U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Merritt Island National Wildlife RefugeMerritt Island NWR is an overlay of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center where the world's most advanced technology launched man to the moon, and today, continues space exploration. However, there is another kind of "space" here, one that is set aside for over 500 different species of wildlife and 1000 species of plants.

Contained within this 35-mile long barrier island is a rich abundance of plants and animals from both the subtropical and temperate climate zones. The Refuge is strategically located on the Atlantic Flyway, a major bird migration corridor, and it is a key resting stop for many migrating bird species. Merritt Island NWR's habitats support one of the highest numbers of endangered and threatened species found within the refuges of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The unique relationship the Refuge shares with NASA bears testimony that nature and technology can coexist.

For further information, contact:Refuge ManagerMerritt Island National Wildlife RefugeP. O. Box 2683Titusville, FL 32781Phone: 321/861 0667Visitor Center Phone number: 321/861 5601Email: merrittisland@fws.govhttp://www.fws.gov/refuge/merritt_island

Emergency by cell phone: 321/867 7911Canaveral National Seashore Headquarters: 321/267 1110Canaveral National Seashore Closure Information: 321/867 4077Kennedy Space Center Information: 866/737 5235

May 2015

Travel Distance (from the Refuge Visitor Center):

Black Point Wildlife Drive - 3.5 miles

Hammock Trails - 1.5 miles

Manatee Observation Deck - 10.5 miles

Playalinda Beach - 7 miles

Scrub Ridge Trail - 6.5 miles

Pine Flatwoods Trail - 13 miles

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Merritt IslandNational Wildlife Refuge

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This blue goose, designed by J.N. "Ding" Darling, has become a symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Visitor CenterHighly recommended for the first-time visitor. For visitor center hours visit the refuge website, Facebook page or call 321/861 5601. The Center is located on SR 402, five miles east of U.S. 1 in Titusville. The Center offers:n Refuge Maps and Information

n Wildlife and Habitat Displays

n Auditorium for Movies and Programs

n Bookstore/gift shop

n Educational Resources

n 1/4 mile Boardwalk

Refuge Fees The purchase of the Refuge Daily Pass for $5.00 per vehicle is required to enter the Black Point Wildlife Drive. The daily fee for individuals entering by foot or by bicycle is $1.00. To launch a boat at Bairs Cove, Beacon 42 and Bio Lab boat ramps requires the purchase of the Refuge Daily Pass. The Refuge Daily Pass is valid at all refuge fee sites and for entry to Canaveral National Seashore. The daily fee is collected on an honor system and can be purchased at all refuge fee areas and the Refuge Visitor Center. Cash or check is required and credit cards are not accepted.

A $15.00 Refuge Annual Pass is sold at the refuge visitor center. The following passes are valid for entry to refuge fee sites and can be purchased at the refuge visitor center: The Refuge Daily, the Refuge Annual, the America the Beautiful Senior, Access, Military and Annual passes and the Federal Duck Stamp. Children under the age of 16 are admitted free. The Canaveral National Seashore Annual pass is also valid for entry at all refuge fee areas. Each pass admits the pass holder and all passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle. For additional information call the visitor center at 321/861 5601.

Refuge Daily Pass: $5.00 per vehicle (includes motorcycles)

Individuals on foot or bicycle: $1.00 per day

Merritt Island NWR Annual Pass: $15.00. For an additional $20.00 this pass can be upgraded to a Canaveral National Seashore’s Annual Pass at Canaveral’s Playalinda and Apollo Beach Fee booths.

America the Beautiful Access Pass - Free for medically authorized individuals.

America the Beautiful Senior Pass. - $10.00

America the Beautiful Annual Pass - $80.00

America the Beautiful Military Pass - Free to U.S. military members and their dependents of most military branches with proper military ID.

Federal Duck Stamps: $25.00

Wildlife Observation and PhotographyThe main route to view wildlife is Black Point Wildlife Drive. Hiking trails, towers, decks and dike roads marked on the map offer excellent, alternative wildlife viewing, especially in the fall and winter. One of the best ways for viewing wildlife on the refuge is by canoe or kayak.

Black Point Wildlife DriveThis 7-mile, one-way drive travels through salt and freshwater marshes and is located on SR 406, one mile east of the intersection of SR 402 and SR 406. A $5.00 Refuge Daily Pass is sold on an honor system at the drive’s entrance. Pick up an auto tour brochure at the drive's entrance or at the Refuge Visitor Center. The brochure includes numbered stops describing the natural history and management of the area. Wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl, alligators, otters and other wildlife species can be observed. The Wild Bird Trail (1/4 mile round trip) is located at Stop # 4. Located at Stop #9 are: parking lot, restrooms, observation tower, wheel chair accessible platform, and the trail head to Cruickshank Trail (five mile loop).

