Enchanted Forest Sanctuary

The “flagship” Enchanted Forest Sanctuary was the first property purchased by Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program. This family friendly site has four miles of well-marked hiking trails through pine flatwoods, hardwood/palm hammocks, wet prairie and scrub habitats. The best birding can be found on the Tomoka Trail (boardwalk) and Biodiversity Loop, especially during spring and fall, when migratory songbirds such as Magnolia Warblers and Louisiana Waterthrushes pass through, though other trails can also be productive. Woodpeckers include Downy and Pileated, plus Northern Flickers and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (winter) and be on the lookout for Cooper’s Hawks as they dart through the trees hunting for a meal. Lucky birders may hear Eastern Screech-Owls and Northern Bobwhites but seeing them can be quite challenging! Visit the butterfly/dragonfly garden behind the education center and look for Long-tailed Skipper, Queen, White Peacock, Gray Hairstreak, Blue Dasher, Halloween Pennant and Green Darner. Don’t forget to check out the Gopher Tortoise exhibit. The education center has trail maps and interpretive exhibits; call ahead about guided tours and special programs. Cart tours for the mobility impaired are available by prior arrangement.