Back to Top

Lake Woodruff NWR was established in 1964 as a migratory bird refuge, part of five million-plus acres purchased by US Fish & Wildlife Service with proceeds from the Federal Duck Stamp Program. It is located in Volusia County, Florida near the community of DeLeon Springs. The famed St Johns River forms the western boundary of the 22,000-acre refuge. The refuge contains a myriad of habitats: among them are marshes, swamps, creeks, hammocks and uplands.

Visitors explore the miles of man-made dikes that form the pools. The pools attract marsh birds and waterfowl throughout the year, especially during the winter months. A sharp-eyed visitor may glimpse a variety of creatures: bald eagles, deer, marsh rabbits, otters and gopher tortoises.

Lake Woodruff NWR is a top spot where a lucky birder may spot a limpkin. It is host to the second largest pre-migratory roosting colony for swallow-tailed kites in the USA. The refuge bird count is 215 species, exclusive of accidentals. American alligators thrive in the clean fresh water. Fishermen enjoy bank and boat fishing for bluegill, bream, crappie, jackfish, and large-mouth bass. Managed deer hunting opportunities are also provided.

Photographers, walkers, joggers, researchers, artists, wildflower enthusiasts, nature writers, birders,  schoolroom groups, parents revisiting childhood haunts with their children, and visitors from almost anywhere come to the refuge. They linger on the embankments, caught up in the glory of sky and marsh. There’s something here for everyone. It is a place for replenishing one’s spirit.

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is endowed with many splendors, except perhaps adequate funding for additional staffing and for implementing programs. The refuge needs its Friends, not least as advocates or ambassadors. The Friends are supporters, bringing their donations and their labors. Friends support the refuge in many ways. The benefits are countless.

Back to Top

The Friends group operates a Nature Store stocked with a wide range of nature and wildlife-related gifts.  Located in the Lake Woodruff Visitors Center on Mud Lake Road, the Nature Store offers the following products.

• A large section of books devoted to Florida -- from birds, butterflies, snakes, alligators, fish, guidebooks, children's books, the St. Johns River, geology, native gardening, and many other subjects.  In addition, the store carries a great number of books specific to the East coast, USA, even international.  The nature store is a book lover's delight.
• Caps and denim shirts embroidered with the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife logo.
• T-shirts for adults and youth
• Stuffed animals -- snakes, alligators, birds
• Framed art
• Postcards and notepaper
• Walking sticks
• And so much more ----

Think of the store when you are looking for gifts for yourself or others.  Birthdays, holidays, appreciation, retirement, graduation and many other occasions are a perfect time to stop by and see what the shop offers.  What better type of store to support than your local Friends of Lake Woodruff Nature Store!  All proceeds from store sales help with Friends' projects around Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. 

Friends of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge members receive a 10% discount on their purchases.  If you are not a member, be sure to join when you are in the store and get an instant discount on your purchase.

From November through June the store is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday, and on a non-scheduled basis the rest of the year.  Because the store is volunteer operated, it is best to call before coming in to be sure the store is open -- 386-985-4673.  We look forward to welcoming you and thanking you for your support!

Back to Top

Back to Top