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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, situated due east of Titusville, on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, is a significant U.S. national Wildlife Refuge, encompassing a total area of 140,000 acres (567 sq-km) on the Merritt Island in the Brevard County. This refuge is considered to be a ‘gateway site’ for the Great Florida Birding Trail. It is bounded by the Canaveral National Seashore on the north and the Kennedy Space Center on the south. The major attractions at the refuge include the Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River.

The Merritt Island NWR features a wide range of habitats and is home to more than 117 species of fish, 330 species of birds, 1000 species of plants, 68 amphibians & reptile species, and 31 mammal species. Some of the more important species at the refuge include bald eagle, osprey, sea turtles, American alligators, many species of waterfowl and shore birds, Anhinga, Florida panther, Roseate spoonbills, and the Florida Scrub-Jay. The refuge is easily accessible to the public as a number of state highways run through the refuge. However, access to the refuge is restricted some days before a space shuttle launch or landing.

The major tourist activities in the refuge include hiking, boating, fishing, and driving. A number of trails are offered to the visitors with great wildlife-viewing opportunities. However, camping is allowed only for the organized youth organizations. The northern part of the Refuge also features an observation deck near the drawbridge, which carries State Road 3 over the Haulover Canal. Hunting for wildfowl is permitted on a strictly limited basis. The refuge also offers access to the Playalinda Beach on the outer barrier island. It is also home to a comprehensive Visitor Center.
Merritt Island NWR also serves as the administrative center for several other NWRs in central Florida, including the Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, the Pelican Island NWR, St. Johns NWR, and the Archie Carr NWR. Kennedy Parkway meanders through the refuge as well as through the Kennedy Space Center. This 12.21 miles (19.65 km) long roadway is 2-lane wide and it forms the west boundary of the Canaveral National Seashore.

• Mailing Address: Merritt Island NWR, PO Box 6504, Titusville, FL  32782
• Telephone: (321) 861-0667
• Hours: Mon - Fri, 8 AM - 4:30 PM; Sat, 9 AM - 5 PM; Sun, Nov - Mar, 9 AM - 5 PM
  
• Website: http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland/

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