The National Wildlife Refuge System is the most

extensive network of lands

designated to protect and

conserve wildlife and

wildlife habitat. The refuge

system stretches across the U.S. from the Arctic Circle

in Alaska to the tropical

waters of the Caribbean

and the South Pacific.

These lands encompass

over 500 refuges and

92 million acres. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife

Service administers this

impressive network of

lands to preserve wildlife

and wild lands for future

generations.

NASA
suggest the island was home to at

least seven distinct Indian cultures

beginning as early as 7,000 BC.

Their burial mounds and shell

middens remain today as a mute

reminder of their past civilization.

Spanish explorers, British colonists,

pioneer citrus growers, and civil war

troops all contributed to the history

of Merritt Island.

The ever-present salt marsh

mosquito kept the island largely

uninhabited until the early 1960’s,

when NASA began to acquire the

land that is now John F. Kennedy

Space Center. In 1963, the acquisition

was complete and NASA turned

those lands not vital to the space

program over to the US Fish and

Wildlife Service. Today, this 43 mile

long barrier island is managed by the

Department of Interior as a National

Wildlife Refuge and a National

Seashore.

Habitats for Wildlife

A wide variety of habitats exist on

the Refuge, ranging from freshwater

impoundments to vast saltwater

estuaries. Gradually the marshes

give way to hardwood hammocks,

pine flatwoods, scrub, and coastal

dunes. This diverse landscape

provides habitat for over 330 species

of birds, 31 species of mammals,

117 species of fish, 68 species of

amphibians and reptiles, and over

1,000 species of plants.

USFWS

© Jim Angy

Welcome to America’s

Most Unique Wildlife Refuge

Merritt Island National Wildlife

Refuge is a place like no other. The

140,000 acre refuge shares a common

boundary with NASA’s Kennedy

Space Center, where man began the

exploration of space. The Island’s

mild climate enables many temperate

and subtropical plants to intermingle

providing habitat for some of the most

rare and unusual species of wildlife.

The refuge manages habitat for

over 500 species of wildlife, including

21 federal and state listed threatened

and endangered species, which is

more than any other National

Wildlife Refuge. The unique

relationship the refuge shares with

NASA is testimony that nature and

technology can coexist and thrive.

A common

sight through

binoculars at

Merritt Island

National

Wildlife Refuge.

Merritt Island

NWR has one of

three strong hold

populations of the

threatened Florida

scrub jay.

This blue goose,

designed by J.N.

“Ding” Darling,

has become a

symbol of the

National Wildlife

Refuge System.

History

The forces of wind, wave action, and

fluctuating sea levels formed the

alternating ridges, swales, and

marshes of Merritt Island. The land

continues to change today as natural

forces constantly shape and sculpt

the island.

Over the millennium, human

occupation of the island has ebbed

and flowed. Archaeological data

© Jim Angy

Osprey chicks
scrub jay, gopher tortoise, and indigo

snake. Water control structures are

used to manage the water levels in

certain impoundments. The different

water levels create wildlife diversity

as each species has different habitat

needs. For example, shorebirds such

as black neck stilts need shallow

water to feed where blue wing teal

and other waterfowl need higher

water levels. The refuge uses fire

and water to create habitat diversity

for the benefit of wildlife.

Endangered Species

Blessed with a favorable coastal

location, subtropical climate and a

diverse range of habitats, Merritt

Island remains unsurpassed as a

refuge for endangered species.

Currently the refuge supports

21 species of wildlife listed as

Endangered or Threatened on either

the Federal or State lists, more than

any other refuge in the US.

Visitor Opportunities

The Visitor Information Center

provides an excellent opportunity for

the visitor to become acquainted with

the refuge before venturing out, and

is highly recommended for first-time

visitors. The center offers a variety of

displays that describe the habitats

and wildlife on the refuge and offers

educational resources available for

sale through the bookstore. The

center is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Monday-Friday, and from 9:00 am to

5:00 pm on weekends. The Center is

closed Sundays from April-October

and on federal holidays. The center is

located 4 miles east of Titusville on

SR 402 (Exit 80 off I-95).

Black Point Wildlife Drive is a sevenmile, one way, self-guided auto tour

through salt and freshwater marshes.

The drive offers several stops, which

are described in a brochure that can

be picked up at the Visitor Center or

the entrance to the drive. Wading

Visitor Center

Wildlife Drive

USFWS

The most productive, and therefore

diversified wildlife areas are the

marshes. These shallow water

grasslands provide a home for crabs,

worms, clams, and fish, which attract

animals higher in the food chain.

