Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of America's most unique wildlife refuges. MINWR is a premier destination to over 700,000 annual visitors seeking a nature-based educational and outdoor experience.

Established in 1963 as an overlay of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center, this 140,000 acre 43 mile long barrier island provides a wide variety of habitats: coastal dunes, saltwater estuaries and marshes, freshwater impoundments, scrub, pine-flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks.

These habitats provide sanctum 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. MINWR habitats support one of the highest numbers of endangered and threatened species found within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Many recreational opportunities are offered at the Refuge. Bird and wildlife observation, a wildlife drive, manatee observation deck, fishing and hunting opportunities, and boating and paddling are examples of available activities. Hiking the refuge is most pleasant in the fall, winter and early spring.

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 1/4-mile boardwalk behind the visitor center offers a short walk with interpretive panels. The center offers a variety of displays that describe the habitats and wildlife on the refuge and additional information on trails such as Oak Hammock, Palm Hammock, Cruickshank, Scrub Trail and others throughout the refuge.

Black Point Wildlife Drive is a 7-mile, one-way drive which follows a dike road around several shallow marsh impoundments and through pine flat woods. This provides an excellent place to see waterfowl (in season), wading birds, shorebirds and raptors. Alligators, river otters, bobcats, various species of snakes, and other wildlife may be visible as well. One to two hours after sunrise and one to two hours before sunset are typically the best times to view wildlife actively feeding in the impoundments.

The Manatee Observation deck located at Haulover Canal and is home to the endangered West Indian Manatee year round but is most likely to be seen in the fall and spring. West Indian manatees have no natural enemies, and it is believed they can live 60 years or more.

Environmental education is one of the primary objectives of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Merritt Island NWR is an excellent place to bring a class to conduct hands-on environmental education activities, programs and field trips. These include but are not limited to: Junior Ranger Programs, Beginning Bird Watching tours, Alligator and Manatee presentations, Butterfly surveys, Guided Nature tours, Photography and Star Gazing clubs.

MINWR partners with the Brevard Nature Alliance and the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival to present special education classroom presentations and field trips. The BNA is an active member of the Refuge volunteer group and assists with and promotes several events during the year.

For more information contact the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at (321)-861-0667, email: merrittisland@fws.gov or website: www.fws.gov/merrittisland.