The Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge, was established in 1951 as a breeding ground for colonial bird species. Herons, cormorants, egrets, endangered brown pelicans and many more species use this quiet refuge for nesting. Tarpon key, one of the islands making-up the refuge, hosts the largest brown pelican rookery in the state of Florida. The abundant green sea grass beds around the island are protected from motorized boat activity.