SOLD OUT--2025 Sea Turtle Program and Walk
2025-06-04 19:30 - 2025-07-17 23:00 (America/New_York) | Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge HQ, 1963 Refuge Headquarters Road, Titusville, FL, 32782, United States
Join us on Wednesday and Thursday nights this June and July on a US FWS led sea turtle walk. The program will start with an educational session to learn about sea turtles that nest on our local beaches. Following the presentation the group will travel in their own vehicles to the beach for a chance to watch a loggerhead lay her eggs!
The program will start at 8 pm at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters location. Following the education session attendees will caravan in their own vehicles out to a coastal habitat area at Playalinda. Rangers and Sea Turtle interns will scout for nesting turtles. If one is spotted, the US FWS guide will take the group down to watch a loggerhead turtle as she digs her nest and lays her eggs.
Please read before purchasing:

Understand that this event requires walking on the beach at night. Often this means a long walk at a moderate pace through loose sand. Please evaluate your abilities and health before attending.

Tickets are required for every attendee.
Minimum age is 8 years old.
Walks start after the education program and may go as late as 11pm.
Permit requirements limit the walks to a maximum of 30 total attendees

Tickets are non- refundable unless the walk is cancelled by US FWS for non-weather reasons.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing (long sleeves & pants are recommended). Closed toed shoes suitable for walking on the beach at night are suggested – NO FLIP FLOPS.
It will be very dark; there may be mosquitoes and no-see-ums. Bug repellent is suggested.

Make sure your vehicle is fueled. Participants will be driving their personal vehicles to the beach.

Cameras, mobile phones, smart devices with screens or video recording, and flashlights are NOT permitted on the beach portion of the program.
The education program will be held rain or shine unless lightning is present.
We cannot guarantee a turtle sighting or that all participants will observe the eggs drop.

Thank you for your support of the Merritt Island NWR and for your interest in protection of this federally-designated threatened species.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Eco-Buggy Tour of Lake Woodruff
2025-06-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 2045 Mud Lake Road, Deleon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Climb aboard for a fun and informative Eco-Buggy Tour through the wild wonders of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge! This Naturalist guided ride will take you deep into the heart of the 22,000-acre refuge, winding around marshes, swamps, hammocks, and upland habitats teeming with life.
We’ll make several stops along the way to spot wildlife and share curious facts about the plants and ecosystems that make this place so special. It’s the perfect mix of fresh air, fascinating nature, and good company—tailored especially for wildlife enthusiasts who love to learn while they explore!
Meet at the Mayaca Trail parking area to board the eco-buggy (pass the Nature Center, cross the railroad tracks, first parking area on your right). Seats are limited. Every participant will need a ticket. Please wear sun protection and bring a refillable water bottle. Boarding the eco-buggy requires the ability to climb two steps. Unfortunately, the buggy does not have wheelchair accessibility.
Tour is free; please Register Here

Dine to Donate at Village Inn, Titusville
2025-06-10 16:00 - 21:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Beat the heat and join MIWA for a delicious meal that gives back to wildlife and habitat. For all purchases, dine-in and take-out, between 4-9pm on Tuesday June 10, Village Inn of Titusville will donate 10% of proceeds back to Merritt Island Wildlife Association. Such an easy way to support your Refuge! Show up at 6pm and enjoy “Pie with Rochelle”. We hope to see you there!

Try Fishing - Family Fishing day
2025-06-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 2045 Mud Lake Road, Deleon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Come out for a fun and family-friendly Try Fishing day! This free event is perfect for beginners of all ages to learn the basics of freshwater fishing—including how to cast a line, choose bait, and set up your rod and reel. All are welcome to try their hand at catching a fish in a relaxed, educational setting. Enjoy free raffles, goodie bags, and giveaways, with special rewards for those who practice Plastic-Free Fishing by bringing a refillable water bottle. Let’s fish for fun—and for a cleaner planet!
¡Hablamos español y damos la bienvenida a nuestros invitados que hablan español!
Please Register Here

