Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program

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Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program EEL sanctuaries are managed to preserve native habitats and the plants and animals that live there.

The Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program was established in 1990 to protect the natural habitats of Brevard County by acquiring environmentally sensitive lands for conservation, passive recreation, and environmental education. The Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program was made possible by citizens who voted to tax themselves up to $55 million dollars for the acquisition and maintenance of Brevard’s natural areas. Residents reaffirmed the EEL Program in 2004 under a second referendum to protect the natural habitats within Brevard County by the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands through a willing seller program for the purpose of conservation, passive recreation, and environmental education. To stretch these funds as far as possible, the EEL Program forms partnerships with federal, state and local agencies that are committed to the protection of natural resources and our long-term quality of life. The EEL Program has three education centers:
-Barrier Island Sanctuary in Melbourne Beach
-Enchanted Forest in Titusville
-Sams House at Pine Island in Merritt Island

Search this page by Center name if you wish to filter posts and events to a specific center.

If you have a photo from your visit to an EEL property that you would like to be featured next month, please send to eel...
02/11/2026

If you have a photo from your visit to an EEL property that you would like to be featured next month, please send to [email protected] with the subject "Photo of the Month"
🐦🐝🐍🌳🍄🦝🐇🌸🕷🐢🦌🍂🦋

🌤️Ready to embrace your inner naturalist? See below!🐦Saturday Bird WalksJoin the Naturalist Staff of Sams House every ...
02/11/2026

🌤️Ready to embrace your inner naturalist? See below!

🐦Saturday Bird Walks
Join the Naturalist Staff of Sams House every Saturday (weather permitting) as we look and listen for birds around the park. We encourage you to bring your own binoculars if possible, but we have a limited supply to borrow if necessary. No registration is required!
🕑9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📆Saturday, November 7
📍Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area, 6195 N. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island (321) 449-4720

🏡Sams Touch Table
Stop by Sams House to explore a hands-on collection of natural artifacts, including shells, skulls, feathers, fossils, and more. Touch, observe, and learn about Florida's native plants, wildlife, and ecosystems. A new theme each month means there's always something new to discover!
🕑11:00 AM -3:00 PM
📆Saturday, November 7
📍Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area, 6195 N. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island (321) 449-4720

🧘‍♀️Yoga in Nature
Join local yoga instructors for a traditional class for all levels on the porch! Bring water and a mat. Please dress appropriately for outdoor weather. Classes are first come, first served. Space Limited!
🕑9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
📆Sunday, November 8
📍Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, 444 Columbia Blvd, Titusville (321) 264-5185

See more like this here: https://www.facebook.com/eelbrevard/events

DID YOU KNOW? Florida black bears can get BIG!💥Two of the largest black bears ever found in Florida weighed a whopping 7...
01/11/2026

DID YOU KNOW? Florida black bears can get BIG!💥

Two of the largest black bears ever found in Florida weighed a whopping 740 and 760 pounds! Both bears were found hanging around neighborhoods, helping themselves to a buffet of trash cans.

Just like us, bears are always on the lookout for an easy meal! When bears have access to human food and garbage, they can take in more calories than they would while foraging naturally in the wild. That’s one BIG reason why securing our trash cans and keeping food away from bears is so important!

❄️ So, what happens to bears during the winter in Florida?
Even here in the Sunshine State, food can become harder to find during the cooler months. Both male and female bears may lose weight, sometimes up to 25% of their body weight while denning!
Unlike bears in colder climates, Florida black bears don't go through true hibernation. Instead, they enter a period called denning, when they become less active and spend more time resting. As spring arrives and plants begin to grow again, food becomes more available, and bears become more active.

🌳 Remember: Living alongside wildlife means doing our part to keep wild animals wild! Secure those trash cans, bring in pet food, and never intentionally feed a bear.

💚 Help us protect Florida’s incredible wildlife, one small action at a time!

🍃✅: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/
📷: Footprint photo provided by Teresa Nick, Fox Lake Sanctuary

🎃Happy Halloween!🎃
31/10/2026

🎃Happy Halloween!🎃

🌿 Volunteer Spotlight: Martha! 🌿For the past 30 years, Martha has dedicated countless hours to supporting the staff and ...
30/10/2026

🌿 Volunteer Spotlight: Martha! 🌿
For the past 30 years, Martha has dedicated countless hours to supporting the staff and mission of the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary and Sams House! Her passion for the Forest, wealth of knowledge, and unwavering commitment have made her an invaluable part of our community.

