Chassahowitzka NWR was established in 1943 for waterfowl conservation. The
refuge protects saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marshes, and hardwood
swamps in Homosassa, FL.

In 1970, the refuge lands within Citrus County were designated as wilderness.
Today, the refuge provides habitat for one federally threatened species, the
West Indian manatee.

The Chassahowitzka NWR is a part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Complex.

Chassahowitzka NWR was established in 1943 for waterfowl conservation. The refuge protects saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marshes, and hardwood swamps in Homosassa, FL.  In 1970, the refuge lands within Citrus County were designated as wilderness. Today, the refuge provides habitat for one federally threatened species, the West Indian manatee. The Chassahowitzka NWR is a part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Bird's eye view of the park

Chassahowitzka 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

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

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Rainbow Springs State Park

Fort Cooper State Park