Management & Education Center
Hours
Located on the barrier island, this 34-acre sanctuary features the second EEL Program Management and Education Center. The new center is a modern educational facility with classrooms, an interactive exhibit room, a library, offices, auditorium, restrooms and a gift shop. Providing a focal point for the Archie Carr Refuge and the associated barrier island ecosystem, the center provides exhibit space and a presentation hall for hosting ongoing educational programs that promote stewardship of the area’s fragile natural resources. The 5,700 square foot facility offers an educational resource for visiting school groups from throughout Brevard County, as well as for residents and tourists. The Center, with gift shop and exhibits opens daily to the public beginning May 12, 2008.
Situated in the heart of the Archie
Carr National Wildlife Refuge, the trail features examples of several barrier island habitats. The trail includes some raised boardwalk
and winds through an active restoration area providing observation
of a living laboratory of land management and restoration science.
Much of the sanctuary was heavily impacted by nonnative
plant species such as Brazilian pepper and Australian pine trees
in recent years. Now, with the majority of alien plant species
removed, native habitats such as cabbage palm hammock, maritime
hammock, saltmarsh, mangrove swamp, and the Indian River Lagoon
are regaining a foothold and
are viewable along the trail.
Donated
to the EEL Program by the Richard King Mellon
Foundation
More about Management & Education Centers
Size: 34-acre
Management Region: South
Beaches, Ph: 321-723-3556
Barrier Sanctuary Management & Education Center
8385 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
From I-95 take Melbourne Exit-180/US-192 east across the Melbourne Causeway to SR-A1A. Turn right and go 14.5 miles south on Hwy-A1A. The Center is on the left. From Sebastion Inlet: Go to 1.5 miles north to the Center.
Barrier Island Trail
8380 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
From US-192 (Melbourne
Cswy) go 14 miles south on A1A.On the west side of A1A between the highway and the Indian River Lagoon. From Sebastian Inlet go
2 miles north on A1A. Parking is available at the Management & Education Center.
Habitats: dune,
coastal strand, maritime hammock, and mangrove forest
Wildlife: roseate
spoonbill, osprey, alligator, bobcat, screech owl, giant land crab
ADA Access: Advance
notice needed for special accommodations
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles, and firearms are prohibited. 2) Removal of plants, animals, archeological, or cultural resources is prohibited. 3) Do not feed, disturb, or harm wildlife. 4) Stay on the trail for personal safety and protection of the natural environment.
The Buck Lake Conservation Area includes
9,638 acres of woodlands and wetlands historically used for timber
production and cattle ranching. The EEL Program manages about
300 acres of upland scrubby flatwoods and oak hammock in a partnership
with the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRMWD).
Other community types include basin swamps, wet prairies, floodplain
marshes, and a marsh lake. Along the trails, visitors can observe
the variety of protected natural communities that support many
species of plant and animal.
Acquired
and managed in partnership with SJRWMD
Size:
9,638 acres
Management Region: North, Ph: 321-264-5185
Northwest
Brevard County
2725 Blake Lee Trail, Mims
From I-95 take
Exit-223 west on SR-46. Three parking areas are accessed on the north
side of SR-46. Each from I-95: first entrance .75 miles; second entrance
6.5 miles; third entrance 10 miles then right on Morgan Alderman
Road for 0.25 mile to entrance on right. A boat ramp is located 3.5
miles west of I-95 on SR-46 at Six Mile Creek.
For more info on this site
contact the Water Management District at (904) 329- 4500 or www.sjrwmd.com
Habitats: Over
9,000 acres include scrubby flatwoods,
oak hammock, basin swamps, wet prairies, floodplain
marshes, and marsh lakes
Wildlife: gopher
Tortoise, otter, deer, bobcat, alligator, fox; Listed in State
of Florida
Great Florida Birding
Trail—migratory songbirds, Florida Scrub-jay, Eastern bluebird,
blue grosbeak, woodpecker, turkey, also owwl, bald eagle, waders
ADA Access: Advance notice needed
for special accommodations
Dos & Don'ts: 1) No motorized vehicles
allowed on property, except as authorized during hunting
season. Off-road vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain
or track vehicles, are not allowed on property. 2) Camping is
prohibited during periods open to hunting. 3) Firearms, except
with valid permit during hunting season are prohibited. 4) Trapping
devises, pets, alcohol, and smoking are prohibited. 5) Removal
of plants, animals, archeological or cultural resources is prohibited.