Martha’s dedication extends far beyond her volunteer hours. She has served as an employee of Sams House, worked with the Pine Island Preservation Society, and held numerous leadership roles, including president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. She is also a co-founder of The Friends of the Enchanted Forest, Inc., helping lay the foundation for the support and stewardship our sanctuary continues to enjoy today.

❤️Known for her professionalism, kindness, and respect for everyone she meets, Martha is a wonderful greeter who makes visitors feel welcome. She is one of those special people who seems to know everyone—and everyone knows and LOVES her!
Martha, your dedication, generosity, and love for the Enchanted Forest have left a lasting impact on our sanctuary and its visitors. We are incredibly grateful for all you have done over the past three decades and for everything you continue to do today.

Thank you, Martha!

For over 30 years of service, friendship, and love for the Forest! 🌳🐦💚
Join us in celebrating Martha and thanking her for being such an extraordinary part of the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary family! Be like Martha, Volunteer with us! Or Become a Friends of the Enchanted Forest, Inc. Member!

Join the Friends Here: https://friendsoftheenchantedforestinc.wildapricot.org/

Find out more about volunteering with us here: https://www.brevardfl.gov/EELProgram/VolunteerOpportunities

🐈While in The United States is normally used to raise awareness for shelter cat adoption, let’s take a look at Florida...
29/10/2026

🐈While in The United States is normally used to raise awareness for shelter cat adoption, let’s take a look at Florida’s native cat populations!

🐾The Florida Panther (puma concolor coryi), a subspecies of pumas, is just one branch of a cat family tree that lives across both North, Central, and South America. These cats are apex predators who can adapt and thrive in a variety of ecosystems! While sightings of the Florida panther are not especially common in Brevard—since most live south of the Caloosahatchee River—this version of big cat has been around for about 3 million years. Weighing in between 70 and 160 pounds and standing approximately 26 inches tall at the shoulder, panthers are best viewed from a distance.

🐾By contrast, the Bobcat (lynx rufus) is only around twice the size of a housecat. Standing at an average of 21 inches at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from 12 to 18 pounds, bobcat sightings are far more common. Their natural habitat is often occupied by humans, so it is very important to know how to keep yourself and animals safe around these ambush hunters. Small pets like cats, birds, rabbits, and little dogs are perfect prey for a bobcat with shrinking territory. Keeping dogs close while on walks, cats indoors, and outdoor animals in proper enclosures—especially at night—can reduce the chances of these native cats trying to make dinner plans with your pets!

🐾It is important to remember that no matter how cute or fluffy, these are wild animals and should never be approached! If you come across a sick, injured, or dead panther or bobcat, contact FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) to report the sighting.

📝Source: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/panther/description/ and https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/bobcat/

As the weather starts to cool, it's the perfect time to try new things and have new experiences! Here's how our parks an...
26/10/2026

As the weather starts to cool, it's the perfect time to try new things and have new experiences! Here's how our parks and sanctuaries can help you do that!

🎣Sustainable Surf Fishing – Hands On Workshop
🕑4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
📆Wednesday, October 28
📍Barrier Island Center, 8385 S. Highway A1A Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
An introductory program for anyone who wants to learn how to start fishing the local beaches. Rules, bait, casting & more! Free Fun!
Rider Ridgeway, Environmentally Endangered Lands Program Coordinator, will offer an introductory class for anyone who wants to learn how to start fishing our local beaches.
Participants between 16 and 64 years of age must have a FWC shoreline-saltwater license (free for Florida residents)
Learn More Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1586306719964978
To register email: [email protected]

⛈Batten the Hatches: History of Florida East Coast Hurricanes
🕓10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📅Friday, October 30
📍Sams House at Pine Island, 6195 N. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Join us as Robbie Boggs, Public Archaeology Coordinator, gives a presentation on the impact of hurricanes.
If you’re a Floridian, you know firsthand the impact of hurricanes! In this talk, we take a look at some of Florida’s most famous (or infamous) hurricanes and the important role they’ve played in shaping and revealing Florida’s history.
Registration required: [email protected]

🦐Touch Tank
🕐10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📅Sunday, November 1
📍Barrier Island Center 8385 Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Interact with our interesting inverts at the Barrier Island Center and learn more about their unique characteristics. Perfect for kids and adults alike!

For more events going on at our parks, visit our parks calendars:
- General Calendar: https://www.brevardfl.gov/ParksAndRecreation/ParksCalendar
- Persons with Disabilities Program Calendar:
https://tinyurl.com/7vpy487p
- Environmentally Endangered Lands Calendar: https://www.brevardfl.gov/EELProgram/ProgramCalendar

Address

91 E Drive
FL

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+13212554466

Website

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