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NEW Spring &Summer 2008

Leisure Action Guide - PDF
Summer Camps • Events
Activities • Swimming • More!

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Grand Opening of the Barrier Island Sanctuary Management & Education Center - May 10, 2008

Barrier Island Sanctuary
8385 South Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach
Information: 321-723-3556
See Below Eco-Explorers Summer Camp

The public is invited on Saturday, May 10, 2008 to the Barrier Island Education and Management Center Ribbon Cutting from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., followed by the Grand Opening Celebration from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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 will provide 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 will be open daily to the public.

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.

Management & Education Center
Hours will be:
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.

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ECO-EXPLORERS

Barrier Island Center Summer Camp For students entering grades 3-8

Registration Begins Tuesday, May 13
Call 321-723-3556 for Information
Registration packets will be available at www.eelbrevard.com after May 13

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...

• Hands-on Sea Turtle Research
• Seine Netting
• Hiking
• Beach Combing
• Lots of Great Fun & Games

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)

 

Seasonal Ocean Lifeguards

Ocean lifeguard protection is provided by the Brevard County Fire Rescue Department at the following Brevard County Parks and Recreation
Department Beach Parks—

Cherie Down Park
Lori Wilson Park
Howard Futch Memorial Park
Spessard Holland North Beach Park
Spessard Holland South Beach Park

Seasonal Ocean Lifeguards On Duty

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Spring - Weekends Only
April 5 through June 1

7 Days a Week
June 4 through August 15

Fall - Weekends Only
August 16 through October 26

On Duty September 1, Labor Day

For Ocean Lifeguard Information--

Cape Canaveral to Cocoa Beach:
321-868-1145
Canova Beach to Melbourne Beach Boardwalk: 321-779-4008
Ocean Avenue to Spessard Holland:
321-952-6370

Ocean Beach Reports: 321-637-5777

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Thank You For Your Interest!

 

FIND OUT How Simple It Is For You, Your Friends and Your Neighbors to HELP CLEAN UP OUR WATERWAYS from Your Own Backyard -- Click Here for Details!

PRESERVE OUR PARKS & Help Keep Brevard Beautiful!,
Environmental Protection -- It Starts In Parks! Click Here for More Info!

DID YOU KNOW ? The Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department manages 110 parks, 1 aquatic center, 1 cultural center, 3 campgrounds, 3 golf courses, 8 recreation sanctuaries, and 13 school athletic sites?

Besides descriptions, activity information and traveling directions for county managed parks, our website includes a directory of PARKS MANAGED BY CITIES.

 

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