Barrier Island Sanctuary
8395 South Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach
Information: 321-723-3556
See Below Eco-Explorers Summer Camp
Grand Opening held May 10, 2008. Visitors Welcome!
Management & Education Center
Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve,
Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
For more information contact the Barrier island Center at 321-723-3556.
See Recreation Guide for other Sanctuaries
FROM I-95: Take Melbourne Exit-180/US-192 east across the Melbourne Causeway to SR-A1A. Turn right and go 14.2 miles south on Hwy-A1A to Chapel by the Sea on the right. Park and ride available from Chapel by the Sea. The Center is .25 miles south on the left. FROM Sebastion Inlet: Go to 1.5 miles north to the Center, and .25 miles further to the park and ride at Chapel by the Sea.
This second Environmentally Endangered Lands Program Management and Education Center is a modern educational facility with classrooms, an interactive exhibit room, a library, offices, auditorium, restrooms and a gift shop. The center provides a focal point for the Archie Carr Refuge and the associated barrier island by providing exhibit space, a presentation hall, and ongoing educational programs that promote stewardship of the area’s fragile natural resources.
The new 5,700 square foot facility will host visiting school groups from throughout Brevard County, as well as local residents and tourists. The facility, its gift shop and its exhibits are open daily to the public (except Mondays and holidays listed above).
Located in the Archie Carr Refuge, the 34-acre Barrier Island Sanctuary features examples of several barrier island habitats. ADA access at the Sanctuary includes parking, restrooms, amphitheater, the Management and Education Center, and drinking fountains.
Across the highway from the Barrier Island Center, and situated between the highway and the Indian River lagoon, a hiking trail winds through an active restoration area. It provides observation of a living laboratory of land management and restoration science. Much of this sanctuary was heavily impacted by non-native plant species such as Brazilian pepper and Australian pine trees in recent years. Now, with the majority of exotic plant species removed, native habitats such as cabbage palm hammock and maritime hammock, saltmarsh and mangrove swamp are regaining a foothold and are viewable along the trail. Activities include a .75-mile hiking trail, fishing and wildlife observation. Advance notice needed for special accommodations.
Registration Begins
Tuesday, May 13
Call 321-723-3556 for Information
Download Registration Form PDF
A fun-filled week of discovery and adventure on the barrier islands! Learn about the diversity of life found from the ocean to the lagoon...
Day Camp Schedule
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Grades 3-5
Session 1 July 7-11
Session 2 July 14-18
Grades 6-8
Session 1 July 21-25
Session 2 July 28-August 1
Fee
$200 per session per student includes Sea Turtle Adoption CCC Membership, t-shirt and snacks (students bring own lunch). Enrollment limited.
Offered in partnership with the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC)
These lands are organized by management Regions: North, Central, South, and South Beaches. Each Region features a premier site where a Management and Education Center either is now located or will be constructed --
The EEL Program is committed to providing the public with opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Brevard's natural areas. The best way to protect a sanctuary and to provide public access to the site is to support passive recreation activities. These are activities that do not abuse the natural resources, biological diversity, or environmental qualities of a site.
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| These are examples only and not all activities will occur on every sanctuary. | |
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The Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program was established in 1990 to protect the natural habitats of Brevard County by acquiring environmentally sensitive lands for conservation, passive recreation, and environmental education.
This was made possible by citizens who voted to tax themselves up to $55 million dollars for the acquisition and maintenance of Brevard’s natural areas. Residents reaffirmed the EEL Program in 2004 under a second referendum to protect the natural habitats within Brevard County by the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands through a willing seller program for the purpose of conservation, passive recreation, and environmental education.
To stretch these funds as far as possible, the EEL Program forms partnerships with federal, state and local agencies that are committed to the protection of natural resources and our long-term quality of life. EEL sanctuaries are managed to preserve native habitats and the plants and animals that live there.
Protecting and Preserving Biological Diversity Through Responsible Stewardship of Brevard County’s Natural Resources