6) Stay on trails for personal safety and protection of the natural
environment.
The 62-acre habitat of coastal strand, oak scrub, coastal oak forest, and mangrove forest at the
Coconut Point Sanctuary rolls over ancient sand dunes from the
Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River Lagoon. Early Native Americans,
known as the Ais Indians, once lived along the shores of the Indian
River Lagoon in this area and ate native plants, shellfish, birds,
and fish. It was also near this site that historians believe Juan
Ponce de Leon set foot in Florida in 1513. Along the hiking trail
is an observation platform over the Indian River Lagoon--an ideal
spot to view wading and shorebirds, soaring osprey, and the occasional
pod of dolphin. Although they are hard to see, juvenile sea turtles
also swim in the Indian River Lagoon and feed among the sea grasses
growing here.
Acquired in partnership with the State of Florida
Size:
62-acres
Management Region: South
Beaches, Ph: 321-723-3556
On the barrier island west of A1A
4000 South Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
From US-192 (Melbourne
Cswy) go south 6.1 miles on A1A. The first trailhead is on the
west side of A1A, 0.25 mile south of the Publix shopping plaza,
a second trailhead is a few hundred yards further south. Park in
the Publix shopping plaza. A bike rack is located at the southern
trailhead.
Habitats: coastal
strand, oak scrub, coastal oak forest, and mangrove swamp
Wildlife: wading
birds, shorebirds, osprey, Florida scrub-jay, gopher tortoise,
Eastern
indigo snake,
sea turtle, dolphin
ADA Access: Advance
notice needed for special accommodations
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Pets,
smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles, and firearms are prohibited.
2) Removal of plants, animals, archeological, or cultural resources
is prohibited. 3) Do not feed, disturb, or harm wildlife. 4) Stay
on the trail for personal safety and protection of the natural
environment.
This 44-acre Sanctuary is named after an endangered mint plant, Dicerandra thinicola, also known as Titusville mint. This beautiful shrub has bright purple flowers and is endemic to the Titusville area, which means it is found nowhere else in the world. The Sanctuary also protects scrub, scrubby flatwoods, and depression marshes with the hiking trail leading through the scrubby flatwoods and marsh habitats.
Size: 44
acres
Management Region: North, Ph: 321-264-5185
South
Titusville
Melissa Drive, Titusville
From I-95 take
SR-50 Exit 215 east 3 miles. Turn right on Key Largo Drive, go
0.4 miles and turn right on Karen Drive. Go less than 0.1 mile,
turn right and go to the end of Melissa Drive. Enter on foot.
From US-Hwy 1 go west 0.7 miles on SR-50. Turn left on Key Largo Drive—follow
directions above. Bike rack provided. Parking is not available.
Habitats: scrub,
scrubby flatwoods, and depression marshes
Wildlife: Florida
scrub-jay, gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake
ADA Access: Advance
notice needed for special accommodations
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles,
and firearms are prohibited. 2) Removal of plants, animals,
archeological, or cultural resources is prohibited. 3) Do not
feed, disturb, or harm wildlife. 4) Stay on the trail for personal
safety and protection of the natural environment.
The EEL Program's first Management & Education
Center...
This 428-acre sanctuary is the flagship
of the EEL Program and was purchased because of its unique geology
and high biological
diversity. The sanctuary is one of the few places in Brevard where
visitors can experience majestic oak hammocks, wetlands, and the
Atlantic Coastal Ridge in one short hike. The Enchanted Forest
Management and Education Center is a modern educational facility
complete with classrooms, an interactive exhibit room, a library,
offices, restrooms, and a gift shop. Hiking
through any number of trails at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
may bring you
in sight of Florida scrub lizards, green
anoles, gopher tortoises, bobcats, woodpeckers, and a variety
of butterflies. The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary is also rich in
local
history. Cultural features such as the Addison/Ellis Canal and
the Hernandez-Capron Trail tell the story of Brevard County’s
past.
More about Management & Education Centers
Size: 428 acres
Management Region: North, Ph: 321-264-5185
Just
south of the City of Titusville
444 Columbia Boulevard, Titusville
From I-95 southbound take
SR-50 to first light, turn right and go east 4 miles on SR-405.
