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 provides 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 Barrier Island Management and Education Center partners with the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) who provide support for gift shop operations, volunteer coordination, and educational outreach including guided sea turtle hikes in June and July (click the Calendar tab and see Turtle Watch for details).
Other partners include:
The Management and Education Center would not have been possible without the generous support of the Richard K. Mellon Foundation. The Mellon Foundation purchased the abandoned "Chuck's Steakhouse" and donated the parcel to Brevard County for the purpose of building and operating an educational facility.
The 34-acre Barrier Island Sanctuary consists of the Management and Education Center site along with two adjacent parcels stretching across the narrow barrier island—from the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean. The Sanctuary offers visitors a unique interpretive hiking trail that weaves through a cross section of all the barrier island habitats.
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!
| Tuesday, 21 July, 2009 - Turtle Walks at Barrier Island Center |
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Barrier Island Center Turtle Walks at Barrier Island Center 9:00 p.m. Remaining Nights Available: Join a presentation and guided walk to learn about and observe threatened loggerhead sea turtles nesting on the beaches of the barrier island. Donation of $10 is non-refundable. Reservations are limited to 20 each night. Call 321.723.3556 to make your reservation. |
| Friday, 24 July, 2009 - ECO-EXPLORERS Camp at Barrier Island |
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ECO-EXPLORERS |
| Wednesday, 29 July, 2009 - Turtle Walks at Barrier Island Center |
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Barrier Island Center Turtle Walks at Barrier Island Center 9:00 p.m. Remaining Nights Available: Join a presentation and guided walk to learn about and observe threatened loggerhead sea turtles nesting on the beaches of the barrier island. Donation of $10 is non-refundable. Reservations are limited to 20 each night. Call 321.723.3556 to make your reservation. |
| Wednesday, 29 July, 2009 - Lights Out for Sea Turtles! |
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LIGHTS OUT for Sea Turtles! 1 May to 31 October 9:00 p.m. Sea turtle nesting season is here! Prevent disorientation of nesting female and hatchling sea turtles -- Turn off all indoor and outdoor lighting visible from the beach after dark |
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 provides 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 are open daily to the public (except Mondays and holidays listed above).
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 1-mile loop hiking trail, kayak launch, fishing and wildlife observation. Advance notice needed for special accommodations.
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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!
Management & Education Center
Hours
Located on the barrier island, this 34-acre sanctuary features the second EEL Program Management and Education Center. The new center is a modern educational facility with classrooms, an interactive exhibit room, a library, offices, auditorium, restrooms and a gift shop. Providing a focal point for the Archie Carr Refuge and the associated barrier island ecosystem, the center provides exhibit space and a presentation hall for hosting ongoing educational programs that promote stewardship of the area’s fragile natural resources. The 5,700 square foot facility offers an educational resource for visiting school groups from throughout Brevard County, as well as for residents and tourists. The Center, with gift shop and exhibits opens daily to the public beginning May 12, 2008.
Situated in the heart of the Archie
Carr National Wildlife Refuge, the trail features examples of several barrier island habitats. The trail includes some raised boardwalk
and winds through an active restoration area providing observation
of a living laboratory of land management and restoration science.
Much of the sanctuary was heavily impacted by nonnative
plant species such as Brazilian pepper and Australian pine trees
in recent years. Now, with the majority of alien plant species
removed, native habitats such as cabbage palm hammock, maritime
hammock, saltmarsh, mangrove swamp, and the Indian River Lagoon
are regaining a foothold and
are viewable along the trail.
Donated
to the EEL Program by the Richard King Mellon
Foundation
More about Management & Education Centers
Size: 34-acre
Management Region: South
Beaches, Ph: 321-723-3556
Barrier Sanctuary Management & Education Center
8385 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
From I-95 take Melbourne Exit-180/US-192 east across the Melbourne Causeway to SR-A1A. Turn right and go 14.5 miles south on Hwy-A1A. The Center is on the left. From Sebastion Inlet: Go to 1.5 miles north to the Center.
Barrier Island Trail
8380 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
From US-192 (Melbourne
Cswy) go 14 miles south on A1A.On the west side of A1A between the highway and the Indian River Lagoon. From Sebastian Inlet go
2 miles north on A1A. Parking is available at the Management & Education Center.
Habitats: dune,
coastal strand, maritime hammock, and mangrove forest
Wildlife: roseate
spoonbill, osprey, alligator, bobcat, screech owl, giant land crab
ADA Access: Advance
notice needed for special accommodations
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles, and firearms are prohibited. 2) Removal of plants, animals, archeological, or cultural resources is prohibited. 3) Do not feed, disturb, or harm wildlife. 4) Stay on the trail for personal safety and protection of the natural environment.
| Friday, 24 July, 2009 - ECO-EXPLORERS Camp at Barrier Island |
ECO-EXPLORERS |
June & July: Tuesday and Wednesday 9:00 p.m.
$10 donation per person
Beginning May 1, call 321-723-3556 to make your reservation..
Learn about and observe the threatened loggerhead sea turtles nesting within the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s east central coast beaches.
The refuge is the largest nesting habitat for loggerhead sea turtles in the Western Hemisphere, has more endangered green sea turtles nest in the refuge than any other place in North America, and the world’s largest sea turtle--the endangered leatherback--nests in the refuge too.
Walks are offered by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) and US Fish and Wildlife Service with hopes that the experience will inspire future naturalists and sea turtle advocates!
If interested, contact Donna Lee at the Barrier Island Center for dates and availability. Call 321-723-3556 during office hours, Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Additional details provided with reservation.
Volunteers are essential to the Barrier Island Sanctuary. Join in the fun while you help preserve the Sanctuary's natural beauty for the future.
Interested in helping educate our community and visitors? Here are just some of the ways you can become involved and share your talents...
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...the possibilities are endless! |
Requirements -- a smile, willingness to learn, love of nature, desire to give a little time each week to the community, commitment to helping sea turtles and their environment! If this sounds like you, please contact us to find out more about volunteering.
Office Hours
Tuesday through Sunday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Ph: 321-723-3556
Fx: 321-952-3207
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.
Barrier Island Sanctuary Management & Education Center
8385 S Hwy A1A
Melbourne Beach,
FL 32951
Ph: 321-723-3556
Fx: 321-952-3207
Center Hours
Tuesday through Sunday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Trail Hours
October-April:
7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
May-September:
7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
LOCATOR — Map
Barrier Island Center
8385 S Highway A1A
Melbourne Beach
From I-95 take Melbourne Exit-180/US-192 east across the Melbourne Causeway to SR-A1A. Turn right and go 14.5 miles south on Hwy-A1A. The Center is on the left. From Sebastion Inlet: Go to 1.5 miles north to the Center.
Barrier Island Trail
8380 S Highway A1A,
Melbourne Beach
From US-192 (Melbourne
Cswy) go 14 miles south on A1A.On the west side of A1A between the highway and the Indian River Lagoon. From Sebastian Inlet go
2.6 miles north on A1A. Parking is available at the Management & Education Center.
Enter your search query and search eelbrevard.com & brevardparks.com websites...
