GETTING TO LAKE WOODRUFF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Lake Woodruff NWR comprises over 21,500 acres of a variety of habitats bordering the St. Johns River and 2200 acre Lake Woodruff.   Access to tracts that make up the refuge is from several points, but the main public use area is located in DeLeon Springs, FL.

To reach the refuge, take U.S. Rte. 17 to DeLeon Springs.

  
Credit: http://helmet.stetson.edu/~mhale/interest/bird.htm

From 17, turn west on Wheeler or Retta St. to reach Grand Ave.  Go south on Grand Ave. to reach Mud Lake Rd.  Turn west on Mud Lake.  The refuge headquarters are on your right.  Continue west on Mud Lake to reach the public use area. 

Credit: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The most prominent feature of  the public use area is a series of 3 impoundments surrounded by several miles of dikes that can be hiked or biked.  Along most of the dikes, often on both sides, is a deeper canal surrounding the impoundment.   Water level, and bird populations, vary greatly seasonally and between years depending on weather conditions and management practices. The most widespread habitats visible from the dikes are the aquatic impoundments and marshes.  Islands of hammock occur sporadically throughout the floodplain marsh.  Motor vehicles are not allowed on the dikes. 

       
Credit: Google Earth

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