Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges invite you to join in the celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week. The historic Cedar Keys Light Station on Seahorse Key opens its doors FREE to the public Saturday and Sunday, October 15 & 16 from 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
The lighthouse and the ancient sand dune it was built upon are normally closed to the public as the island is leased by the University of Florida for its Marine Research Lab. The celebratory Open House is the perfect opportunity to connect with your Florida heritage, observe the tranquil beauty of the refuge island, and enjoy the activities provided by our partners and volunteers. The Florida Lighthouse Association will be providing tours of the historic facility and cemetery. The colorful USS Patrick Henry reenactment group will be on the island Saturday to share history of the lighthouse during the Civil War. Two Union sailors from the actual Civil War ship, Bishop and Ephram, are at rest in the island`s cemetery. You must arrange your own transportation. A boat is needed to reach this offshore island; visitors may use their own boat, paddle or contact tour boats that leave from Cedar Key City Marina throughout the day during the Seafood Festival. Don`t wait too long, as the last boat leaves the dock for the lighthouse at 3:00. Bring your camera and step onto one of Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge premier holdings. Shots from the tower in the morning are spectacular, railroad vine covers the beach and wading birds seem to pose for the camera. You don`t want to miss this opportunity.
Both the Cedar Keys and Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge are a part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We work with partners to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 547 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. For more information call the refuge at 352/493-0238. | 