Scrub is another habitat unique to

Florida, and one of the most

important habitats for endangered

species in the state. The refuge is one

of the most important sea turtle

nesting beaches in the United States.

Over 1,600 loggerhead sea turtles

nest each year. Green sea turtles and

leatherback sea turtles also nest on

the beach, although not in as great of

numbers. From the south end of Cape

Canaveral Air Station to the North

end of Canaveral National Seashore

(43 miles) is the longest section of

undeveloped beach on Florida’s

Atlantic coast. This lack of

development makes this beach prime

for sea turtle nesting.

Management

Fire and water are the two primary

management tools used at the refuge.

Historically, wildfires in Florida were

a natural part of the ecosystem and

occurred every 3-10 years.

Prescribed burns have not replaced

wildfires, but mimic wildfires for the

many beneficial effects. Fire

improves habitat and availability of

food for many species like the Florida

USFWS

Torching a

prescribed fire in

a refuge marsh.

The snowy egret

is one of ten

egret and heron

species found on

the refuge.

© Jim Angy

Loggerhead

sea turtle
Foot Trails

Manatee

Observation

Deck

birds, shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl,

alligators, otters, and other species of

wildlife can be spotted along the drive.

The Cruickshank Trail and Tower are

located at stop #8 on the drive, and

offers a view of the surrounding

marshes. The entrance to the drive is

located on SR 406, one mile east of the

intersection of SR 402 and SR 406.

Hiking the refuge is most pleasant in

the fall, winter and early spring. The

1/4-mile boardwalk behind the visitor

center offers a short walk with

interpretive panels. Oak Hammock

Trail (1/2 mile) and Palm Hammock

Trial (2 miles) share a common

parking lot 1-mile east of the Visitor

Center. Oak Hammock Trail’s

interpretive signs explain the ecology

of the hammock’s plant community.

Cruickshank Trail (5 miles) is located

at stop #8 on Black Point Wildlife

Drive. The Scrub Trail (1-mile) is

located north of SR 406 on SR 3.

The endangered west indian manatee

frequent this spot at Haulover Canal

year round but is most likely to be

seen in the fall and spring. The

observation deck is located on SR 3 on

the northeast side of Haulover Canal,

10.5 miles from the Visitor Center.

USFWS

Merritt Island NWR is home to the largest population

of Florida’s east coast manatees.

USFWS
Canaveral National Seashore is

managed by the National Park

Service and is located 7.5 miles east

of the refuge’s Visitor Center.

Swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and

surfing are all allowed on this

beautiful undeveloped beach. An

entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle is

required. Golden Passports are

accepted for the entrance fee.

Camping and horseback riding are

permitted under special permits

during the months of NovemberApril. Call the National Park Service

at 321/267 1110 for more information

regarding the seashore.

Satellite Refuges

Merritt Island manages four

satellite refuges.

American’s first NWR, established in

1903 as one of the last bird rookery

islands, is located south of Sebastion

Inlet in the Indian River Lagoon.

Public facilities are under

development and are expected to open

for the century celebration in 2003.

The only national wildlife refuge

managed specifically for endangered

plant species. The refuge is not open

to the public. Approximately a dozen

scattered sites are being acquired

throughout central Florida to protect

this rare plant community.

Canaveral

National

Seashore

Pelican Island

NWR

Lake Wales

Ridge NWR

An excellent way to view the refuge

is by canoe or kayak. Motor boats,

canoes, and kayaks may be used

for hunting, fishing, and other

recreational uses. Boat launching is

limited to designated launch areas.

No personal watercrafts or air thrust

boats are allowed in refuge waters.

Check at the Visitor Center for other

regulations.

Merritt Island NWR is a great place

for saltwater anglers to try their

luck. Sea trout, red drum, black

drum, snook, and tarpon are the main

catch. A fishing brochure describing

the refuge regulations and a map can

be obtained at the Visitor Center.

Other regulations are set by the

Florida Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Commission.

Waterfowl hunting is allowed on

the refuge on Saturdays, Sundays,

Wednesdays and federal holidays

from mid-November through

mid-January. An early teal season

is usually set for one week in late

September. A hunting brochure

describing refuge regulations and

permits can be obtained at the

Visitor Center.

Boating

Fishing

Hunting

© Jim Angy

The refuge attracts over

23 wintering migratory waterfowl

species including the blue wing teal.

