Enchanted Forest Sanctuary Field Trip

Back in the late 1960s, I drove to work through a portion of the Enchanted Forest. Co-workers and I would compare notes as to what wild critters we saw on our way in. Back then, we didn’t give much thought to over-development or land preservation – we focused on astronauts and moon walks.

Fast-forward to 1990, when Brevard County citizens approved a referendum for funding the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program, charged with acquiring environmentally sensitive land and making it available to the public through passive recreation and environmental education. Under the able direction of friend Dr. Duane De Freese, the first phase of the EEL Program was to identify and acquire these sensitive lands, and the Enchanted Forest property was the first acquisition. When the development phase of the Program kicked in, the Enchanted Forest was chosen to be the “Flagship” sanctuary.

The Just the Facts section below will tell you the basics of how to get there and what to expect. I want to talk here about how “enchanting” this Sanctuary really is. From the moment you turn off the main road, you’ll start to unwind. Even the parking lot is mellow. The Education Center houses hands-on exhibits, a cozy library, a dandy gift shop, classrooms, and restrooms. A huge screened-in porch provides room for mosquito-free activities. Benches are tucked around a landscape dotted with big coquina boulders. My photo does not do it justice, but it should help you get an idea of the thought and love that went into this design.

When friend Margie and I attended the Archeology Month Kickoff Event, we viewed the exhibits set up in the screened-in porch, watched an atlatl demonstration, and took a guided hike led by Volunteer Joe Zayas (in this photo, Joe is the fellow in the blue shirt). Joe is a founding member of the Sanctuary and knows it like the back of his hand. We got a smattering of geology, history, biology, botany, and wildlife information, but even more so, I think Joe left everybody with a greater understanding of the importance of preservation and conservation. He has been involved with the preservation of Enchanted Forest for over 20 years, and certainly qualifies for my designation of Conservation Hero!

In previous posts, we spoke of habitat in general and scrub habitat specifically. The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary includes five basic habitat types: oak scrub, mesic and hydric, hammock, wet prairie, and pine flatwood. Fortunately, as you approach the Education Center building, you can pick up a little green booklet titled “Exploring Biodiversity – Self-Guided Hike” to use during your visit. It’s an easy-to-read booklet with great, useful information – be sure to pick one up. (That’s friend Margie standing by a Hike Desk with literature that includes the booklet.) Guided tours are also offered, and you’ll find the staff and volunteers to be friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Margie and I have lived in Florida for so long that we were amazed to find that the Sanctuary actually has hills. Joe explained that this high ground is an ancient coastal dune, part of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, and that we were about 30 feet above sea level, standing on one of the highest points in Brevard County. What fun stuff to think about, and the children in the group seemed fascinated by the possibilities.

I can’t begin to tell you everything we saw, heard, and learned on our hike – Margie and I took so many photos that I’ve included a slideshow (far right column). This is a wonderful place to spend the day – don’t miss it!

ENCHANTED FOREST SANCTUARY

JUST THE FACTS

"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION: North Brevard, Mainland, Titusville

WHEN TO GO: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)

HOW TO GET THERE: 444 Columbia Boulevard, Titusville, Florida
From I-95 southbound: take SR-50 to first light, turn right and go east 4 miles on SR-405. The Sanctuary entrance is on the north side of SR-405 across from the Space Coast Regional Airport. From I-95 northbound: take SR-407 north to SR-405 and go east through two lights. The entrance is on the north side of SR-405, 0.25 miles past the second light.
From US Hwy 1: the entrance is 0.5 miles west of US Hwy 1 on SR-405.

WHERE TO PARK: There is a spacious parking lot.

WHAT TO WEAR: You’ll be hiking through sand, so wear comfortable shoes. Depending on the time of year you visit, remember sunscreen, water, and mosquito repellant.

PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS: The Education Center includes a feature called Enchanted Crossing – an interpretive nature trail with a stabilized surface for universal accessibility. The trails through the Sanctuary are soft sand and there are some inclines, so take your physical limitations into consideration as you are planning your hike. Ask the Staff for recommendations if you have concerns. There are some benches and rocks along the way for sitting. Bathroom facilities are in the Education Center building.

HOW LONG TO STAY: If you have brought food along, you could easily spend the better part of the day wandering around, sitting and contemplating life, etc., but it all depends on how much you want to see and learn.

WHAT TO DO: Hike, sit and enjoy the view, look at the educational exhibits in the Center, take a guided tour – lots of possibilities.

BRING MONEY?: The Sanctuary is free, but the Gift Shop in the Center has some neat things to buy.

WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS: Margie and I finished our day by eating at the iconic Dixie Crossroads, an attraction in its own right! Co-owned by local environmentalist Laurilee Thompson, its offerings include different types of shrimp harvested by their own fleet, and you’ll start your meal with a basket of corn fritters that are totally addictive. Their papergoods are biodegradable. You’ll see a quote by Laurilee in the We Think section of this site.

HOW TO HELP: Don’t litter, and respect these sensitive lands. Support the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program if you are a Brevard County voter. Volunteers are essential to the Sanctuary, so lend a hand.

REFERENCE LINKS:
Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
Friends of Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
Environmentally Endangered Lands Program
coquina
Florida Archeology Month
atlatl
habitats
Dixie Crossroads