The refuge headquarters had to be relocated to Apalachicola after it was washed away from its mainland site across from the island by hurricane Kate in 1984. Established in 1968, the refuge was intended as a sanctuary for waterfowl, the majority of which are resident wood ducks and migrating blue winged teal. But refuge managers soon learned of the amazing variety of other wildlife that the island sustains and management is now directed at preserving the full diversity of plant and animal communities. Great egrets, snowy egrets, tri-colored herons, and little blue herons nest in the island rookeries. Snowy plovers and American oystercatchers nest on the beaches.
Wood storks stop for nourishment.
Seaside sparrows nest in huge numbers and neotropical birds stop for food and shelter during spring and fall migrations. Over 260 birds species have been logged on the refuge. Christmas bird counts of 100 species are typical. Over 300 alligators have been tallied in August censuses. Loggerhead turtles use the island's Gulf beaches to lay eggs in their buried nests.