WELCOME to this natural treasure of the Space Coast. Pine Island Conservation Area is a dynamic landscape supporting a diverse plant community and abundant wildlife. It is the future home of the EEL Program Central Region Management and Education Center. Adjoining the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to the north, the 879-acre conservation area is jointly owned by the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program (EEL Program) and the St. Johns River Water Management District (District).
Acquired to buffer the Indian River Lagoon from development impacts along two-miles of shoreline, the conservation area also offers protection that reduces habitat fragmentation, provides regional stormwater treatment in the on-site borrow lakes, and provides passive recreation and environmental education opportunities.
The conservation area is managed through an inter-agency agreement between the EEL Program and District designed to provide comprehensive protection of the natural resources. Primary ecosystem management activities on the site are hydrological restoration, stormwater enhancement, prescribed burning and removal of invasive exotic species.
OBSERVE
NATURAL RESOURCES
A regionally unique feature from which the site derives its name is the slightly elevated pine flatwood "island"
that directly adjoins the open waters of the Indian River Lagoon. Typically, pine flatwoods in the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem
slope gently into hydric hammock or marsh habitats joining the water’s edge).
Visitors can also observe freshwater wetland and impounded salt marsh habitats. The series of natural shallow water ponds and channels embedded within the salt marshes reflect depressions in the subsurface limestone—an ancient seabed which underlies this area. Known as the Anastasia Formation, the limestone layer was shaped over the millennia by erosional forces of groundwater that resulted in the irregular topography of collapsed sinkholes and channels.
Mining of the Anastasia Formation for sand and marl production in the 1960’s altered the natural landscape along the eastern portion of the property—creating the North and South Borrow Lakes, and the dredging of a natural channel (locally referred to as Sam’s Creek) to form Rinker Canal. Spoil material deposited on site during the mining operations created a disturbed substrate subsequently exploited by the invasive exotic species, Brazilian pepper.
The diversity of habitats for many species of wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and migratory birds is a prominent feature of the conservation area. Reptiles and amphibians including alligators and aquatic turtles are common, as are mammals such as bobcats, river otters, raccoons, and opossums that seek food and refuge on the site.
Pets and Smoking are not allowed in EEL Program Sanctuaries and Conservation Areas. We hope you understand that these rules are necessary to protect and preserve our sensitive ecosystems. See Recreation Guide listings for additional Dos and Don'ts at each site. Thank you for your cooperation!
Pets and Smoking are not allowed in EEL Program Sanctuaries and Conservation Areas. We hope you understand that these rules are necessary to protect and preserve our sensitive ecosystems. See Recreation Guide listings for additional Dos and Don'ts at each site. Thank you for your cooperation!
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Pine Island Conservation Area offers recreational opportunities within a variety of natural and man-made habitats. View map below
to locate the recreational activities described here.
Hiking - Two hiking trails accessed from a trailhead 0.5 miles from the entrance parking area offer moderate 1.3 mile and 1.5 mile walks through the pine flatwoods and hydric hammock habitat types. Each trail features overlooks providing visitors with panoramic vistas of shallow water feeding habitat of wading birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl.
Canoe/Kayaking - Two canoe trails, a 2.3-mile loop run and a 3.0-mile run, invite a relaxing way for visitors to observe area wildlife. Canoes may be launched from the Marsh Pond or Sam’s Creek launch sites. During low water periods the natural channel connecting the north marsh ponds is impassable. A depth gauge located at the Marsh Pond canoe launch indicates when the water depths in the ponds restrict navigation.
Boating is restricted in the south end of South Borrow Lake. This area provides critical nesting habitat to a variety of wading and diving birds. Human disturbances, although unintentional, can result in the loss of young hatchlings.
Wildlife Viewing - The coastal location and diversity of habitat types provide many wildlife watching opportunities which are enhanced by permanent blinds accessible by foot or canoe. Observation of wading birds is common, with fall migration bringing numerous species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and the white pelican to feed and rest in the shallow marsh pond and shore waters. The pine flatwoods provide habitat to resident and migratory songbirds. Red-tailed hawks, ospreys, and black vultures are often sighted, with occasional bald eagles seen soaring over the conservation lands.
American alligators and aquatic turtles are also common inhabitants of the expansive open water and marsh habitat types. These reptiles may often be observed basking near the water’s edge.
