On this day in 1903, US President Teddy Roosevelt signed an executive order, making Pelican Island the first National Wildlife Refuge in the US ~ a preserve and breeding ground for native birds.

Where in the World is Pelican Island? Near Sebastian, Florida. Pelican Island became famous because of the visiting wildlife photographers and naturalists. They were horrified over the killing of the pelicans, herons, egrets, and other birds there.

Calling All Audubon Society Members... One of the locals ~ Paul Kroegel ~ called in ornithologists and the Audubon Society. The Audubon Society called upon President Theodore Roosevelt.

The Refuge Grows Up. Three acres of the island became the first National Wildlife Refuge. Since then, Pelican Island has grown to the world's largest network of lands managed for wildlife, with over 500 refuges totaling over 93 million acres.

Whole Lotta Wildlife Goin' On. Fifteen federally listed threatened and endangered species live there, including:

• a large population of manatees
• juvenile sea turtles. The lagoon there is a nesting ground.
• Nesting bird species including brown pelican, great egret, snowy egret, tri-color heron, glossy ibis, double-crested cormorant and oyster catcher.