Foot TrailsHiking the refuge is most pleasant during the fall, winter, and early spring. Seven walking trails are marked on the map.

n Visitor Center Boardwalk - 1/4 mile Loop

n Oak Hammock Trail - 3/4 mile Loop

n Palm Hammock Trail - 2 mile Loop

n Scrub Ridge Trail - 1 mile Loop

n Cruickshank Trail and Tower - 5 mile Loop

n Wild Bird Trail - 1/4 mile Round Trip

n Pine Flatwood Trail - 1 mile Loop

Manatee Observation DeckManatees frequent this spot year-round and can be seen more reliably in spring and fall. The deck is located 10.5 miles north of the Visitor Center off SR 3 at Haulover Canal. Bairs Cove boat launch offers another viewing area.

Boat LaunchesMotorboats, canoes and kayaks may be used for wildlife observation, fishing and hunting. Boat speed regulations are in effect in several areas for manatee protection. Boat/canoe launching is limited to designated launch areas. A $5.00 Refuge Daily Pass is required to launch a boat from Bairs Cove, Bio Lab and Beacon 42 boat ramps. The Refuge Daily Pass is sold on an honor system at each site, cash or check only. For details see Refuge Fees.

n Bairs Cove - Haulover Canal

n Beacon 42 - Mosquito Lagoon

n WSEG - Mosquito Lagoon (No Fee)

n Bio Lab - Mosquito Lagoon

n Eddy Creek - Mosquito Lagoon

Beach AccessCanaveral National Seashore/Playalinda Beach offers 24 miles of pristine, undeveloped beach for sunbathing, swimming, wading, surfing, fishing, and hiking. Limited camping and horseback riding are permitted November 1 through April 15 by obtaining a special use permit. There are no designated picnic areas, telephones, food services, beach showers, or drinking water. An entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle is charged at the fee station. The Refuge Daily Pass is valid for entry. See Refuge Fees for details. For current beach information, call 321/867 4077.

RestroomsRestrooms are located at the Refuge Visitor Center, Stop #9 along Black Point Wildlife Drive and Playalinda Beach.

Wheelchair Accessibilityn Refuge Information Center and Boardwalk (1/4 mile loop)

n Manatee Observation Deck

n Observation Deck at Stop # 9 on Black Point Drive

n Observation Deck at Refuge entrance on SR 406

n Beach Access at Eddy Creek (Parking Lot # 8) at Playalinda Beach

General Refuge RegulationsThe Refuge is closed to entry from sunset to sunrise. All use is limited to daylight hours, year-round. Portions of the Refuge may be closed from time to time due to NASA's launch activities.

n Air boats, Jet Skis, Wave Runners, and ATV's are not permitted.

n Carrying, possessing fireworks or explosives is prohibited. Persons possessing firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of State and Local laws.

n Feeding, enticing or disturbing alligators, manatees and other wildlife is not permitted.

n Littering and dumping are prohibited. Please take your litter off the Refuge and dispose of it properly.

n Camping, open fires and barbeque grills are not permitted on the Refuge.

n Pets are permitted on the refuge, but must be leashed and under control at all times.

n Horses are not permitted on the Refuge, but are permitted at the North District of Canaveral National Seashore in New Smyrna Beach from November 1 through April 15. Call 386/428 3384, extension 0 for information and reservations.

n Releasing of any wild or domestic animals onto the Refuge is prohibited.

n Collecting of any animals, plants, artifacts and natural features is prohibited, other than legally taken fish or waterfowl.

n Fishing and crabbing are permitted on the refuge in accordance with state and refuge regulations. A refuge permit is required for both recreational and commercial fishing. Fishing is allowed in the open waters of the Indian River Lagoon, Banana River, Mosquito Lagoon, mosquito control impoundments and interior lakes. Fishing is prohibited on the Kennedy Space Center security area, and along Black Point Wildlife Drive and its adjacent dike roads except for L Pond Road.

n Two pole and troll zones are located in Mosquito Lagoon. Operation of internal combustion engines is not allowed within the zones and vessels drafting more than 12" may not enter. Electric trolling motors and non-motorized power sources such as push poles or paddles are permitted.

n Waterfowl hunting is permitted November through January in designated hunt areas. A refuge permit and hunter safety certification is required. State, federal and refuge regulations apply.

n Glass beverage containers are prohibited.

n Bicycles are prohibited on foot trails.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Visitors may view mixed flocks of wading birds feeding along the Black Point Wildlife Drive, credit Tom Dunkerton.

Shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center - Merritt Island NWR is a 140,000 acre overlay of Kennedy Space Center, credit USFWS.

Scrub habitat on the refuge supports one of the largest populations of the threatened Florida scrub-jay. The management technique of conducting prescribed fire (controlled burns) is essential for maintaining the Florida scrub jay's natural habitat, credit USFWS.