Black Point Drive Enhancement Project
This project enhances birding opportunities for thousands of visitors to Merritt Island NWR while preserving the integrity of the natural habitat for wildlife. The new walking trail allows visitors to walk on dike roads to blinds to observe and photograph wildlife. The handicapped accessible observation platform allows equal access for wildlife viewing for all visitors. New educational signage shares the stories of the refuge and its inhabitants.
$50,000 plus $50,000 in local matching funds.
This refuge manages habitat for over 500 species of wildlife, including 21 federal and state listed threatened and endangered species, which is more than any other National Wildlife Refuge in the United States.
Where Spaceflight Meets Wildlife!
Just one hour east of the hustle and bustle of Orlando, Florida can be found one of the world’s most unique and extreme examples of how modern technology can coexist in harmony with the rhythms and beauty of the ancient natural world.
Merritt Island is home to both the Kennedy Space Center and the 140,000 acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR). Ironically, while it is hard to imagine that any wildlife could live in harmony with the thunderous launches of NASA’s Space Shuttles, this refuge does in fact provide crucial habitat and protection for over 500 animal species…more than any other National Wildlife Refuge in the United States.
It is truly one of the nation's most spectacular birding locations due in large part to its tremendous diversity of habitats: coastal dunes, salt marshes, shallow freshwater impoundments, mud flats, low palms, shrubs, palm hammocks and pine forest and flatwoods. All of which provide critical food and shelter for over 300 species of birds.
One of the best ways to see the diverse wildlife on the refuge is by slowly driving the Black Point Wildlife Drive, especially during the early morning or evening hours. This 7-mile, one-way loop runs alongside of canals and through numerous salt and freshwater marshes. Wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl, alligators, otters, and other species of wildlife are frequently seen in the area. Some amenities along the drive that were recently enhanced through a WBU Pathways to Nature grant include: a birding trail with two wildlife viewing blinds, two spotting scopes, a handicapped accessible observation tower and modern restrooms.
After leaving the wildlife drive, it is only a few minutes to the Manatee Observation Deck, located on the northeast side of the Haulover Canal. This observation platform overlooks an area that is a frequent feeding area for the endangered Florida Manatee, with dozens of them sometimes being in view at one time. While they have no natural enemies and may live for over 60 years, their population has been greatly reduced and threatened by changes wrought to their environment. The opportunity for a prolonged and leisurely view of these rare manatees as they rest, feed and surface to breathe every three to four minutes is an experience not to be missed.
Nor is a visit to this amazing national wildlife refuge where nature and modern man coexist in great benefit to the health and wellbeing of both.For more information about Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, visit:
http://merrittisland.fws.gov/.
The Pathways To Nature Conservation Fund is a partnership between Wild Birds Unlimited stores and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to fund environmental education and wildlife viewing projects. We encourage all of our customers to visit these incredible places. Your patronage helped make these projects possible!