The Sanctuary entrance is on the north side of SR-405 across from
the Space Coast Regional Airport.
From I-95 northbound take
SR-407 north to SR-405 and go east through two lights. The entrance
is on the north side of SR-405, 0.25 miles past the second light.
From US Hwy the entrance is 0.5 miles west of US Hwy 1 on SR-405.
Habitats: scrub, mesic hammock, hydric hammock, wet prairie, and pine flatwoods
Wildlife: Florida scrub lizard, white-tailed deer, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise, bobcat, pileated woodpecker, butterflies, wild turkey
ADA Accessible: parking,
restrooms, amphitheater, paved nature trail, guided electric cart
tour, Management and Education Center with
interactive exhibit room, drinking fountains
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Climbing rocks at the Forest is prohibited.
2) Eat food in the picnic area only and put all trash in receptacles.
3) Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles, and firearms are
prohibited. 4) Removal of plants, animals, archeological, or cultural
resources is prohibited. 5) Do not feed, disturb, or harm wildlife.
6) Stay on the trail for personal safety and protection of the
natural environment.
Visitors to the Cruickshank Sanctuary
can hike the trail on the western portion of the 140-acre sanctuary.
This trail winds through pine
flatwoods habitat
where raptors may be circling overhead or perched in high pine
trees. Patches of oak, sand pine scrub, and freshwater depression
marshes add to the Sanctuary's diversity.
Acquired in partnership with the
State of Florida
Size: 140 acres
Management Region: Central, Ph: 321-255-4466
Central
Rockledge just west of US Highway 1
360 Barnes Boulevard, Rockledge
From I-95 take
Fiske Blvd Exit 195. At the intersection just north of I-95,
go east on Barnes Boulevard 2.4 miles to the Sanctuary entrance and small parking area.
From US-1 1
turn west onto Barnes Blvd and travel 0.5 miles. The Sanctuary
entrance is on the north side of the road. Bike rack provided.
Habitats: pine flatwoods
and scrub
Wildlife: migratory birds, Florida Scrub-jay, bobwhite quail, raptors,
gopher tortoise, Eastern indigo snake, bobcat
ADA Access: Advance
notice needed for special accommodations
Dos & Don'ts: 1)
Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles, and firearms are
prohibited. 2) Removal of plants,
animals, archeological, or cultural resources is prohibited.
3) Do not feed, disturb, or harm wildlife. 4) Stay on the trail
for personal safety and protection of the natural environment.
Brochure: Cruickshank
Sanctuary Brochure (750KB--PDF)
A variety of habitat types are found in this 354-acre sanctuary. including scenic lakes, seasonal marshes, and scrubby flatwoods. While hiking through the diverse habitats, bald eagles can be spotted fishing for meals in the lake, and local scrub-jays seen foraging in the scrubby flatwoods. Recreational planning for the Jordan Scrub Sanctuary recently commenced-additional trails are planned for future development. Acquired in partnership with the State of Florida
Size: 354 acres
Management Region: South, Ph: 321-255-4466
Town of Malabar
Marie Street, Malabar
From I-95 take SR-514 Exit-173 east onto Malabar Road. Go 3.6 miles and turn right on Marie Street (3 miles past the fire station)
and go 0.9 miles. When the paved road ends, continue to the Sanctuary gate and kiosk. Bike rack provided. Parking is not available.
From US-1 go west on Malabar Road for 0.5 miles and turn left onto Marie Street for 0.9 miles. When the paved road ends, continue to the Sanctuary gate and kiosk.
Habitats: seasonal marshes, scrubby flatwoods, and lakes
Wildlife: Florida scrub-jay, bobcat, wood stork, bald eagle, osprey, gopher tortoise
ADA Access: Advance notice needed for special accommodations
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles, and firearms are prohibited. 2) Removal of plants, animals, archeological, or cultural resources is prohibited. 3) Do not feed, disturb, or harm wildlife. 4) Stay on the trail for personal safety and protection of the natural environment.
Future home of the South Region Management and Education Center, the variety of habitats found on the 395-acre Malabar Scrub Sanctuary make it an ideal place for visitors to learn how wetland and upland communities interact. The protected habitats include xeric (dry) hammock, scrub, scrubby flatwoods, pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, ponds, sloughs, and depression marshes. Trails weave through many of these natural communities, including several areas recently treated with prescribed fires. Fire is a natural factor in many of Florida’s ecosystems, and hikers will be amazed at the lush, green regrowth in areas that were burned only a short time ago. The sanctuary is a refuge for the Florida scrub-jay, gopher tortoise, and Eastern indigo snake. All these species benefit from controlled burns. Restrooms are available at the adjacent Malabar Community Park.
