Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
WEBSITE:
http://www.fws.gov/pelicanisland/

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge has the distinction of being the first National Wildlife Refuge in the United States.  Created in 1903 by order of President Theodore Roosevelt, Pelican Island was set aside as a haven to protect birds from the plume hunters that were driving many of Florida’s birds close to extinction.  Since then, over 500 National Wildlife Refuges have been created across the United States as land where wildlife may be protected.  The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service administers the National Wildlife Refuge system.

The Refuge today consists of over 5,400-acres spread across the Indian River Lagoon and part of the barrier island.  Boaters, canoeists, and kayakers can explore a labyrinth of mangrove islands along with stopping to picnic on shady manmade islands created when the Indian River Lagoon was dredged to deepen the channel.  Tiny Pelican Island itself is closed to the public so as not to disturb the many different species of birds that use the island as a rookery or a place to rest.

The Refuge is located about three miles south of Sebastian Inlet State Park on State Road A1A.  From Vero Beach, take A1A about 3.7 miles north of the Wabasso Causeway (County Road 510).  Look for the large brown Refuge sign then make a left turn onto Jungle Trail.  There are two parking areas.  The first is on the left and contains restrooms with running water and a drinking fountain.  The second parking lot is further down Jungle Trail on the right.  There is a sign marking this as the Pelican Island Viewing Area.

From the parking lot, one may hike the quarter-mile paved trail to the observation tower overlooking Pelican Island.  An informational kiosk provides information about the Refuge.  Two other hiking trails at the Refuge, each about 2.5 miles in length, circle the mosquito impoundments and provide excellent views of birds foraging through the shallow water.  The visitor is advised to bring water, bug repellant, and sun protection along with wearing sturdy shoes to hike the impoundment trails.

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