Why You Should Donate to the Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge
Help preserve and protect the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for wildlife, history, and natural beauty—but it urgently needs your help.
A Crisis in Conservation
Last year, the National Refuge System’s budget was slashed by $14.5 million, impacting refuges nationwide. At St. Marks, these cuts threaten programs and projects that depend on community support to thrive. Future funding is uncertain, making your support more critical than ever.
Your Impact: Protecting What Matters Most
Your donation directly supports initiatives that preserve the refuge’s most iconic landmarks and vulnerable species:
🌟 The St. Marks Lighthouse
A beacon of history and pride for North Florida, the lighthouse underwent a stunning restoration thanks to grants and community donations. But this cherished landmark requires ongoing maintenance to withstand harsh coastal conditions. Your support ensures that this piece of history remains intact for future generations.
🌲 Protecting Endangered Species
The refuge is a lifeline for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and the frosted flatwoods salamander, both facing severe threats from climate change, habitat loss, and natural disasters.
🦎 Frosted Flatwoods Salamander:
With a larval survival rate of only 5%, this rare amphibian depends on refuge staff and interns who relocate and monitor larvae to give them the best chance at survival.
🐦 Red-Cockaded Woodpecker:
This species has suffered an 86% population decline since 1966. Refuge staff, with the help of interns and volunteers funded by donations, manage habitats, install artificial nesting boxes, and relocate breeding pairs to ensure their survival.
Be Part of the Solution
Together, we can safeguard the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge’s future—for the wildlife that calls it home, the history it represents, and the community that cherishes it.
🌿 Donate Today
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Join us in ensuring the refuge remains a haven for generations to come.