Welcome to The Enchanted Forest...
Sanctuary Hours
Tuesday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
A "Flagship" sanctuary, the
Enchanted Forest Sanctuary is the first property that was purchased by the Brevard County EEL Program. This 470-acre forest is part of a
sanctuary network that the EEL Program is working to establish in the county.
Located in the southern limits of
the City of Titusville, the Enchanted
Forest Sanctuary preserves a diversity of natural habitats. Several
miles of hiking trails allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty
of the region.
Wildlife observation,
nature photography, and hiking are popular recreational activities.
The Management & Education Center interprets the Sanctuary's
unique natural features for visitors of all ages and abilities.
There are five basic
habitat types: oak scrub, mesic and hydric hammock,
wet prairie, and pine flatwood. Wildlife species found here
include the Eastern indigo snake, Florida scrub lizard, gopher tortoise,
white-tailed deer, and bobcat.
A wonderful wealth
of plant life also abounds as both temperate (northern) and
subtropical (southern) species grow in the Sanctuary together.
The Hernandez-Capron Trail and the
Addison/Ellis Canal are outstanding
cultural resources. These features tell stories that offer visitors
a peek into Brevard's unique history.
Pets and Smoking are not allowed in EEL Program Sanctuaries and Conservation Areas. We hope you understand that these rules are necessary to protect and preserve our sensitive ecosystems. See Recreation Guide listings for additional Dos and Don'ts at each site. Thank you for your cooperation!
Calendar of Activities & Events, Workdays, Meetings...
Upcoming Listed Below or see Filtered Calendar for all EEL North Region listings
Pets and Smoking are not allowed in EEL Program Sanctuaries and Conservation Areas. We hope you understand that these rules are necessary to protect and preserve our sensitive ecosystems. See Recreation Guide listings for additional Dos and Don'ts at each site. Thank you for your cooperation!
Tour & Trail Map...
Management & Education Center
The
Enchanted Forest Sanctuary Management and Education Center provides interpretive educational exhibits, two 25 - person
capacity classrooms, offices, a reference library, restrooms,
and a gift shop. In addition, the Center features an exterior
screened porch and walkway, an outdoor amphitheater, and the
Enchanted Crossing — an interpretive nature trail with
a stabilized surface for universal accessibility.
A primary
goal for the Center is to be a model of universal accessibility
to outdoor areas. All features of the Center and interpretive
trail are focused on accessibility for all people regardless
of age or ability.
The Amphitheatre
The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary amphitheatre is situated under
an ancient oak tree in a mesic hammock. It provides
a shaded outdoor venue for cultural events, educational programs, lectures, and presentations. Ideal for scheduling field
trips and group gatherings, the amphitheatre is also a quiet place
for casual visitors to rest and reflect.
Located near
the Education and Management Center and close to the
parking area, a paved trail makes the amphitheatre easily
accessible.
Gift Shop
The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary Gift Shop is
located in the Management and Education Center. It is a small
shop with affordable prices offering a unique collection of
souvenirs, educational merchandise and decorator items that
reflect the Sanctuary and its habitat. Shop here for t-shirts
and gifts, as well as home and garden decor.
Staffed by The Friends of The
Enchanted Forest, a
non-profit volunteer organization, proceeds from sales directly
support the operation and maintenance of the Sanctuary.
Trail
The 393-acre Sanctuary offers a shaded environment to hike and
view nature and wildlife where plant and animal diversity
abounds! It is one of the few places in Brevard County
where subtropical and temperate plant species are found together,
and where exposed layers of coquina rock that form the Atlantic
Coastal Ridge can be viewed. Hikers frequently report sightings
of wildlife species such as the gopher tortoise, Florida scrub
lizards, and sometimes the resident bobcat.
As you descend fifteen to twenty feet from the desert-like scrub on the ancient
Atlantic Coastal Ridge into the shadowy, moist Mesic Hammock
with its huge canopy, you might glimpse a gopher tortoise,
and you will certainly notice the many different species of
trees and shrubs.Where the plants of the temperate climate
overlap the plants of the sub-tropics in a memorable display—you
are on an Isotherm.
|
As you sit under the "Ancient Oak" listening to the song birds,
your mind may wander back to days when the Ais Indians roamed
these woods. Or to the time when General Hernandez built his
road through the area in the 1830’s.On the Coquina Ridge,
you will see where the potentially devastating Addison Canal
met its fate in the 1930's.
Your journey will lead you through timeless scrub, mesic and hydric
ecosystems that are home to a wide variety of endangered and
threatened species. It’s a journey you won't soon
forget.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trail Map...
Recreation Opportunities & Trail Map...
For additional Recreation Sanctuaries see Recreation Guide
Pets and Smoking are not allowed in EEL Program Sanctuaries and Conservation Areas. We hope you understand that these rules are necessary to protect and preserve our sensitive ecosystems. See Recreation Guide listings for additional Dos and Don'ts at each site. Thank you for your cooperation!
