Buying lands for conservation requires a pledge to long-term land management. For centuries, natural cycles of fire, water flow, and weather shaped the habitats we see today. Now roads, development, and other human disturbances have fragmented the landscape. These natural cycles can no longer happen on their own, and it is up to land managers to re-create them to preserve our unique species and habitats. Examples of land management activities include: securing property boundaries, implementing prescribed fires, removing invasive plants, restoring hydrological cycles, and creating public access trails. These practices maintain healthy sanctuaries and often restore areas that have been disturbed or neglected. A land manager can be thought of as a doctor for the land, curing ailments and maintaining overall health.
The goals and approaches for management of EEL sanctuaries are outlined in the EEL Sanctuary Management Manual - PDF
The EEL Selection & Management Committee (EELSMC) plays a very important role in helping the EEL Program conserve land in Brevard County. The Board of County Commissioners selects the seven member volunteer committee based on their scientific knowledge and experience. Each member is a scientist who lives and works in Brevard County, and has years of experience working with the issues facing Brevard's natural areas. It is the EELSMC's job to choose sites that the EEL Program will acquire and protect. Only lands that are recommended by the EEL SMC can be bought with EEL funds.
When the EELSMC makes a decision about whether to acquire a piece of land, they base their choice on scientific criteria they developed. These criteria are outlined in the EEL Land Acquisition Manual (PDF). The EELSMC selects lands for acquisition one of two ways. Either the committee evaluates lands presented to them by private landowners to see if the land meets the EEL criteria. Or, the committee identifies lands that meet the criteria for acquisition and staff then contacts the landowners to determine if they are willing sellers.
The EEL Program is currently focused on acquiring land within the Brevard Coastal Scrub Ecosystem project, which targets scrub and related habitats throughout Brevard. A second area for acquisition is within the North Indian River Lagoon Blueways project, which targets lands in North Brevard County to protect the headwaters of the Indian River Lagoon. The EELSMC will consider acquisition of land outside these project areas if the land meets the EEL criteria for acquisition.
Xavier de Seguin Des Hons, Land Manager
Ph: 321-264-5185 or
Enchanted Forest Management & Education Center
The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary - Management & Education Center in Titusville is the EEL Program’s flagship sanctuary. It is one of the few places in Brevard County where subtropical and temperate plant species are found together, and where visitors can see exposed layers of coquina rock that form the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. This sanctuary is located along State Road 405 in the EEL North Region.
Scott Taylor, Land Manager
Ph: 321-255-4466 or
A dynamic landscape supporting a diverse plant community and abundant wildlife. It is adjacent to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in the EEL Central Region.
The Helen and Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary is an important stepping stone within the county’s network of scrub and connecting natural areas. It is situated west of U.S. Highway 1 on Barnes Boulevard in Rockledge in the EEL CENTRAL REGION Brochure with Trail Map PDF
Chris O'Hara, Land Manager
Ph: 321-255-4466 or
Malabar Scrub Sanctuary highlights the interdependence of wetland and upland habitats with sand pine scrub, oak scrub, wet prairie, pond, and scrubby flatwoods. This sanctuary is located along Malabar Road in the EEL South Region.
Ray Mojica, Land Manager
Ph: 321-723-3556 or
Explore three nature trails in Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge!
The Barrier Island Sanctuary Management and Education Center is situated in the heart of Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, contains excellent examples of barrier island habitats and offers ideal educational and recreational opportunities. It is located along State Road A1A in the EEL South Beaches Region
Office Hours M-F 8-5 EST
Ph: 321-255-4466
Fx: 321-255-4499
Barrier Island Sanctuary
Ph: 321-723-3556
Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
Ph: 321-264-5185
Fx: 321-264-5190
Regarding Email Sent to Staff:
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
Environmentally Endangered Lands Program Office
91 East Dr, Melbourne, FL 32904
Ph: 321-255-4466
Fx: 321-255-4499
OFFICE
LOCATOR --
East Dr is parallel to John Rodes
Blvd & Wickham Road. Access
East Dr from either Ellis Road or Dow Road;
or
from Sarno Road go south on North Dr then
left on Dow and right onto East Dr.
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