Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Harris Neck NWR was established in 1962 by transfer of federal lands formerly managed by the Federal Aviation Administration as a WWII Army airfield. Located in McIntosh County, Georgia, the refuge serves as an important link in the chain of refuges along the Atlantic seaboard, and is the inland base for two neighboring barrier island refuges, Blackbeard Island and Wolf Island refuges, both located southeast of Harris Neck. Harris Neck's 2,824 acres consists of salt marsh, open fields, forested wetland and mixed hardwood/pine forest. Because of this great diversity in habitat, many species of birds are attracted to the refuge throughout the year. In the summer, thousands of egrets and herons nest in the freshwater ponds, while in the winter, waterfowl can be found feeding and resting on the refuge. Over 15 miles of paved roads and trails provide the visitor easy access to the many different habitats. Chosen for it's accessibility and bird diversity, Harris Neck is one of 18 sites forming the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, inaugurated in 2000.