Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge

Wassaw was designated as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1969 and remains relatively undeveloped. Within the broader National Wildlife Refuge System, its stated mission is to protect the many migratory bird species that call the island home.

The Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge is 10,053 acres that lies along the Atlantic Flyway and provides a habitat for migratory birds. This wildlife refuge is only accessible by boat. It’s managed by the U.S. Fisch and Wildlife Service which prioritizes wildlife conservation and ensuring that native wildlife species thrive. There are seven miles of undeveloped beach which is important for Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles who nest on the beach. Year-round residents include gray foxes, brown pelicans, wood ducks, American alligators, rattlesnakes, bottle-nose dolphins, and blue crabs.