Lake Woodruff
Sourced from Wikivoyage. Text is available under the CC-by-SA 3.0 license.
Understand
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge was an Audubon Refuge Keepers (ARK) organization founded in 1999 under the aegis of National Audubon Society and affiliated with West Volusia Audubon Society.
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.
History
Landscape
The refuge contains a myriad of habitats: among them are marshes, swamps, creeks, hammocks and uplands.Flora and fauna
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.
Climate
Get in
Lake Woodruff NWR is 25 miles west of Daytona Beach, Florida, and 7 miles north of DeLand on U.S. Highway 17 near the community of DeLeon Springs. From Highway 17 in DeLeon Springs, turn west and go one block to Grand Avenue. Turn south on Grand and go approximately 3 blocks to Mud Lake Road. Refuge directional signs are prominently displayed on both U.S. 17 and Grand Ave. to direct the way to the refuge and headquarters office.
Buy
There is a nature store stocked with a wide range of nature and wildlife-related gifts in the Lake Woodruff Visitors Center on Mud Lake Road. Friends of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge members receive a 10% discount on their purchases. Open Nov-Jun M-Sa 9AM-5PM, 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, +1 386-985-4673.