Space Coast Celebrates National Public Lands Day
By Space Coast Daily // September 29, 2012
Free Events Throughout Brevard County
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands Program is planning a number of free events for National Public Lands Day, a nationwide event that encourages people to explore, volunteer, and help support public lands.
This year’s event takes place today.
• Fox Lake Sanctuary Trail Fun Run, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.: Join EEL staff for guided 4.5-mile trail run. Participants should be comfortable running on a trail with unstable footing and plenty of trip hazards. Don’t bring your new running shoes unless you’re OK with getting them dirty. Meet at Fox Lake Park, 4400 Fox Lake Road in Titusville.
• Indian Mound Station Sanctuary Workday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Help pick up trash at this unique and beautiful site. This is suitable for ages 10 and up. Meet at Indian Mound Station Sanctuary, 4001 Parrish Road in Mims.
• Interpretive Hikes at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary: Two hikes, one at 10 a.m. and another at 2 p.m. Each hike focuses on geology and biodiversity. Meet at Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, 444 Columbia Blvd. in Titusville.
• Scrub Jay Walk and Talk at Cruickshank Sanctuary, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Meet our resident Florida Scrub Jays as we hike a one-mile loop through Cruickshank Sanctuary. This is limited to 15 participants. Call 321-449-4720 or send an email to katrina.morrell@brevardparks.com to reserve a spot.
• Why Conservation Lands Matter slideshow, 11 a.m. to noon: In this presentation, we’ll explore the benefits conservation lands provide to animals, plants, and people. This is at the Sams House at Pine Island, 6195 North Tropical Trail on Merritt Island.
• Malabar Scrub Sanctuary Trail Mountain Bike Ride, 9 to 10:30 a.m.: Two bicycle rides available, an easy, guided 3-mile ride and a more difficult 8-10 mile ride on new single-track trails. Guided ride is limited to 15 people. Participants must bring their own fat-tire bike suitable for off-road riding. To RSVP, call or email Brad Manley at 321-255-4466 ext. 32 or brad.manley@brevardparks.com.
• Barrier Island Sanctuary Seining, 10 a.m. to noon: Assist Barrier Island Center biologists in using large nets to catch and identify Indian River Lagoon species. All children (ages 5 and up) must be with an adult. Water shoes required. Meet on the Barrier Island Center oceanfront deck at 9:30 a.m. to prepare for departure to the waterfront, 8385 South Highway A1A in Melbourne Beach.
• Barrier Island Sanctuary Kayak Paddle: Two sessions: 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. Paddle and explore with a free, guided kayak tour. Enrollment is limited. Children (ages 5 and up) must paddle tandem with an adult. Call 321-723-3556.
To learn more about National Public Lands Day, visit: www.publiclandsday.org.
For more about the EEL Program, visit:www.eelbrevard.com.
