Upcoming Events at MINWR

Upcoming Events at MINWR

By Betty Salter

Beginning Birding Tours

Travel around Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge with a trained U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteer to learn how to identify the many birds that frequent the refuge. All tours are free and leave from the refuge visitor center at 9 a.m. and last for approximately three to four hours. No reservations are required. Seating for the refuge 12 passenger van is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Extra participants can follow in their own vehicle with a loaner hand-held radio to listen to the tour narration. Please sign in a the visitor center desk upon arrival. Suggested items to bring include binoculars, camera, field guides, bug repellant, water and a snack. Loaner binoculars are available.
There is one tour daily that leaves at 9 a.m. on the following dates:

Thursdays: February 3, 10, 17, and 24
Saturdays: February 5, 12, and 26
Sundays: February 6, 13, 20 and 27

Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center and sign in at the desk. The Visitor Center is located on SR 402, 5 miles east of U.S. 1 in Titusville. Call 321-861-0667/0668 for more information.

Hike The Hammock

What is a hammock and why is it here? Join retired biology instructors and refuge volunteers Ned Steel and Jim Pederson for an easy two-hour stroll through a typical hardwood hammock. Learn about the many plant and animal species that are found in this special ecosystem. Oak Hammock, on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, is a fascinating “island” in the midst of an enormous area that is dominated by wetlands and scrub habitats. Come join us as we explore this magical place on your refuge. The program is scheduled for Saturday, February 26, at 1:00 p.m.

Space is limited so reservations are required. To register, please contact Nancy Corona at 321-861-0668 or by e-mail at Nancy_Corona@fws.gov. The refuge visitor center is located on State Road 402, 5 miles east of US 1 in Titusville.