Family Fishing Day at Merritt Island NWR
2025-06-14 09:00 - 12:00 | FL
Join us for our free Family Fishing Day at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge! Stop by between 9am to 12pm to enjoy a hands-on, fun-filled experience for all ages.
Kids and grown ups will rotate through interactive learning stations including:
– Discover native fish species with up-close observation of live fish
– Explore fishing basics with a “What’s in Your Tackle Box?” demonstration on knot tying, lures, bobbers, and weights
– Enjoy some hands-on casting practice
Bait will be provided. A limited number of fishing rods will be available for hands-on practice. Guests are welcome to bring their own gear. The event is part of FWC’s license-free freshwater fishing weekend. No license or experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and love for the outdoors!
The fishing activity will be conducted inside the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The exact location and directions to the fishing area will be provided in the Registration Confirmation email.
Questions? Call our Merritt Island NWR Visitor Services station at 321-861-0669 (Tues to Sat from 8am to 3:30pm).
Event is free; please Register HERE

Butterfly Walk at Historic Pritchard House
2025-06-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Historic Pritchard House, 424 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32796, United States
Habitat in Heritage: A Butterfly Garden Walk
Step into the charm of the past and the beauty of nature during this unique program at a historic home and garden. Begin with an introduction to Florida’s butterflies, then enjoy a leisurely walk through blooming gardens where native plant specialists will share insights on creating pollinator-friendly landscapes. Along the way, a docent will highlight the antique roses and their ties to the home’s storied past. Whether you’re a gardener, history enthusiast, or nature lover, this event will inspire you to help butterflies thrive right in your own backyard.
Kindly REGISTER HERE

Bee Curious: A Closer Look at Florida’s Pollinators
2025-06-25 15:00 - 16:30 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Join us for an engaging program that dives into the fascinating world of Florida’s native bees. Designed for an adult audience, this program begins with an illustrated presentation covering the bee life cycle and behavior, their role in the ecosystem including pollination services, and tips for identifying some of Florida’s native bee species and the plants they frequent.
After the indoor session, we’ll step outside into the Native Plant Garden to observe these pollinators in action. In the garden we’ll conduct a bee bio-blitz, where participants will help count and document the bees they see—contributing to community science. Whether you’re a gardener, nature enthusiast, or just bee-curious, this is a chance to discover the diversity and importance of Florida’s wild bees.
Free, but kindly REGISTER HERE
About the presenter:
Ellie Shultz is an environmental educator based in Volusia County. She can be found leading programs in her local state parks, nature centers, libraries, and schools. She has also done fieldwork with the rare Blue Calamintha Bee and other insects. Aside from entomology and science communication as a whole, Ellie’s areas of interest include manatees, fire ecology, and nature journaling.

Sea Turtle Shellabration!
2025-07-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Sand Point Park – Valicenti Pavilion, 101 N Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32796, United States
Dive Into Florida Sea Turtle Education Day!
Join us for a free, family-friendly event celebrating the incredible sea turtles that nest on Florida’s beaches. Learn how to identify Green, Loggerhead, and Leatherback turtles by their size, nesting tracks, and unique features. Enjoy interactive activities that explore sea turtle biology—from hatchling to adult!
Perfect for all ages, this hands-on experience will deepen your appreciation for these ancient mariners and the role we play in their conservation.
The program includes refreshments and a free raffle for a chance to win a copy of the Our Sea Turtles book by Blair and Dawn Witherington.
Kids and adults alike can enjoy hands-on activities such as turtle diet matching card games, a sea turtle migration maze, turtle track identification, and a coastal habitat scavenger hunt—all designed to spark curiosity and teach how we can help protect these amazing animals.
Kindly REGISTER HERE
This event is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Canaveral Port Authority.

Kite in Flight: Astor’s Gender Reveal & Journey Celebration
2025-07-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Join us for a special celebration as we reveal the gender of Astor, our Swallow-tailed Kite being tracked by satellite to help scientists better understand this remarkable species. Through DNA analysis of a single feather, we’ll finally learn—is Astor a he or a she? Along with the big reveal, enjoy a fascinating program highlighting Astor’s travels across Florida counties, with interactive maps tracing the Astor’s path since the transmitter was attached. Gina Kent, Senior Conservation Scientist, will share insights about what we hope to learn from Astor about communal roosting and fall migration. A fun, feather-filled event served up with cake and door prizes for nature lovers!
Astor’s journey tracking is made possible through partnerships with West Volusia Audubon, Stetson Audubon, and Avian Conservation and Research Institute (ARCI).

