Welcome to The Enchanted Forest...

Sanctuary Hours

Tuesday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays

A "Flagship" sanctuary, the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary is the first property that was purchased by the Brevard County EEL Program. This 470-acre forest is part of a sanctuary network that the EEL Program is working to establish in the county.

Located in the southern limits of the City of Titusville, the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary preserves a diversity of natural habitats. Several miles of hiking trails allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Wildlife observation, nature photography, and hiking are popular recreational activities. The Management & Education Center interprets the Sanctuary's unique natural features for visitors of all ages and abilities.

There are five basic habitat types: oak scrub, mesic and hydric hammock, wet prairie, and pine flatwood. Wildlife species found here include the Eastern indigo snake, Florida scrub lizard, gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer, and bobcat.

A wonderful wealth of plant life also abounds as both temperate (northern) and subtropical (southern) species grow in the Sanctuary together.

The Hernandez-Capron Trail and the Addison/Ellis Canal are outstanding cultural resources. These features tell stories that offer visitors a peek into Brevard's unique history.

Activities & Events, Workdays, Meetings...

 

Tour...

Management & Education Center

The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary Management and Education Center provides interpretive educational exhibits, two 25 - person capacity classrooms, offices, a reference library, restrooms, and a gift shop. In addition, the Center features an exterior screened porch and walkway, an outdoor amphitheater, and the Enchanted Crossing — an interpretive nature trail with a stabilized surface for universal accessibility.

A primary goal for the Center is to be a model of universal accessibility to outdoor areas. All features of the Center and interpretive trail are focused on accessibility for all people regardless of age or ability.

 

The Amphitheatre

The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary amphitheatre is situated under an ancient oak tree in a mesic hammock. It provides a shaded outdoor venue for cultural events, educational programs, lectures, and presentations. Ideal for scheduling field trips and group gatherings, the amphitheatre is also a quiet place for casual visitors to rest and reflect.

Located near the Education and Management Center and close to the parking area, a paved trail makes the amphitheatre easily accessible.

 

Gift Shop

The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary Gift Shop is located in the Management and Education Center. It is a small shop with affordable prices offering a unique collection of souvenirs, educational merchandise and decorator items that reflect the Sanctuary and its habitat. Shop here for t-shirts and gifts, as well as home and garden decor.

Staffed by The Friends of The Enchanted Forest, a non-profit volunteer organization, proceeds from sales directly support the operation and maintenance of the Sanctuary.

 

Trail

The 393-acre Sanctuary offers a shaded environment to hike and view nature and wildlife where plant and animal diversity abounds! It is one of the few places in Brevard County where subtropical and temperate plant species are found together, and where exposed layers of coquina rock that form the Atlantic Coastal Ridge can be viewed. Hikers frequently report sightings of wildlife species such as the gopher tortoise, Florida scrub lizards, and sometimes the resident bobcat.

As you descend fifteen to twenty feet from the desert-like scrub on the ancient Atlantic Coastal Ridge into the shadowy, moist Mesic Hammock with its huge canopy, you might glimpse a gopher tortoise, and you will certainly notice the many different species of trees and shrubs.Where the plants of the temperate climate overlap the plants of the sub-tropics in a memorable display—you are on an Isotherm.

As you sit under the "Ancient Oak" listening to the song birds, your mind may wander back to days when the Ais Indians roamed these woods. Or to the time when General Hernandez built his road through the area in the 1830’s.On the Coquina Ridge, you will see where the potentially devastating Addison Canal met its fate in the 1930's.

Your journey will lead you through timeless scrub, mesic and hydric ecosystems that are home to a wide variety of endangered and threatened species. It’s a journey you won't soon forget.

 

Recreation Opportunities & Trail Map...

For additional Recreation Sanctuaries see Recreation Guide

Trail Map...

Large version available in Enchanted Forest Brochure

Volunteer Opportunities...

 

Volunteers are essential to the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary. Join in the fun while you help preserve the Sanctuary's natural beauty for the future.

Here are just some of the ways you can become involved and share your talents...

Interpretive Guiding Greeting Visitors Hike Desk Hosting Environmental Education Interpretive Exhibits Sanctuary Monitoring

Exotic Plant Control Maintenance and Repairs Landscaping Photography Grant Writing Newsletter ...the possibilities are endless!

 

Join the 'Deadheaders'
Be a Garden Volunteer at the Enchanted Forest
Tend the gardens and learn about native plants,
pollinators and butterflies.

• Schedule varies
• Call for Times & Upcoming Dates: 321.264.5185

Be a Friend !
Find out more about the Friends of The Enchanted Forest
A non-profit volunteer organization committed to assisting the EEL Program with its conservation of The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, and to educate visitors about the unique geology and biodiversity at the sanctuary.

• Phone: 321.264.5192
• Website: Friends of The Enchanted Forest
• Or Write to: The Friends of The Enchanted Forest
  444 Columbia Blvd Titusville, FL 32780