The endangered West Indian Manatee frequently seeks refuge in the peaceful waters of Sam’s Creek/Rinker Canal—often observed resting at the north end of this canal, particularly during winter and early spring months.
Fishing - Catch and release fishing is allowed throughout the conservation area.
Biking - Biking is permitted only on established roads. Please do not ride bikes on hiking trails.
Alligators are known to bite the hand that feeds them! Florida law prohibits the feeding and harassment of wildlife, including alligators.
Swimming is not allowed throughout the Pine Island Conservation Area.
Mosquitoes are common during the summer months. Cover up and use repellent, as needed.
Please read and abide by Park Rules (also posted at the Pine Island Road Entrance)
The EEL Program strives toward improved accessibility to natural areas and facilities on lands within the EEL sanctuary network.
Should you need assistance to enable full participation, please contact EEL Program staff at 321-255-4466 or
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For additional Recreation Sanctuaries see Recreation Guide
Pets and Smoking are not allowed in EEL Program Sanctuaries and Conservation Areas. We hope you understand that these rules are necessary to protect and preserve our sensitive ecosystems. See Recreation Guide listings for additional Dos and Don'ts at each site. Thank you for your cooperation!
This 1000-acre conservation area provides access to 2 trails at the trailhead 0.5 mile from main entrance. These moderate walks lead through pine flatwoods and hydric hammock habitats. Hikers will also see cabbage palm hammocks and hardwood hammocks, with mangrove forests and marshes fringing the Indian River Lagoon. The interior marsh ponds and borrow lakes make great spots for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Two canoe trails invite a relaxing way for visitors to observe area wildlife. Cycling is permitted on the established roads and bike trails only. Please do not ride bikes on hiking trails. Acquired and managed in partnership with SJRWMD
Size: 1000 acres
Management Region: Central, Ph: 321-255-4466
North Merritt Island
On the eastern shore of the Indian River Lagoon
2121 Pine Island Road, Merritt Island
From SR-528 (Beeline Cswy) take SR-3 north for 5.5 miles. Turn left on Pine Island Rd and go 2.5 miles to the unpaved parking area at the entrance.
From SR-520 go north on Courtenay Parkway (SR-3) across the Barge Canal and continue for 5.5 miles. Turn left on Pine Island Rd and go 2.5 miles to the unpaved parking area at the entrance.
Habitats: pine flatwoods, cabbage palm hammocks, hardwood hammocks, mangrove forests, and salt marshes
Wildlife: gopher tortoise, bobcat, Eastern indigo snake; Sam's Creek-West Indian manatee, bottlenose dolphin, alligator; Listed in State of Florida Great Florida Birding Trail-American wigeon, migratory blue-winged teal, migratory songbirds, waders, shorebirds, woodstork, osprey
ADA Access: Advance notice needed for special accommodations
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Horseback riding is prohibited in restored marsh areas. 2) Use caution around alligators. 3) Take necessary precautions for mosquitos during summer months. 4) Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles, and firearms are prohibited. 5) Removal of plants, animals, archeological, or cultural resources is prohibited. 6) Do not feed, disturb, or harm wildlife. 7) Stay on the trail for personal safety and protection of the natural environment.
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Volunteers are essential to the Pine Island Conservation Area. Help restore and preserve the Sanctuary's vitality for dependent birds and wildlife, and maintain passive recreational resources for future generations.
Here are just some of the ways you can enjoy your own recreation while you share your talents with our community and visitors...
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...the possibilities are endless! |
Requirements -- a smile, love of nature, willingness to learn and spend a little time in the outdoors! If this sounds like you, please contact us to find out more about volunteering.
Sanctuary Hours
October-April:
7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.,
May-September:
7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Ph: 321-255-4466
Fx: 321-255-4499
Regarding Email Sent to Staff:
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
Environmentally Endangered Lands Program Office
91 East Dr, Melbourne, FL 32904
Ph: 321-255-4466
Fx: 321-255-4499
OFFICE
LOCATOR --
East Dr is parallel to John Rodes
Blvd & Wickham Road. Access
East Dr from either Ellis Road or Dow Road;
or
from Sarno Road go south on North Dr then
left on Dow and right onto East Dr.
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