Size: 395 acres
Management Region: South, Ph: 321-255-4466
Town
of Malabar
Malabar Road, Malabar
From I-95 take Exit-173 Malabar Rd SR-514 and go east on Malabar Road about 3.1 miles. Turn left on Malabar Woods Boulevard. Trailhead is located at the end of the road. Kiosk and stabilized parking available.
From US Hwy 1 take Malabar Road west for 1 mile. Turn right on Malabar Woods Boulevard. Trailhead is located at the end of the road. Kiosk and stabilized parking available.
Habitats: xeric
(dry) hammock, scrub, scrubby flatwoods, pine
flatwoods, sand pine scrub, ponds, sloughs,
and depression marshes
Wildlife: gopher
tortoise, river otter, bobcat; Listed in State of Florida Great
Florida Birding
Trail—Florida scrub-jay, great horned owl, migratory songbirds,
pileated woodpecker, sandhill crane, sparrow, Eastern towee
ADA Access: A paved road into the Sanctuary is located adjacent to main entrance
trailhead
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles,
and firearms are prohibited. 2) Removal of plants, animals, archeological,
or cultural resources is prohibited. 3) Do not feed, disturb, or
harm wildlife. 4) Stay on the trail for personal safety and protection
of the natural environment.
The Maritime Hammock Sanctuary is in the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge west of A1A on the barrier island. This 150-acre sanctuary features a hiking trail with 2 bridges, boardwalk over wetland areas, and an observation deck over a marsh pond. Visitors experience a variety of protected barrier island habitats: coastal strand, maritime hammock, and mangrove forests. A portion of this sanctuary was once the site of an exotic plant nursery. Many of the nonnative plants that were grown at the nursery, such as Madagascar periwinkle and asparagus fern have escaped into the hammock. An intensive nonnative invasive plant removal project is underway. Acquired in partnership with the State of Florida.
Size: 150 acres
Management Region: South
Beaches, Ph: 321-723-3556
On the barrier island west of A1A
6200 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
From US-192 (Melbourne Cswy) go south 10.3 miles on A1A. There are two trailheads on the west side of A1A. One trailhead is north of the Mark's Landing development, and the other is a few hundred yards to the south. Parking is available at the north trailhead.
Habitats: coastal strand, maritime hammock, hydric hammock, and mangrove forest
Wildlife: roseate spoonbill, osprey, screech owl, wading birds, migratory birds, bobcat, raccoon, otter, gopher tortoise, alligator, giant land crab, and dolphin in the Indian River Lagoon
ADA Access: Advance notice needed for special accommodations
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles, and firearms are prohibited. 2) Removal of plants, animals, archeological, or cultural resources is prohibited. 3) Do not feed, disturb, or harm wildlife. 4) Stay on the trail for personal safety and protection of the natural environment.
The Micco Scrub Sanctuary protects 1322 acres of Brevard’s remaining scrubby flatwoods and mesic flatwoods habitat. This mosaic of seasonal marshes and dry flatwoods shelters many indigenous species of plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the county. The long trails running through the Micco Scrub Sanctuary give hikers many chances to spot wildlife. Acquired in partnership with the State of Florida
Size: 1322 acres
Management Region: South, Ph: 321-255-4466
North and south of Micco Road between Babcock and I-95
500 Micco Road, Micco, FL 32976
From I-95 take
the Malabar Road Exit-(FL-514) east and turn right on Babcock Street SE.
Go south about 7 miles. Turn left on Micco Road and go about .75
mile east. Look for fenced, grassy parking area on the left.
From US Hwy 1
go west on Micco Road 6.3 miles. Look for grassy parking area on
the right.
Habitats: seasonal
marshes, scrubby flatwoods and mesic flatwoods
Wildlife: Florida
scrub-jay, swallow-tailed kite, wading birds, scrub lizard, gopher
tortoise,
diamondback rattlesnake, Eastern indigo snake, white-tailed deer,
Eastern cottontail rabbit
ADA Access: Advance
notice needed for special accommodations
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized
vehicles, and firearms are prohibited. 2) Removal of plants,
animals, archeological, or cultural resources is prohibited.
