Lake Wales Ridge
Vero Beach, FL 32963
Plan Your Visit
The Refuge has a very high density of species listed as endangered or threatened. Because of the potential impact to these plants and animals, the refuge has not been opened to the public.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Services
About
Established in 1993, Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge was the first refuge designated specifically for the recovery of endangered and threatened plants. It protects 23 listed plants, four animals, and over 40 endemic invertebrates across four tracts in Polk and Highlands Counties. To protect these fragile species and habitats, such as Florida scrub and sandhill, the refuge is currently closed to public access. It is managed as part of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex.