Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

04/10/2026

This why don't you GOPHER a walk and visit our Refuge?!

Our refuge is home to important scrub habitats where gopher tortoises thrive! Take a relaxing walk to the scrub pine and you might be lucky enough to see one!

Image description: a gopher tortoise is walking.
Image by Yasmeen Bruno, Hobe Sound Nature Center

01/28/2026

Great news! Scrub Habitat Management In Progress! 🌳🚜

We will be continuing scrub habitat management activities in late January and February. This means that you may see mechanical work to reduce thick, overgrown scrub will occur on our Mainland Tract south of the headquarters office, along US 1. This is great news for native species like the adorable gopher tortoise or rare Florida Scrub Jay, and even the endangered scrub mint!

Beach access trails and the nature center trails will remain open as usual.

Click the link to learn more about the project: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/nathaniel-p-reed-hobe-sound/what-we-do/projects-research

Image description: A large yellow vehicle in a scrub habitat

01/02/2026

Exciting Encounters! – Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is one of several species of wildlife that call Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge home! Their habitats include dry sandhills, scrub, flatwoods, and grassy areas of coastal barrier islands.

Snake sightings increase during mating season (late summer-fall) as the males seek a mate by crossing roads and trails often risking their life. Spotting a rattlesnake can bring up feelings of anxiety for those not used to our local slithering serpents. Following safety tips and learning more about the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake can help turn the nerves into a moment of excitement!

Safety Tips:

-The best safety tip when spotting these snakes is to leave them alone and maintain a safe and respectful distance. These snakes are NOT aggressive and will attempt flee when spotted. Please give them the space to do so.

- These snakes will stay still and attempt to camouflaging when encountering humans. Keep an eye out when out walking trails in rattlesnake habitat.

- When scared, these snakes will assume a defensive posture, begin rattling, and attempt to flee. Visitors may hear them before you see them. Always back away during such encounters. In the unlikely event of a bite, always call 911 immediately for emergencies.

Fun Facts about the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake:

-The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest rattlesnake in the world, and it’s found only in the southeastern United States!

-They are classified as pit vipers due to special facial pits located on their head. These pits are highly sensitive to infrared radiation (heat) and help them locate the direction of warm-blooded prey or predators.

-Adult snakes love their home! They prefer their established home ranges often remaining there even when the areas become less suitable for survival. This vulnerability to habitat loss emphasizes why conserving and restoring existing habitat is important.

Thank you for reading!

Curiosity helps cultivate a deeper appreciation of the wildlife who’s home we aim to look after and protect. We appreciate you taking the time today to learn more about our local neighbor, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.

10/01/2025

Due to the federal government shutdown, this account is not being actively updated.
For more information, please visit:

Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

09/23/2025

Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National
Wildlife Refuge is hiring a Park Ranger Technician/Fee Collector through the Experienced Services Program (ESP). The ESP was established by congress to provide job opportunities for Americans age 55 and older.
The target date to start work is October 2025.
Visit the National Experienced Workforce Solutions website for position details and to apply:
https://newsolutions.org/jobs/position-details/?position_id=8931

09/04/2025

Please pardon our dust! We are repaving our parking lots from September 4th through September 30th. Exact dates may vary and completion is weather dependent. Please, use caution and follow the temporary traffic flow for entry and exit. The Refuge and Visitor Center remain open.

10/11/2024

Come out and join us next Saturday (10/19) from 8am-10am for Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge's monthly beach cleanup event. Meet at the refuge beach parking lot at 198 N Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, Fl 33455. Please bring water, sunscreen and a hat. Cleanup supplies will be provided.
For more information please contact: [email protected]

09/25/2024

Thank you to all of our volunteers that came out for International Coastal Cleanup Day! Over 50 people including over 30 Boy Scout members showed up on Saturday to help clean the Refuge's beach to promote a healthy marine habitat for wildlife and visitors. Over 300 pounds of trash was removed from from the shore including 380 bottle caps, 46 plastic bags and over 400 miscellaneous pieces of plastic. We appreciate all the time and effort our volunteers put into keeping Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge clean.

Image Description: Refuge staff and cleanup volunteers after cleanup event
Image by: USFWS

09/24/2024

Happy Everyone!
Nesting totals as of September 24th:
Leatherbacks: 143
Loggerhead:1,920
Green: 645

Image Description: Adult sea turtle swimming in the ocean
Image by: USFWS

09/19/2024

Happy Sea Turtle Update Everyone!

Nesting totals as of September 19th:
Leatherback:143
Loggerhead: 1,920
Green: 642

Image Description: Sea turtle hatchling walking on the beach.
Image by: USFWS