November Beginning Bird Watching Tours

Take a driving tour of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge with a trained US Fish and Wildlife Service volunteer to learn how to identify the many birds that frequent the refuge. One tour per day leaves the Refuge Visitor Center at 9 am and last for approximately three to four hours. Suggested items to bring include binoculars, camera, field guides, bug repellant, water and a snack. Loaner binoculars are available.

There is a $3.00 fee per person, children ages 16 and under are free.

• Tour Dates
• Thursdays: 11/5, 11/12, 11/19
• Saturdays: 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28
• Sundays: 11/8, 11/22, 11/29

Space is limited. Please call 321-861-5601 to make reservations.

All About Alligators

Join a refuge volunteer, Kathy Eichinger, for a natural history program about the American alligator. View a photo presentation, handle gator artifacts, and learn where the "big boys" hang out. The presentations will be held at the Visitor Center Auditorium on Saturdays, November 7 and 14 at 2 pm. Please call 321-861-5601 to make reservations.

All About Manatees

Join a Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer for a presentation on the endangered manatee. Learn fascinating manatee facts through a power point presentation and hands on manatee artifacts. A field trip to view wild manatees at the Manatee Observation Deck will follow.

The program is scheduled for Saturday, November 28 at 2 pm. Please calll 321-861-5601 to make reservations.

Hawk Watch Program

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge volunteer, Al Brayton, is presenting a program on the refuge's hawk species. He will cover the natural history and distinguishing features of the common hawks and falcons. The program will consist of a photographic presentation at the Visitor Center and a driving tour in the refuge van.

The program is scheduled for Friday, November 13 at 9 am. Space is limited. Please contact Ranger Nancy Corona at 321-861-5601 to make reservations.

Fly Fishing Seminar

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Friend's group, the Merritt Island Wildlife Association (MIWA) is hosting a Fly Fishing Seminar on Saturday, November 28 from 9 am to 2 pm. The event will take place at the refuge's Sendler Education Outpost located on SR 3, south of Haulover Canal. Cost for adults is $20 and children ages 12 and under are free. Fly casting, fly tying, and fly fishing from your boat are just a few of the demos at the event. Get some hands on tips on fly fishing from local outfitters. This is a great family program and a good way to get the kids outdoors. Hot dogs and snacks will be available for purchase. For questions, comments, and reservations please call the MIWA office at 321-861-2377.

Hike Oak Hammock

Join Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge volunteer Jim Stahl for a 3/4 mile hike through a hardwood hammock on Saturday, November 21 at 10 am. Enjoy the fall weather while learning about the many plants and animals that live in this habitat. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and insect repellant. Loaner binoculars are available. Call 321-861-5601 to make reservations and for information.

Fall Nature Reading & Craft Program: Owls

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a fall program for children ages 5 -10. Children accompanied by an adult are invited to participate in a nature program about owls that will include a story, craft and nature activities. The program is free and is scheduled for Sunday, November 22 at 2 pm. Please call 321-861-5601 to make reservations and for information.

Scrub Ridge Trail Hike- An Endangered Habitat

Join a Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge volunteer for an easy 1 mile guided tour of Scrub Ridge Trail. Learn about the plants and animals that survive in this endangered and unique habitat. Observe the threatened Florida Scrub Jay, gopher tortoise, migrant birds and other wildlife inhabitants and learn about some of the scrubland plants and flowers.

The program is scheduled for Sunday, November 29 at 10 am. Call 321-861-5601 to make reservations. Loaner binoculars will be available. Bring water, sunscreen and insect repellant.

Brevard Watercolor Society 7th Annual Art Exhibition

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is proud to present the seventh annual "Watercolor Images of the Refuge" art exhibition by members of the Brevard Watercolor Society (BWS). The 40 original paintings highlight the fauna and flora of the Refuge and will be on view at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) Visitor Center auditorium from November 7, 2009 through January 31, 2010 during regular business hours.

The general public is invited to the opening reception scheduled for Sunday, November 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please RSVP to the MIWA office at 321-861-2377. Original paintings will be on sale and a portion of the proceeds will be donated by the artists to MIWA. In addition, matted prints of some of the paintings be on sale at the Visitor Center Bookery.

The Visitor Center is located on SR 402, 5 miles east of U.S. 1 in Titusville

Adopt a Trail...Shore...Spot...Road Program

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is proud to announce a new program to help reduce and control litter. Individuals, families, civic groups, clubs, school groups and businesses are invited to participate. The program is patterned after the National Adopt a Road program. Areas open for adoption include interior roads, shorelines, trails and spots such as boat launches and Refuge entrances. Participating members of the program will commit to three litter clean ups per year in their adopted area. Adopting organizations will get a recognition sign posted at their site. Please join us in keeping your refuge clean. Please call Ranger Nancy Corona at 321-861-0668 for more information.