3) Do not feed, disturb, or harm wildlife. 4) Stay on the trail
for personal safety and protection of the natural environment.
This 1000-acre conservation area provides access to 2 trails at the trailhead 0.5 mile from main entrance. These moderate walks lead through pine flatwoods and hydric hammock habitats. Hikers will also see cabbage palm hammocks and hardwood hammocks, with mangrove forests and marshes fringing the Indian River Lagoon. The interior marsh ponds and borrow lakes make great spots for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Two canoe trails invite a relaxing way for visitors to observe area wildlife. Cycling is permitted on the established roads and bike trails only. Please do not ride bikes on hiking trails. Acquired and managed in partnership with SJRWMD
Size: 1000 acres
Management Region: Central, Ph: 321-255-4466
North Merritt Island
On the eastern shore of the Indian River Lagoon
2121 Pine Island Road, Merritt Island
From SR-528 (Beeline Cswy) take SR-3 north for 5.5 miles. Turn left on Pine Island Rd and go 2.5 miles to the unpaved parking area at the entrance.
From SR-520 go north on Courtenay Parkway (SR-3) across the Barge Canal and continue for 5.5 miles. Turn left on Pine Island Rd and go 2.5 miles to the unpaved parking area at the entrance.
Habitats: pine flatwoods, cabbage palm hammocks, hardwood hammocks, mangrove forests, and salt marshes
Wildlife: gopher tortoise, bobcat, Eastern indigo snake; Sam's Creek-West Indian manatee, bottlenose dolphin, alligator; Listed in State of Florida Great Florida Birding Trail-American wigeon, migratory blue-winged teal, migratory songbirds, waders, shorebirds, woodstork, osprey
ADA Access: Advance notice needed for special accommodations
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Horseback riding is prohibited in restored marsh areas. 2) Use caution around alligators. 3) Take necessary precautions for mosquitos during summer months. 4) Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles, and firearms are prohibited. 5) Removal of plants, animals, archeological, or cultural resources is prohibited. 6) Do not feed, disturb, or harm wildlife. 7) Stay on the trail for personal safety and protection of the natural environment.
Acquired and managed by the City of Palm Bay, the Audubon Society, and the EEL Program, a boardwalk nature trail, and jogging trails wind through the 130-acre sanctuary. The boardwalk trail passes through hydric (wet) hammock, mesic (moist) hammock, and sand pine scrub communities, and much of it overlooks Turkey Creek. The sanctuary can also be accessed by canoe or kayak. The Margaret Hames Nature Center provides interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, and restrooms. Acquired and managed in partnership with the City of Palm Bay
Size: 130 acres
Management Region: South
Information: City of Palm
Bay Recreation, 321-255-4608
City of Palm Bay
1502 Port Malabar Boulevard, NE, Palm Bay
From I-95 take
Exit-176 onto Palm Bay Road heading east. Turn south onto Babcock
Street then east onto Port Malabar Blvd. Continue east 1 mile to
the Palm Bay Community Center. Turn right at the Turkey Creek sign
into the Palm Bay Library parking lot.
From US Hwy 1
take Port Malabar Blvd west for 2 miles. Turn left at the Turkey
Creek sign into the Palm Bay Library parking lot.
Managed by the City of Palm
Bay Recreation
Ph:
321-255-4608, Website
Habitats: Roughly
130 acres include hydric hammock, mesic hammock, sand pine scrub, and Turkey Creek
Wildlife: box turtle, alligator,
Eastern indigo Snake, West Indian manatee, river otter, gopher
tortoise, spotted skunk, raccoon,
opossum, endangered Florida mouse; Listed in State of Florida Great
Florida Birding Trail—Warbler species; also Osprey, Duck,
Waders, pileated woodpecker
ADA Accessible: parking,
nature center, boardwalk, paved ealkway
Dos & Don'ts: 1)
Service animals only. 2) No bikes, alcohol or smoking. 3) No removal of plants.
4) Please don’t disturb the animals. 5) Other
restrictions as posted.
PDFs are viewable with Acrobat Reader
Office Hours M-F 8-5 EST
Ph: 321-255-4466
Fx: 321-255-4499
Barrier Island Sanctuary
Ph: 321-723-3556
Fx: 321-952-3207
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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