination of Daytona Beach and
approximately 45 miles northeast of the Orlando Metropolitan area, the Lake Woodruff
National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem in Central Florida. The Refuge encompasses 21, 574
acres of land and water along the St. Johns River. Home to over 200 species of birds, 40
mammalian species, 58 species of reptiles, 33 species of amphibians, and 68 species of fish, the
spectacular natural resources and unique cultural history of the Lake Woodruff National
Wildlife Refuge make this hidden wonder a very special place.
While Native American mounds and artifacts found within the Refuge date back 10,000
years, Major Joseph Woodruff purchased the land known as DeLeon Springs in 1823 and gave
his name to the large, freshwater lake nearby. In 1964, the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife
Refuge was initially established when 18,500 acres in Volusia and Lake Counties was set aside
to provide habitat for migratory birds. Presently, the Refuge includes 11,100 acres of
freshwater marsh, 7,200 acres of hardwood swamp, and 2,400 acres of upland habitat. The rich
biodiversity of the area and the recreational opportunities available to the public ensure
remarkable experiences for the over 50,000 people who visit the refuge annually.
Birding and nature photography are popular activities at the Refuge. Over half the
migratory birds that travel to the area are different species of ducks. Birders may also view
ospreys, different species of limpkins, egrets, herons and many others. The Refuge also serves
as a habitat for the Florida Black Bear, otters, foxes, and bobcats. Manatees can be spotted in
the Refuge in May and June. Guided bird walks are offered to the public during the winter
months, and the Refuge is included as part of Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count.
Visitors have other recreational options. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent in
nearby DeLeon Springs, and fishing is permitted for individuals with a fishing license. Limited
hunting is also permitted. Hunters must use archery or primitive guns and only deer and hogs
can be removed from the property. The Refuge affords the public a myriad of opportunities to
appreciate natural ecosystems and to respectfully recreate in the natural world.
Since 1999, an organization called Friends of Lake Woodruff NWR have helped to build
and maintain trails, provide educational programs, and assist in research. It is easy to see why
this group has been call “Friends” as this is a bit how I felt with the strangers with whom I had
shared the field trip last year. Maybe more field trips to places like Lake Woodruff are the
ticket to making Florida a friendly and happy place.
William Hobson is the Secretary for the West Volusia Audubon Society and teaches
Earth/Space Science at Pine Ridge High School in Deltona. For more information about
AUDUBON FLORIDA and its “Special Places” program visit www.FloridaSpecialPlaces.org. All
rights reserved by Florida Audubon Society, Inc.