As the area’s premier educators on Florida’s wildlife and their habitats, the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge provides

community outreach programs throughout Northwest Florida.On any given day the refuge can receive as many as 20 calls from concerned citizens reporting injured wildlife. With the admission numbers on the rise, the refuge recognizes the need to promote public awareness and education on wildlife, environmental, and conservation issues. Informative and dynamic community outreach programs that combine new technology and live animals will be provided to all school classrooms, scout troops, community organizations, and private individuals wanting to learn more about wildlife and nature. The use of live animals in our programs creates excitement and enthusiasm toward wildlife and nature to emphasize our message and encourage education.

The refuge also participates in local community events and promotes public education and awareness by providing educational literature related to wildlife, the environment, and conservation. While the refuge’s core educational programs are designed with the belief that we must introduce people back to nature face to face, the refuge publishes printed materials in order to educate a broader number of people on wildlife facts, proper treatment, and how to successfully coexist with wildlife. For area residents that desire a more in depth, hands on learning experience, the refuge offers volunteer opportunities in wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal strandings, and environmental education.