Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1983, is the only refuge created specifically for the protection of the threatened Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee.  This unique refuge preserves Three Sisters Springs, the last unspoiled and undeveloped spring habitat in Kings Bay. King Spring, one of seven federal manatee sanctuaries set up from November to March, provides critical habitat for the over 600 manatees that migrate to Kings Bay each winter. In addition to the establishment of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, manatees are also protected by the 2012 designation of the entire Kings Bay area as the Kings Bay Manatee Refuge (or Kings Bay Manatee Protection Area). Buzzard, Parker, and Banana islands provide habitat for bald eagles, osprey, wood storks, and many other shore birds.