Paddling on the Space Coast Pg 6 Brevard County FL Kayaking

Pine Island Conservation Area

Two canoe trails, a 2.3 mile loop run and a 3.0-mile run, offer a relaxing way for visitors to observe area wildlife. Canoes or kayaks may be launched from the Marsh Pond or Sam’s Creek launch sites. During low water periods a natural channel connecting the north marsh ponds is impassable. A depth gauge located at the Marsh Pond canoe launch indicates when water depths in the ponds hamper navigation. Boating is restricted in the south end of South Borrow Lake. This area provides critical nesting habitat to a variety of wading and diving birds. The coastal location and diversity of habitat types provide many opportunities for viewing wildlife that the enhanced by permanent blinds accessible by foot or canoe. Wading birds are common, with fall migration bringing numerous species of raptors, waterfowl and shorebirds. Alligators and aquatic turtles are also common inhabitants of the marshes and expansive open waters. Manatees frequently seek refuge in the waters of Sam’s Creek/Rinker Canal and are often observed resting at the north end of the canal, particularly during winter and early spring.

Directions: From the intersection of SR 528 and SR 3 on Merritt Island, go north on SR 3 for five miles to Pine Island Rd. Turn left and go west on Pine Island Rd., and follow it 2.5 miles to the parking lot at the end. A kiosk with a map shows the canoe trails.

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Kaboord Sanctuary

This site represents one of the best examples of the mixture of tropical and temperate species of plants for which Merritt Island is famous. The tidal creeks of Kaboord were once part of the Sykes Creek system before they were impounded. These beautiful wetlands are reminiscent of what much of Merritt Island used to look like, a “savannah” of salt grasses and low mangroves. The paddling route is down the main creek channel, with detours alongside creek channels along the way, terminating at the dike at Canaveral Barge Canal. The return trip will retrace the same route, but don’t worry – wildlife moves around, the angle of the sun changes perspectives, and you won’t be bored paddling back. This wetland is known for numerous birds –raptors, waders, shorebirds, gulls and terns and some early-arriving waterfowl. There is no motorboat access to this site.

Directions: From the intersection of Highway 528 and SR 3, proceed north on SR 3 for about two miles. Make a right on Hall Rd. at the Circle K. You’ll see a sign for NASA’s Kars Park. Go east on Hall Rd. to where the tree line ends at the western edge of the open marsh.

Turkey Creek

The trip begins in a wide estuary, a no-wake manatee zone, where the gentle creatures are often seen munching on aquatic vegetation. Upstream from the wide mouth of the creek, the waterway moves through a broad region of braided channels. Central channels move through Willow Swamp are recommended to avoid residential development on the north and south banks. The character of the creek changes dramatically upstream as residential development and salt-water influence is left behind. The channel narrows and the flow quickens as the creek winds through dimly lit, lush hardwood forest. Precipitous high sandy bluffs, the remnants of an ancient coastal ridge, are encounter4ed at the upper reach of the creek. From the tops of the relic beach dunes classic scrub habitat descends into lush hydric hammock that surrounds the dark waters of the creek. Desert inhabitants like gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake and scrub lizards are right at home in the xeric habitat found on the ancient dunes.

Directions: Launch from Alex Goode Park in Port Malabar. From the intersection of US 1 and US 192 in Melbourne, go south on US 1 for about 5.5 miles to Port Malabar Blvd. Turn right and go over the railroad tracks to Bianca Dr. Turn right on Bianca Dr. and follow it to the park.

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