U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge The National Welcome to America’s Roseate Spoonbills Most Unique Wildlife Refuge and Black-necked Wildlife Refuge stilts (summer time) Merritt Island National Wildlife are a common sight. System is the Refuge is a place like no other. The most extensive 140,000 acre refuge shares a common network boundary with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where man began the of lands exploration of space. The Island’s designated mild climate enables many temperate to protect and subtropical plants to intermingle providing habitat for rare and unusual and conserve species of wildlife. USFWS wildlife and The refuge manages habitat for over 500 The ever-present salt marsh mosquito wildlife species of wildlife. Supporting one of kept the island largely uninhabited habitat. The the highest numbers of endangered until the early 1960’s, when NASA began to acquire the land that is now refuge system and threatened species found within the National Wildlife Refuge system, John F. Kennedy Space Center. In stretches testimony that nature and technology 1963, the acquisition was complete across the can coexist and thrive. and NASA turned lands not vital to the space program over to the U.S. U.S. from the Fish and Wildlife Service. Today, this Arctic Circle 43 mile long barrier island is managed in Alaska to by the Department of Interior as a National Wildlife Refuge and a the tropical National Seashore. waters of the This blue goose, designed by J.N. Caribbean Habitats for Wildlife “Ding” Darling, A wide variety of habitats exists on and the is the symbol of the Refuge, ranging from freshwater South Pacific. the National impoundments to vast saltwater Wildlife Refuge These lands estuaries. Gradually the marshes give System. way to hardwood hammocks, pine encompass flatwoods, scrub, and coastal dunes. 562 refuges This diverse landscape provides and more than Jim Angy habitat for more than 350 species Osprey chicks of birds, 31 species of mammals, 150 million History 117 species of fish, 68 species of acres. The Over the millennia, human occupation amphibians and reptiles, and over U.S. Fish and of the island has ebbed and flowed. 1,000 species of plants. Wildlife Service Archaeological data suggests the The most productive, and therefore island was home to at least seven administers diversified wildlife areas are marshes. distinct Indian cultures beginning Scrub is habitat unique to Florida, this impressive as early as 7,000 BC. Their burial and one of the most important network mounds and shell middens remain habitats for endangered species in the today as mute reminders of past of lands to state. The refuge is one of the most civilizations. Spanish explorers, important sea turtle nesting beaches preserve British colonists, pioneer citrus in the United States. wildlife and growers, and civil war troops all Jim Angy © Merritt Island NWR wild lands contributed to the history of Merritt Island. has one of three strong hold populations of for future the threatened Florida generations. scrub jay. Management Children under the age of 16 are Fire and water are primary admitted free. To launch a boat at management tools used at the refuge. Bair’s Cove, Beacon 42 and Bio Lab Historically, wildfires in Florida were boat ramps requires purchase of a a natural part of the ecosystem and Refuge Daily Pass. The Pass is valid occurred every three to ten years. at all refuge fee sites and is collected

USFWS Prescribed burns mimic wildfires on an honor system at each fee area. Loggerhead sea turtle for the many Cash or check is required. Credit beneficial effects. cards are not accepted. Canaveral

