About St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge
St. Johns NWR was established on August 16, 1971, to provide habitat for threatened and endangered species, specifically for the conservation of the dusky seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus nigrescens). By 1979, surveys determined that the dusky seaside sparrow had declined to less than 20 male birds. The last known sighting of this species in the wild was in 1980. Despite the loss of the dusky seaside sparrow, at least 19 federal and state-listed species and species of management concern are known to occur today at St. Johns NWR. These include four federally listed wildlife species listed as threatened: the wood stork (Mycteria americana) crested caracara (Caracara cheriway) eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) and the recently listed eastern black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis). The St. Johns NWR is managed by staff from Merritt Island NWR. Due to the presence of sensitive bird nesting habitat, and the lack of facilities, the refuge is not open to the public.