The refuge

and seashore

encompass

43 miles of

undeveloped

beach.

USFWS
Feeding, enticing or disturbing

manatees, alligators and other

wildlife is prohibited.

Littering is prohibited. Please take

your litter off the refuge and dispose

of properly.

Camping and fires are not permitted

on the refuge, but is available to scout

groups by permit only.

Pets are permitted but must be on

leash and under control by owner at

all times.

Horses are not permitted on the

refuge but are permitted on

Canaveral National Seashore

November 1 through April 30 by

permit.

Releasing of any wild or domestic

animals is prohibited.

Searching or collecting for artifacts,

natural features, animals and plants

is prohibited, other than legally taken

fish or waterfowl.

Fishing and crabbing is permitted on

the refuge in accordance with state

regulations in the open waters of the

Indian River, Banana River, Mosquito

Lagoon, refuge impoundments, and

interior lakes except for the NASA

security area. A special permit is

required for night fishing (by boat

only) and commercial fishing.

Waterfowl hunting is permitted

November through January in

designated hunt areas. Refuge permits

are required and all state, federal, and

refuge regulations apply.

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and

activities of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is available to all individuals

regardless of physical or mental disability. For more information please

contact the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office for Equal

Opportunity, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240

Has two separate units, one is located

west of I-95 near Titusville, and

another is North of Highway 528.

This refuge was set aside for the

Dusky Seaside Sparrow, which is now

extinct. The refuge is now

managed for freshwater marsh

habitat and is home to black rails and

many other marsh birds. The refuge

is not open to the public, although

public facilities are being planned.

This refuge is located on the Atlantic

coast in South Brevard and Indian

River Counties. The refuge was

established to protect the most

important sea turtle nesting site in

North America. Thirty five

percent of all sea turtle nests in the

US occur along this stretch of beach.

Visitors can access this area by

several local and state parks.

Refuge Regulations

All recreational use is limited to

daylight hours only, year-round.

Portions of the refuge may be closed

from time to time due to NASA’s

launch activities.

Airboats, jet skis, wave runners and

ATV’s are prohibited.

Weapons and fireworks are

prohibited. Firearms are prohibited

other than for authorized waterfowl

hunting activities.

St. Johns NWR

Archie Carr

NWR

USFWS

Female alligator

guarding her nest.
New Smyrna 

Beach

Edgewater

Oak

Hill

Castle

Windy

Titusville

Cocoa

St. Johns River

Lake 

Poinsett

Loughman Lake

Salt

Lake

South Lake

INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY

INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY

Marker 19

Bio

Lab

Turtle Mound

Eldora

Hammock

Canaveral National

Seashore Visitor 

Information Center

APOLLO BEACH

KLONDIKE BEACH

PLAYALINDA BEACH

MOSQUITO LAGOON

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Haulover

Canal

Eddy

Creek

Turnbull

Creek

Pump

House

Rd.

Black Point

Wildlife Dr.

E. Gator

Creek Rd.

Gator

Creek

Rd.

Peacocks

Pocket

Rd.

Peacocks

Pocket

Coot

Creek

Bio Lab Rd.

INDIAN RIVER

INDIAN RIVER

Cape

Canaveral

False

Cape

Cape Canaveral

Air Station

Kennedy

Space Center

(Public Access Controlled) Shuttle

Landing

Facility No Entry

Scrub

Trail

Oak and Palm

Hammock

Trails

Vehicle

Assembly

Building

Launch

Complex 39B

Launch

Complex 39A

Kennedy Space

 Center Visitor

 Complex

Canaveral

National

Seashore

Headquarters

To Daytona

Beach

To

Orlando

To

Orlando

To

Melbourne

To

Cocoa

Beach

Exit

84

Exit

83

Exit

82

Exit

80

Exit

79

Exit

78

Exit

77

Exit

76

Exit

75

Exit

81

Merritt Island

National Wildlife

Refuge

N

Kilo

0 10 Miles

Banana River

Port Canaveral

Manatee Zone - No Motors

Restricted Area

Refuge Visitor Information Center

1

1

1

44

A1A

406

406

50

50

405 402

3

3

3

A1A

407

528

528

520

524

520

528

46

442

5A

(road closed to public)

Mullet Head

Island

3

Shilo 

Marsh Rd.

0 5

Dummit

Cove

L Pond Rd.