Enchanted Forest Sanctuary...
Management & Education Center
Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day
efs.eelbrevard.com
The EEL Program's first Management & Education
Center...
This 428-acre sanctuary is the flagship
of the EEL Program and was purchased because of its unique geology
and high biological
diversity. The sanctuary is one of the few places in Brevard where
visitors can experience majestic oak hammocks, wetlands, and the
Atlantic Coastal Ridge in one short hike. The Enchanted Forest
Management and Education Center is a modern educational facility
complete with classrooms, an interactive exhibit room, a library,
offices, restrooms, and a gift shop. Hiking
through any number of trails at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
may bring you
in sight of Florida scrub lizards, green
anoles, gopher tortoises, bobcats, woodpeckers, and a variety
of butterflies. The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary is also rich in
local
history. Cultural features such as the Addison/Ellis Canal and
the Hernandez-Capron Trail tell the story of Brevard County’s
past.
More about Management & Education Centers
Size: 428 acres
Management Region: North, Ph: 321-264-5185
LOCATION & DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Map
Just
south of the City of Titusville
444 Columbia Boulevard, Titusville
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 the entrance is 0.5 miles west of US Hwy 1 on SR-405.
ACTIVITIES:
- Management & Education Center
- Gift Shop
- Interactive Exhibit
- Science Exploration Room
- Art Exhibit
- Library and Classroom
- Events
- Environmental Education
- Monthly Sunday Fundays
- Guided Walks
- Hiking (4.1 miles of trails, including a stabilized trail and boardwalks over wetlands)
- Wildlife Observation
Habitats: scrub, mesic hammock, hydric hammock, wet prairie, and pine flatwoods
Wildlife: Florida scrub lizard, white-tailed deer, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise, bobcat, pileated woodpecker, butterflies, wild turkey
ADA Accessible: parking,
restrooms, amphitheater, paved nature trail, guided electric cart
tour, Management and Education Center with
interactive exhibit room, drinking fountains
Dos & Don'ts: 1) Climbing rocks at the Forest is prohibited.
2) Eat food in the picnic area only and put all trash in receptacles.
3) Pets, smoking, alcohol, motorized vehicles, and firearms are
prohibited. 4) Removal of plants, animals, archeological, or cultural
resources is prohibited. 5) Do not feed, disturb, or harm wildlife.
6) Stay on the trail for personal safety and protection of the
natural environment.
Volunteer Opportunities...
Volunteers are essential to the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary. Join
in the fun while you help preserve the Sanctuary's natural
beauty for the future.
Here are just some of the ways you can
become involved and share your talents...
- Interpretive Guiding
- Greeting Visitors
- Hike Desk
- Hosting
- Environmental Education
- Interpretive Exhibits
- Sanctuary Monitoring
|
- Exotic Plant Control
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Landscaping
- Photography
- Grant Writing
- Newsletter
...the possibilities are endless! |
Join the 'Deadheaders'
Be a Garden Volunteer at the Enchanted Forest
Tend the gardens
and learn about native plants,
pollinators and butterflies.
- Schedule varies
- Call for Times & Upcoming Dates: 321.264.5185
Be a Friend !
Find out more about the
Friends of The Enchanted Forest
A non-profit volunteer organization committed to assisting the EEL Program with its conservation
of The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, and to educate visitors about the unique geology and biodiversity at the sanctuary.
Enchanted Forest Birding...
Self-Guided
Birding Checklist PDF
1-Page 1-Sided
Or
For Multi-Printing
2 Lists (print front-to-back & cut)
Enchanted Forest Study Trips...
For Grades K through 8th
Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
Management & Education Center
444 Columbia Blvd Titusville, FL 32780
Ph: 321-264-5185 Fx: 321-264-5190
efs.eelbrevard.com
Sanctuary Hours --
Tuesday through Sunday,
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary (EFS) is located in south Titusville on Columbia Boulevard (SR 405). Study trips correlated to Sunshine State Standards and FCATs are offered for schools by the Sanctuary. These study trips concentrate on science and math standards in a unique way.
Philosophy...
The philosophy of the study trips for grades K-5 is to expose students to the outdoors to create an awareness and appreciation for local plants, animals, and ecosystems.
For middle and high school students, our philosophy encourages exploration of land and habitat management, human impacts upon the environment, and personal reflection of environmental stewardship.
Program...
The study trips include an interactive hike, exploration of exhibits and nature-based activities.
Schedule...
To schedule a study trip for your class, please call the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary at 321-264-5185. The calendar books quickly, so call as far ahead of your desired date as you can!
Enjoyment Enhances Learning...So have fun!
Resource Elements
PDF Documents Open in New Window —
Readable in Adobe Reader
Teacher Flyer
Grades K-2
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
