About Us

Tybee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established on May 9, 1938, by Executive Order No. 7882, as a breeding area for migratory birds and other wildlife, and to "effectuate further the purposes of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act."  The majority of the refuge is covered with sand deposits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' dredging activities in the Savannah River. The more stable portions of the island are densely covered with such woody species as eastern red cedar, wax myrtle, and groundsel. Saltwater marsh borders parts of the island, and at low tide, the shoreline provides a resting, nesting, and feeding place for many species of migratory birds. Protecting and providing habitat for nesting shorebirds is the primary management objective of the refuge. 

Our Mission

Tybee NWR, as part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex, will protect a network of bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands, grasslands, beaches, and aquatic habitats.  In the midst of a rapidly developing coastal environment, the refuge will lead the way in protection and management of highly diverse habitats.  The 100-acre refuge will contribute to the long-term conservation of migratory and native wildlife populations, and the recovery of endangered and threatened species.

Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is established to serve a statutory purpose that targets the conservation of native species dependent on its lands and waters. All activities on those acres are reviewed for compatibility with this statutory purpose.  The purpose(s) of this unit is to. . . “Effectuate further the purposes of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act." 

Other Facilities in this Complex

Tybee NWR is one of seven refuges administered by the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex which is headquartered at the Savannah NWR Visitor Center located in Hardeeville, South Carolina. 

Shorebirds on the beach at Wolf Island NWR
Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge
Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge, which also includes Egg Island and Little Egg Island, is located at the mouth of the Altamaha River on the Georgia coast. The entire refuge was designated a National Wilderness Area in 1975 and provides critical sanctuary for migrating birds and nursery habitat...
National Wildlife Refuge
Hardeeville,SC
Bobcat kittens
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
The Savannah River is the lifeblood of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge which provides rich habitats that support a diverse array of migratory and resident wildlife. Visitors are welcome on the 4.5 mile Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive and all refuge trails daily, from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor...
National Wildlife Refuge
Hardeeville,SC
Sunrise on the shore of Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge
Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge
As one of Georgia's barrier islands, Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge provides protection to the coastline and habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including summertime nesting sea turtles, and year-round shorebird activity.
National Wildlife Refuge
Hardeeville,SC
Sunrise over the wading bird rookery at Woody Pond
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) serves as an important link in the chain of refuges along the eastern seaboard, and is the inland base for two neighboring barrier island refuges, Blackbeard Island and Wolf Island.
National Wildlife Refuge
Townsend,GA
Boneyard beach at Wassaw NWR
Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge
Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge serves as an important link in the chain of barrier islands that lie along the Atlantic Flyway, providing excellent habitat for a variety of migratory birds. With little development and few management practices, the 10,053-acre refuge is one of the most pristine on...
National Wildlife Refuge
Hardeeville,SC
View of Ibis Pond with clouds reflecting off of the water.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is an important link in the chain of wildlife refuges along the Atlantic Flyway, attracting thousands of migratory birds annually. The refuge also provides nesting habitat, called a rookery, for colonial wading birds such as ibis, egrets, and herons.
National Wildlife Refuge
Hardeeville,SC