Visiting the Refuge New Public Facilities Educational and Recreational Opportunities
HOME THE REFUGE History Wildlife Habitat The Indian River Lagoon Visiting the Refuge Planning & Management Environmental Education     SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS National Historic Landmark Save America's Treasures Wetland of International Importance National Wilderness Area     FACT SHEET REFUGE PUBLICATIONS PELICAN ISLAND PRESERVATION SOCIETY VOLUNTEER PHOTO GALLERY CONTACT US			Refuge Hours 7:30 am - Sunset daily Monday - Sunday. Refuge Map • Centennial Trail Fact Sheet - pdf Pelican Island Visitor Facilities and Restoration Plan - pdf Click on a picture to see an enlargement. Public facilities on the refuge were made open to the public on March 14, 2003 as a part of the Centennial Celebration of Pelican Island and the National Wildlife Refuge System. The facilities include a boardwalk and observation tower to view Pelican Island and 2 salt marsh impoundment trails and restrooms. Recreational Opportunities at this site include hiking, wildlife observation and photography and bank fishing. Additional facilities are planned and are under development and will include an informational kiosk and boardwalk at the Pelican Island Welcome and Orientation Area, a 1/2 mile wildlife drive through restored habitat, and a boardwalk and covered overlook connecting Bird's and Pete's Impoundments overlooking Collin's Hole. These facilities will be integrated with the restored natural communities to provide visitors the experience of traveling along tree-lined trails and into habitat opening and edges where they can view wading birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Currently, the following facilities are available for you to explore on the refuge: The Pelican Island Welcome and Orientation Area Northernmost parking area, restrooms and impoundment foot trial. Park at the Orientation Area; walk north on Jungle Trail to access Bird's Impoundment Foot Trail. Bicycles, horse back riding, pets and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. Bird's Impoundment Trail (North impoundment) 2.5 mile loop around a salt marsh impoundment. The impoundment is cooperatively managed for wading bird foraging habitat, mosquito control, and natural tidal exchange. This trail offers mangrove openings and edges to the impoundment to view wading birds, shorebirds and waterfowl. Recreational opportunities include hiking, wildlife observation and photography and fishing. Fishing is permitted in designated areas outside of the impoundment (on the Lagoon side). The Pelican Island Viewing Area Located 1/2 mile south on Jungle Trail, includes parking and two foot trials. Park at the Viewing Area; Pete's Impoundment Foot Trail is accessible from the Centennial Trail. Bicycles, horse back riding, pets and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails. The Centennial Trail: 1/2mile round trip path and boardwalk culminating to an 18 ft observation tower to view Pelican Island. Educational and Recreational Opportunities: Learn about the history of the National Wildlife Refuge System through a series of interpretive panels along the boardwalk; view the historic Pelican Island from the observation tower and observe many species of birds and wildlife of the refuge and the Indian River Lagoon. Allow 1 hour. Disabled accessibility.       • Centennial Trail Fact Sheet - pdf Pete's Impoundment Trail (South impoundment) 2.5 mile loop around a salt marsh impoundment. The impoundment is cooperatively managed for wading bird foraging habitat, mosquito control, and natural tidal exchange. This trail offers mangrove openings and edges to the impoundment to view wading birds, shorebirds and waterfowl. Recreational opportunities include hiking, wildlife observation, photography and fishing. Fishing is permitted in designated areas outside of the impoundment (on the Lagoon side).
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