Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Quick Facts

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Alabama

(251) 540-7720

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge was established by Congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem, to protect threatened and endangered species, to provide compatible recreational opportunities, and to serve as a living laboratory for students and scientists.

The name Bon Secour comes from the French meaning "safe harbor," very appropriate considering the sanctuary for native flora and fauna that the refuge provides. The refuge serves the additional benefit of comprising one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Alabama coast. Its dunes are a reminder of the Gulf Coast, as it once existed. As a consequence, the refuge has been named as one of the 10 natural wonders of Alabama.

The refuge is small, compared to most national wildlife refuges, and is comprised of five separate units in Baldwin and Mobile counties, Alabama. The full-time staff consists of three, but the refuge has numerous committed volunteers throughout the year. The refuge hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually.

The Refuge is home to the endangered Alabama beach mouse, which is associated with the sand dunes and sea oats. Refuge beaches serve as nesting sites for loggerhead, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. Habitats include beaches and sand dunes, scrub forest, fresh and saltwater marshes, fresh water swamps, and uplands.

More than 370 species of birds have been identified on the refuge during migratory seasons. The largest are usually ospreys and several species of herons. At the other extreme, seven species of hummingbirds have been identified. Mammals such as red fox, coyotes, and armadillos are also present.

Map of Bon Secour NWR

Latitude, Longitude: 30.247798, -87.808571

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Activities

  • Boating

    Canoes and small boats are allowed, as are electric trolling motors; gasoline motors are prohibited. Vessels must be portaged a mile down the Pine Beach Trail.

  • Bird Watching

    Bon Secour has fantastic bird watching. More than 370 species of birds have been identified on the refuge during migratory seasons. The largest are usually ospreys and several species of herons. At the other extreme, seven species of hummingbirds have been identified.

  • Fishing

    Visitors to Bon Secour can enjoy both fresh and saltwater fishing at the refuge. Saltwater anglers can fish in Little Lagoon, as well as fish from the beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Gator Lake provides freshwater fishing.

  • Hiking

    The trail system at Bon Secour NWR offers a variety of viewing opportunities for visitors. From short 1 mile hikes to 4+ mile expansions, the trails are all unique and give an opportunity to discover different habitats of the refuge: dunes, swales, wetlands, maritime forests and scrub habitats.

  • Wildlife Watching

    The trail system at Bon Secour NWR offers a variety of viewing opportunities for visitors. From short 1-mile hikes to 4+ mile expansions, the trails are all unique and give an opportunity to discover different habitats of the refuge: dunes, swales, wetlands, maritime forests and scrub habitats. Wildlife ranges from several hundred bird species to armadillos, the endangered Alabama beach Mouse, and American alligators.

Park Partners

Friends of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

A group of citizens from all over the United States have banded together to form a Friends support group. Many members are out of state residents who winter on the Gulf. The organization functions primarily as an advocacy group, making telephone calls and writing letters as needed. It also functions as a non-profit private organization to accept donations and land to improve the refuge and to increase wildlife habitat.

Directions

Driving

Bon Secour NWR is located on the Fort Morgan peninsula, west of Gulf Shores, Alabama. From US 59, turn west on State Highway 180. Follow 180 for 8 miles, around mile marker 13, and the visitor center is located on the right. Along the way, there are directional signs for the hiking trails and for the office, which has a small display area.

Flying

The closest major airport is in Mobile. A variety of car rental agencies is available.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(251) 540-7720

Links