Walking Trails, Wildlife Drives, and Observation Platforms The refuge offers a number of outdoor facilities and trails which are great places for students to explore interact and enjoy the natural world. The following describes the outdoor facilities and trails available. Oak Hammock and Palm Hammock Trails share a common parking lot and are located one mile from the visitor center. Oak Hammock is a 3/4 mile trail posted with interpretive signs that explain the ecology of the hammock community. Palm Hammock Trail is a two-mile walking loop. Scrub Ridge Trail, located on SR 3, is a one-mile loop through scrub habitat. Interpretive displays explain the importance of this habitat and the role of fire in Florida's ecosystems. Black Point Wildlife Drive is a 6-mile one-way drive through salt and freshwater marshes and it is a great place for viewing wildlife. A self-guided brochure is available that describes the habitat, wildlife and management of the area. Passenger vans and cars are permitted. However, due to safety issues, full size buses and vehicles over 29 feet and 2.5 tons are not permitted on the Drive. Midway along the drive is a parking lot which provides access to the Cruickshank Trail, a five-mile walking loop around a marsh. Located just a short walking distance from the parking lot is an observation tower that offers a grand overlook of the surrounding area. Bio Lab Road is a five-mile two-way road that separates Mosquito Lagoon from an impounded marsh. It is an excellent area to observe wildlife and to compare natural and managed water systems. Manatee Observation Deck is located at Haulover Canal, just north of the Sendler Education. The Observation Deck offers close views of these endangered animals. An information kiosk and a handicap accessible observation tower share a common parking area at the west entrance. They are located along State Road 406. The kiosk contains informational displays and brochures and the observation tower overlooks an impoundment providing wildlife viewing. The refuge staff is ready to assist you in making your field trip an educational, fun and exciting experience. Videos available for viewing: Wildlife Refuge Management at Kennedy Space Center is a 20-minute introductory video of the refuge. It is appropriate for children in grades 4 and higher. It describes the mission of the refuge, as well as, the refuge's habitats and wildlife diversity. An overview of the resource management program describes fire and habitat management and mosquito and exotic species control. Footage of the refuge habitats and wildlife make it an interesting, educational, and entertaining video. America's National Wildlife Refuge System, Where Wildlife Comes First is an 11-minute film that is appropriate for children in kindergarten to 3rd grade, but it is also appropriate for older children and adults. Wildlife plays the starring role in this video that describes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge mission and the role that our National Wildlife Refuges play in conserving our natural resources. The engaging views of wildlife and their habitats will help educate and keep young children entertained. We hope you enjoy Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge! |
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The Merritt Island Wildlife Association is a non-profit organization. |