For a place that is so far off the beaten track, Glades Wildlife Refuge sure has a lot to see. The 7,000 acre refuge, the largest managed by the Natural Lands Trust, is like a four-star hotel for wildlife. Its vast tidal marshes, oak pine woodlands, old growth forests and bayside beach attract dozens of species of birds, waterfowl and wildlife. The brackish waters feed all kinds of foliage. And you can see pretty much all of it by boat, canoe or by foot along the trails that wind through the Refuge or at the observation platform and pedestrian bridge near Turkey Point Road.

If you go by foot, slather yourself in sunscreen and insect repellant and wear boots because the trails, especially the Russell Farm Trail which winds through a maritime forest before it gets to a salt marsh, can be muddy. You’ll want to bring your binoculars because the birding here is pretty impressive.

At the edge of the tidal marshes and along the roadside you can spot a few platform boxes that barn owl and osprey make their homes. You’ll also be able to spot northern harriers, bald eagles and other raptors, along with yellow-throated and Pine Warblers who stake out their homes in the oak and pine forests.

Near the Raybins Beach section of the Glades, you can spot other critters including odd-looking horseshoe crabs. And during migration seasons you can spot butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.

If you decide to paddle your way through Glades Wildlife Refuge, there are a few car-top launches and a public boat launch available at the end of Turkey Point Road.