Fire improves Jim Angy © National Seashore Passes are habitat and The snowy egret is accepted. The Merritt Island NWR availability of one of ten egret and Annual Pass is $15.00 and it can be food for many heron species found upgraded to a Canaveral National on the refuge. species like the Seashore’s Annual Pass for an Florida scrub jay, additional $20.00. gopher tortoise, and indigo snake. Visitors carrying a current Federal Water control Duck Stamp, Refuge Annual Pass structures are or America the Beautiful Federal used to manage Recreational Lands Passes (Senior Pass, Annual Pass, or Access Pass) USFWS the water Torching a prescribed fire in a refuge marsh. levels in certain are not required to pay the daily impoundments. The different water entrance fee but must display their levels create wildlife diversity as each pass. All passes admit pass holder species has different habitat needs. and all passengers in a single, private, non-commerical vehicle. Passes Endangered Species are available for purchase at the The refuge manages habitat for over refuge visitor center during regular 500 species of wildlife. These habitats operating hours by cash or check only. support one of the highest numbers of endangered and threatened species Wildlife Drive Black Point Wildlife Drive is a found within the National Wildlife seven-mile, one way, self-guided auto Refuge system. tour through salt and freshwater marshes. A Refuge Daily fee of $5.00 Visitor Opportunities is collected on a honor system at Visitor Center The Visitor Information Center the drive’s entrance. For details see is highly recommended for first-time Refuge Fees. visitors. The center offers wildlife and habitat displays and a nature-based The drive offers several stops, which bookstore to purchase educational are described in a brochure. Wading resources. Call the visitor center at birds, shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl, 321/861 0669 for operating hours. alligators, otters, and other wildlife The center is located four miles east can be seen. The Cruickshank Trail of Titusville on SR 402 (Exit 220 off and Tower are located at stop #9 I-95). on the drive, and offers views of the surrounding marshes. The entrance Refuge Fees Purchase of a Refuge Daily Pass for to the drive is located on SR 406, one $5.00 per vehicle is required to enter mile east of the intersection of SR 402 Black Point Wildlife Drive. The daily and SR 406. fee for individuals entering by foot or by bicycle is $1.00. Foot Trails Hiking the seven foot trails is most $5.00 Refuge Daily Pass is required pleasant in the fall, winter and early to launch a boat from Bairs Cove, Bio spring. The 1/4-mile boardwalk loop Lab and Beacon 42 boat ramps. For behind the visitor center has details see Refuge Fees. interpretive panels. Oak Hammock Trail (3/4 mile round trip) and Palm Fishing Merritt Island NWR is a great place Hammock Trial (2 miles round trip) for saltwater anglers to try their share a common parking lot 1-mile luck at catching sea trout, red drum, east of the Visitor Center. Oak black drum, snook, and tarpon. A Hammock Trail has interpretive fishing brochure with a free permit signs. The Wild Bird Trail (1/4 mile describing the refuge regulations round trip) is located at Stop 4 and and a map can be obtained at the Cruickshank Trail (5 mile loop) is Visitor Center. Other regulations are located at stop # 9 on Black Point set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Drive. The Pine Flatwoods Conservation Commission. Trail (1 mile loop) located at the north Hunting Waterfowl hunting is allowed on end of the Refuge on SR 3 traverses a the refuge on Saturdays, Sundays, pine flatwoods ecosystem. The Scrub Wednesdays and certain federal Ridge Trail (1-mile loop) is located holidays from mid-November through north of SR 406 on SR 3. 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.

Canaveral Canaveral National Seashore is National managed by the National Park Seashore Service and is located 7.5 miles east of the refuge’s Visitor Center. A daily entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle is required. The Refuge Daily Pass is

USFWS accepted for entry. For details, see Merritt Island NWR is home to the largest population of Florida’s east The refuge and Refuge Fees. Call the National Park coast manatees. seashore encompass Service at 321/267 1110 for more Manatee 43 miles of The endangered west indian manatee information. frequent this spot at Haulover undeveloped beach. Canal year round but is most likely to be seen in the fall and spring. The Manatee Observation Deck is located on SR 3 on the northeast side of Haulover Canal, 10.5 miles from the Visitor Center. Bairs Cove Boat Ramp is an alternate viewing site. Boating 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. A USFWS Satellite Refuges n Carrying, possessing fireworks or Merritt Island NWR manages two explosives is prohibited. satellite refuges. n Glass beverage containers are prohibited. St. Johns NWR There are two separate units, one is located west of I-95 near Titusville, n Feeding, enticing or disturbing and another is north of Highway manatees, alligators and other 528. This refuge was set aside for wildlife is prohibited. the Dusky Seaside Sparrow, which is now extinct. n Littering is prohibited. Please take The refuge is your litter off the refuge. now managed n Camping and fires are not permitted for freshwater on the refuge, but is available to scout marsh habitat groups by permit only. and is home to black rails and n Pets are permitted but must be on a many other leash and under control by owner at marsh birds. all times. Clean up after your pet. The refuge is not open to the n Horses are not permitted on public, although the refuge but are permitted at the North District of Canaveral USFWS public facilities Female alligator guarding her nest. are being National Seashore by permit. planned. n Releasing of any wild or domestic Lake Woodruff The biological diversity of the animals is prohibited. wetlands provides nesting, NWR n Searching for or collecting overwintering and stopover habitat artifacts, natural features, animals during migration for neotropical and plants is prohibited, other than songbirds, migratory waterfowl, legally taken fish or waterfowl. shorebirds, wading birds and raptors. The nature trails and levees along n Fishing and crabbing is permitted the impoundments are excellent in the Indian River Lagoon, Banana areas for walking, hiking, bicycling, River, Mosquito Lagoon, refuge wildlife observation and photography. impoundments and interior lakes Environmental education, fishing except in the NASA security area and limited hunting opportunities are and along Black Point Wildlife

