St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Located directly across the rivers from the City of St. Marks is the Wakulla Unit and the St. Marks Unit of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Housed in the St. Marks Unit of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge are the refuge’s headquarters and visitor center, as well as the historic St. Marks Lighthouse. In addition to these important structures, the St. Marks Unit of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is home to a diverse array of ecosystems. Visitors to the wildlife refuge will encounter upland forests, forested swamps, fresh water marshes, brackish water marshes, and a salt water estuary. This unique arrangement of ecosystems provides habitats for migratory birds and waterfowl. Over two hundred fifty species of bird travel to the refuge, including seven federally-listed endangered species. In addition to the variety of birds, the St. Marks Unit of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is on the migratory path of Monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies, as well as Sulfur, Swallowtail, Skipper, Viceroy, Queen, American Painted Beauty, and Fritillary butterflies are common to the area during certain parts of the year. Tourists visit from all over the world to experience the natural beauty and pristine environment of the refuge.

For more information about the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, please visit these links:

http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

San Marcos de Apalache State Park

Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail

Outstanding Florida Waters

Surface Waters Improvement and Management Program (SWIM)

Gulf Ecological Management Site (GEMS)

Waterfronts Florida

Big Bend Scenic Byway