We are fortunate to have a National Wildlife Refuge in our Citrus County. It's a protected area where Manatees are guarded with water gates due to their high numbers in the months of November to March. Some manatees are local residents, but the massive numbers come to our area in the winter months because of the warmer spring waters. Also, this refuge has a whooping crane program that assists migrating whooping cranes from up north to find a safe place. This is exciting for us the newspaper follows the cranes progress.
We have other wildlife on the refuge property. The refuge island is accessible by boat only. Awesome place to visit. At this time, parking is available on empty lot across from headquarters in Crystal River's Kings Bay area. Website is
www.crystalriver.fws.gov/ Staff is friendly and have a volunteer program as well.
Also internships for college students in the summer with limited housing on site.
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