available. Jim Angy © Drive. State regulations apply Gulf Fritillary and a self-issuing refuge permit is Refuge Regulations required which is available at the All recreational use is limited to visitor center, entrance kiosks and daylight hours year-round. Portions on the refuge website. Night fishing of the refuge may be closed from is by boat only. A special use permit time to time due to NASA’s launch is required for commercial fishing. activities. n Waterfowl hunting is permitted n Airboats, jet skis, wave runners and November through January in ATV’s are prohibited. designated hunt areas. Refuge n Persons possessing firearms on permits are required and all state, National Wildlife Refuges must federal, and refuge regulations comply with all provisions of State apply. and Local laws. Cape Legend Canaveral False Refuge boundary Cape Major highways Paved roads Merritt Island Cape Canaveral Air Station 2-way unpaved roads Launch Foot trails National Wildlife Refuge Complex 39A Port Canaveral Intracoastal Waterway Launch Black Point Wildlife Drive Complex 39B Jetty Park Kennedy To Pole and troll zone Space Center Cocoa (No public access) Restricted Area 401 Beach ALINDA BEACH No Motorized Boats No motor zone Vehicle A1A PLAY Assembly Open to the public Eddy Building BANANA RIVER Creek No Manatee Sanctuary 3 pub lic a Closed to the public N cce ess ss ATLANTIC OCEAN cc CommerceSpace Wa y ic a ubl Interpretive trail o p 528 TIONAL SEASHORE Bio Lab Rd. N KARS Scrub Ridge MOSQUITO rail Kennedy Park Information station LAGOON T Space Center Kennedy Space VERAL NA Bio Shuttle (Public access controlled) Sendler Landing Center Visitor Ulamay Education Lab 3 Complex Boat launch CANA Outpost Kennedy Parkway Facility Wildlife Manatee (Open to public via No Entry Hall Sanctuary 520 ObservationHaulover 3 and 405) Road Fee station Deck Canal 406 Refuge Visitor L. Pond Rd. Oak and Palm Pine Island Dummit Hammock Center 3 Observation tower Beacon Cove Peacocks Pocket Rd. NASA Parkway Conservation Area Pine 42 Trails Peacocks Flatwoodsrail Black APOLLO BEACH T Point Pocket Beach access Eldora Hammock rail Pole and WSEG Patillo Creek Rd. Wildlife 402 Peacocks Canaveral National Troll Zone Bairs E. Gator 405 Drive Creek Rd. Pocket Rd. To Restrooms Seashore Visitor Castle Windy T Cove INDIAN RIVER LAGOON Melbourne Information Center Marker 19 Catfish Mullet Creek Rd. Head AY Fishing Turtle Mound TERW Island l AL WA 3 Trai Bird W. Gator INTRACOAST Traffic light Wild Pump Creek Rd. 1 Cruickshank House Cocoa Rd. Seminole ResOakt Trail

Eldora Hwy Gator y Kings Fishing Piers Hill Creek Rd. Shiloh Marsh Rd. INDIAN RIVER LAGOON Pkw Chain of Canaveral Grisssom Port St. Enchanted John Lakes Park National Forest Exit A1A Mims Seashore 528 201 1 Headquarters 50 Coot Exit Exit 406 Titusville 202 Creek 208 Exit Turnbull Scottsmoor Exit 95 205 1 220 olusia County 405

Creek V Brevard County Exit Exit Exit 524 Edgewater 223 215 212 New Smyrna Exit 5A 231 SOUTH Beach LAKE Blue Heron 95 Wetlands 407 520 442 Treatment Beachline Facility Expresswa LAKE 95 y POINSETT Exit 50 244 Salt 46 Lake St. John's 44 National Wildlife Buck Lake Refuge Conservation Exit 528 249 Area To Daytona Loughman To To Beach Lake Orlando Orlando March 2014 1 800/344WILD U.S. Fish&WildlifeService http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland E-mail: Fax: 321/8611276 Phone: 321/8610667 Titusville, FL32781 [email protected] P.O. Box2683 Merritt IslandNationalWildlifeRefuge

cover photo: Jim Angy ©, this photo: NASA