One Way

Legend

Refuge Boundary

Major Highways

Paved Roads

Unpaved Roads 

Foot Trails

Intracoastal Waterway

Black Point Wildlife Drive

No Motor Zone

Open to the Public

Closed to the Public

Interpretive Trail

Wheelchair Accessible

Boat Launch

Manatee Observation Deck

Fee Station 

Telephone

Drinking Water

Observation Tower

Beach Access

Restrooms

Fishing

Cruickshank

Trail

Mud Ramp

95

95

95

Jetty Park

Volusia CountyBrevard County

Kennedy

Space

Center

(road closed to public)

NASA Parkway

Bee Line

Expressway

(toll)

Kennedy

Parkway
© Jim Angy

Wildlife Calendar

Fall, winter, and spring are the best times for visiting the

refuge. During these times wildlife populations are

highest and the weather is more cooperative. During the

summer (June-August), you are likely to experience

mosquitoes, high temperatures and frequent

thunderstorms.

January

Waterfowl concentrations peak with blue-winged teal,

pintail, wigeon, shoveler, and scaup being the most

common. Bald eagles are incubating their eggs. Large

numbers of songbirds, including tree swallows and yellowrumped warblers, may be seen moving through the refuge.

February

Various raptors such as red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered

hawks, ospreys, merlins, and American kestrels can be

seen hunting for food. Another raptor, the American bald

eagle, is actively feeding its young. Warmer days through

the winter months offer a good opportunity to see

alligators basking in the sun.

March

Most waterfowl have returned to their northern breeding

grounds except for northern shoveler and blue-winged

teal, which are in full breeding plumage. Northbound

migration is in full swing for warblers and shorebirds.

Wood storks begin nesting. Egrets and heron are in

breeding plumage. Bald eagle young are taking their first

flight from the nest. Ospreys begin nesting.

April

Manatee peak population occurs in the waters of the

refuge. Northbound migration of willets, sandpipers,

plovers, greater and lesser yellowlegs, dunlins, and many

other shorebirds is taking place. Black-necked stilts return

and begin nesting. Alligator breeding activity begins.

Neotropical migrants are still moving through the area. An

annual song bird festival is hosted with the Florida Fish

and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National

Park Service.

May

Loggerhead sea turtles begin nesting. Anhingas, little blue

herons, roseate spoonbills, reddish egrets, tri-colored

herons, and other residential colonial nesting birds are

busy in their rookeries. Most eagles have left for the

summer.

June

Alligators become more secretive as temperatures

increase and nesting activity begins. Rainy season weather

pattern begins—thunderstorms are quite frequent with

hot, muggy afternoons. This

weather pattern continues through

September. Rainy weather and

mosquitoes make preparation for

visiting during the summer months

a must. Amphibians and reptiles

are abundant in freshwater areas.

Turtle Watch Programs are offered

through June and July.

July

Many resident bird species are

abundant. Including common

moorhen, boat-tailed grackle, red-winged blackbird, fish

crow, Florida scrub jay, pileated woodpecker, mottled duck,

barred owl, and double-crested cormorant along with most

species of egrets and herons. Nesting of sea turtles and

wading birds reaches peak.

August

Young resident birds are dispersing throughout the refuge

after leaving their nests. Many of the early migrants begin

appearing, including common terns, caspian terns, royal

terns, ruddy turnstones and sanderlings.

September

Early migrating blue-winged teal begin arriving. Black

skimmers are abundant. Bald eagles return to Merritt

Island for the winter months.

October

The return of cooler temperatures marks the first major

influx of migratory birds including many puddle ducks

such as northern shovelers, American wigeons and pintails.

This first of many migratory bird waves begin arriving,

including shorebirds, songbirds and raptors. National

Wildlife Refuge Week is celebrated with many programs

for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

November

The cool sunny days of early winter provide great

opportunities for walking refuge trails and ushers in the

peak season for bird watching. Peregrine falcons can be

seen migrating along the coastline. White pelicans begin to

arrive after their long migration. The Space Coast Birding

and Wildlife Festival is celebrated with a birding

competition, educational programs and much more.

December

Many rails spend the winter months on the refuge. These

include king, clapper, Virginia and sora rails. Winter

concentrations of shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl and

raptors are nearing their peak. Local Audubon affiliates

conduct the annual Christmas bird count.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 6504

Titusville, FL 32782

Phone: 321/861 0667

Fax: 321/861 1276

E-mail: fw4_rw_merritt_island@fws.gov

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

1 800/344 WILD

http://www.fws.gov

April 2002

Cover photo: © Jim Angy