VIDEO: Take a Kayak Tour Through Turkey Creek Sanctuary in Palm Bay
By City of Palm Bay // May 8, 2019
Turkey Creek Sanctuary heaven on earth
ABOVE VIDEO: This “three-mile tour” through Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a little bit of heaven on earth. Quiet, serene, beautiful are words used to describe the Turkey Creek Sanctuary. Slow down and enjoy this journey with Palm Bay’s own nature expert, Park Ranger Oli Johnson as he navigates what Palm Bay locals like to call Florida’s best-kept secret.
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Quiet, serene, beautiful are words used to describe the Turkey Creek Sanctuary.
Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a little bit of heaven on earth.
It’s hard to believe its nestled in the heart of one of Central Florida’s largest cities, Palm Bay.
As part of the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program and the East Florida section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Turkey Creek Sanctuary is 130 acres of wonder, biodiversity and natural resources.
Established in 1981, the Sanctuary offers a 1.85-mile boardwalk passing through hydric (wet) hammock, mesic (moist) hammock, and sand pine scrub communities, and 1.5 miles of jogging trails through native forest, both excellent for viewing a multitude of wildlife.
The Turkey Creek Sanctuary incorporates both salty hammock and sand pine ridge habitats.
Related Story:Turkey Creek Sanctuary Park Ranger Tracey Wright Earns Certificate in Natural Areas Management
It has 1.5 miles of jogging trails through native forest to Turkey Creek, an excellent site for seeing birds, turtles, manatees, alligators as well as other local wildlife. There is a canoe deck on the creek which is an important breeding ground for both salt and freshwater fish.
The Sanctuary is part of the East Florida section of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
The property was donated to the Florida Audubon Society and the city of Palm Bay in 1978, and fundraising to conserve the area began in 1981. By 1994, 113 acres were under the protection of the voluntary management committee.
The Margaret Hames Nature Center was opened in 1992 and offers environmental education programs, including nature day camps.
The park is open daily, from 7 a.m. to sunset.
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