Gwen Graham: “100 years ago tomorrow, President Theodore Roosevelt ordered that a small island in Florida's Indian River be forever…”

“100 years ago tomorrow, President Theodore Roosevelt ordered that a small island in Florida's Indian River be forever protected as a ``preserve and breeding ground for native birds.'' With this simple promise of wildlife protection, the National Wildlife Refuge System was born. A century later, the refuge system has grown to include more that 530 refuges on more than 94 million acres with locations in every state. Florida's National Wildlife Refuges have been fulfilling the promise of protecting wildlife for a full century. Pelican Island, the first refuge, is being restored to its original size so that birds may be able to find refuge there for the next hundred years. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville protects endangered sea turtles so they have an undisturbed place to lay their eggs. And, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in Naples is protecting our state animal, the Florida Panther, which is on the brink of extinction. The National Wildlife Refuges in Florida have been protecting more than just animals. As part of the greater Everglades ecosystem, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge are protecting both the wildlife and habitats that make up part of America's Everglades. Florida is a destination for sportsmen and nature lovers throughout the world.”