Unveiled Jewel of Florida Wildlife Sanctuary: A Paradise for Nature Enthusiasts Offering Breathtaking Trails
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, located near Vero Beach, Florida, USA (27.7260° N latitude, 80.4850° W longitude), is a haven for nature lovers and a crucial habitat for various species. The refuge, which began in the 1880s, was the first-ever National Wildlife Refuge in the United States, thanks to an executive order issued by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903.
The refuge, now covering 5,400 acres, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including brown pelicans, wood storks, American oystercatchers, Southeastern beach mice, gophers, and tortoises. Visitors can access the refuge via the Jungle Trail, which can be biked or driven, offering opportunities to spot wildlife before parking at the head of the nature trails.
A self-guided audio tour can be accessed via QR code on a smartphone, making exploration more engaging. An interpretive panel is dotted along the trails, but a bird-identifier app or reference book is recommended for identification. One of the trails, the Centennial Trail, is under one mile long, fully wheelchair accessible, and leads to an observation tower with a panoramic view.
The brown pelican, the state bird of Louisiana, can reach wingspans of more than seven feet and live longer than 30 years. Watching brown pelicans feed is a spectacle to behold, as they dive-bomb from 60 feet or higher, scooping gallons of water and startled fish into their pouches.
Paul Kroegel, a homesteader in Sebastian, Florida, was alarmed by the dwindling number of brown pelicans due to hunting for their feathers. He recruited Senator Frank Chapman to stop the massacre of brown pelicans, and together, they worked tirelessly to protect these species from adverse changes in the ecosystem that could affect or contaminate their feeding ground and their eggs and babies.
Visitors are encouraged to bring mosquito and sun protection, a good pair of binoculars, water, and comfortable shoes. Pets are not allowed on the trails at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
In fall, migrating birds fly south to the refuge, while in spring, 16 species of birds make their nests there. The refuge offers opportunities to spot rare wildlife up close, particularly during fall, spring, and winter. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
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