Visit Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge in Townsend Georgia.
The refuge's 2,824 acres consist of saltwater marsh, grassland, mixed deciduous woods and cropland. Because of this great variety in habitat, many different species of birds are attracted to the refuge throughout the year.
A great variety different species of birds are attracted to the refuge throughout the year.
In the summer, thousands of egrets, herons and endangered wood storks nest in the swamps, while in the winter, large concentrations of ducks (especially mallards, gadwall and teal) gather in the marshland and freshwater pools.
Over 15 miles of paved roads and trails provide the visitor easy access to these areas. Some portions of the refuge may be closed seasonally to protect wildlife from human disturbance.
Harris Neck NWR is one of seven refuges administered by the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex. This chain of national wildlife refuges extends from Pinckney Island NWR near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, to Wolf Island NWR near Darien, Georgia.
Between these lie Savannah (the largest unit in the complex), Wassaw, Tybee, Harris Neck, and Blackbeard Island refuges. Together they span a 100-mile coastline and total nearly 57,000 acres. The Savannah Coastal Refuges are administered from headquarters located in Savannah, Georgia.
Harris Neck NWR was established in 1962 by transfer of federal lands formerly managed by the Federal Aviation Administration as a WWII Army airfield.
In the summer, thousands of egrets, herons and endangered wood storks nest in the swamps, while in the winter, large concentrations of ducks (especially mallards, gadwall and teal) gather in the marshland and freshwater pools. Over 15 miles of paved roads and trails provide the visitor easy access to these areas. Some portions of the refuge may be closed seasonally to protect wildlife from human disturbance.
Harris Neck NWR is one of seven refuges administered by the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex. This chain of national wildlife refuges extends from Pinckney Island NWR near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, to Wolf Island NWR near Darien, Georgia. Between these lie Savannah (the largest unit in the complex), Wassaw, Tybee, Harris Neck, and Blackbeard Island refuges. Together they span a 100-mile coastline and total nearly 57,000 acres. The Savannah Coastal Refuges are administered from headquarters located in Savannah, Georgia.
Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge Boat Ramp: Recommended for small boat launching only. (One single-lane ramp). Take Exit 12 south on U.S. HWY 17 for 1.0 miles to GA HWY 131. Turn left (south) 6.2 miles to Harris Neck Creek Bridge located at Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge. Boat ramp located on left after crossing bridge.
Hours of Operation: Refuge lands, including the Wildlife Drive (portions closed for pine beetle project), are open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. All entrance/exit gates will automatically close at sunset each day. Visitor Contact Station is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 2 PM with additional hours added seasonally. Barbour River Landing is open from 4:00 AM - midnight, 7 days a week.
Harris Neck NWR - Phone: (912) 832-4608
Address:
5000 Wildlife Dr NW, Townsend, GA 31331
Amenities: Accessibility for mobility-impaired-Wheelchair accesible. Free admission and parking.