Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

Posted On July 6, 2011

The Merritt Island National Refuge is situated on the Atlantic coast of Florida and is situated close to the Canaveral National Seashore and the John F Kennedy Space Center. The wildlife refuge has upto a hundred and forty thousand acres of hardwood hammocks, marshlands, scrubs, pine flat woods, coastal dunes, and others.

The wildlife preserve has close to one thousand five hundred species of flora and fauna, inclusive of close to three hundred avian species. The roads and the dikes offer some superb views. At times you may even spot a bald eagle, or an alligator.

To access the Merritt Wildlife Refuge, you can take the route I – 95 to exit 80 ( S R 406 ) east of Titusville. After you cross the US 1, keep going in the east direction over the Max Brewer Causeway Bridge, and then go straight on to S R 402, where the Visitor Center is. The Visitor Center has detailed info regarding the Refuge, and also resources such as videos, books, exhibits and maps.

The Refuge also offers a range of activities for nature tourists. The activities offered are inclusive of fishing (This requires a refuge fishing permit), hiking, kayaking, canoeing, boating, wildlife observations, bird watching and more. Also make sure to get bug repellant. It is also important to remember to bring adequate walking or hiking shoes. When there are landings or launches at the Kennedy Space Center, the NASA sometimes restricts entry into the Wildlife Refuge.

The offers a huge number of trails for biking and hiking. These trails are among the best ways of enjoying the superb nature all around as well as the main sights and animals.