July 2025 Dine to Donate at Village Inn
2025-07-29 16:00 - 21:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States

Florida Geology, Sandhills Restoration, and Gillespie Museum Tour
2025-08-15 09:00 - 11:30 | Gillespie Museum, 234 E. Michigan Ave, Deland, FL, 32724, United States
Beat the heat and join us for a three-in-one unique program about Florida geology, native sandhills habitat, and a bit of space related science.
Founded in 1958, the Gillespie Museum has been a center for earth and environmental science education on Stetson University campus for six decades. The museum houses a historic mineral collection, with nearly a thousand of its 15,000 specimens on display in changing exhibits. Small galleries are also devoted to collecting natural history, Florida ecosystems, fluorescent minerals, volcanism, and the rock cycle.
The grounds of the Gillespie Museum and of the adjacent Rinker Environmental Learning Center are home to the Volusia Sandhill Ecosystem Teaching Landscape, as well as an established Native Florida Plant Landscape. This landscape is a project to recover the longleaf sandhill ecosystem that once existed as part of the dry, sandy slope of the DeLand Ridge The restoration site includes a pollination garden, several wiregrass areas, and plantings of Greeneyes, Coreopsis, Pawpaw, Silk grass, Gopher apples, and other native sandhill species.
Itinerary:

Florida Formations Presentation
Tour of Volusia Sandhill + time to explore native plant garden
Community Science Contributions (iNaturalist and eBird observations)
Brief tour of museum followed by self-guided visit

Special Exhibit: Minerals in Space – it’s all about how minerals are used in building spacecraft and how those minerals are obtained.
The program is being offered for free. We encourage you to consider leaving a small donation in the museum’s collection box.

August 2025 Dine to Donate at Village Inn
2025-08-19 16:00 - 21:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States

Appreciating Butterflies - Program and Garden Walk
2025-09-03 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Bevard Extension Office, 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, FL, 32926, United States
Hosted by Merritt Island Wildlife Association and Brevard Discovery Garden
Enjoy learning about pollinator habitat and local butterfly species in the comfort of the air conditioned auditorium. Following the presentations the group will visit the Brevard Discovery Garden for a guided walk to look for butterflies, caterpillars, and chrysalis.

Introduction to Butterfly Identification by Ed Perry, Retired State Park Ranger
Creating a Pollinator Habitat, Sally Scalara, UF/IFAS Urban Horticultural Agent

Garden Walk & Butterfly Observation
Guided walk through the pollinator gardens to identify butterfly species and observe pollinators on the host and nectar plants in the garden!

From Aquaculture to Habitat: A Florida Clam Restoration Field Day (St. Augustine)
2025-09-20 10:00 - 15:00 | Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, 9505 N Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, Florida, 32080, United States
Join us for this two-part program as we explore the clam restoration strategy contributing to filtering the future of the Indian River Lagoon. The first part of the program will be conducted at Whitney Laboratory in St. Augustine.
Whitney Laboratory along with its partners are working to restore clam populations in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Our behind-the-scenes field trip will include an in-depth examination of how clams contribute to water quality and support the restoration of seagrasses in the vital IRL estuary.
Dr. Todd Osborne will lead us on a tour of the lab and highlight the work being performed with project partner Premium Seafood (Mike Sullivan) to produce the 15 million clams needed for restoration. Dr. Osborne will share details about the processes of population enhancement and ecosystem services provided by growing clam populations.
Following the Laboratory program we will travel to the clam aquaculture farming location. Please note the second location is a working clam farm and is not traditionally open to the public. Most of the production areas are not accessible with mobility devices. The field trip will include participation in a service project to support IRL health. Service project logistics and details will be sent to registrants one week prior to the field trip.

Itinerary – Saturday, Sept 20 (times are estimated and may be adjusted)
10:00am Meet at Whitney Lab for tour and hands-on service project
12:00pm Travel to Commander’s Fish Camp for up close look at clam farming
12:30pm Lunch at Commander’s fish camp
(participants will pay for their own lunch)
1:30pm Tour of the clam farm production areas and viewing of lagoon restoration work
Location #1
The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience
9505 N Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Location #2
The Commander’s Shellfish Camp (Mike Sullivan – Owner)
7579 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
REGISTER HERE

Crafting with Nature’s Palette: Plant Dye Workshop
2025-09-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Colors of the Wild: Crafting with Nature’s Palette
Presented by: Amy from Tiny Worlds Farm
Find the beauty in nature for your creative side with native and common Florida plants for vibrant pigments. We’ll examine plants and their sources, learn basic pigment processing for making botanical inks and watercolors, and experiment with plant pigments to create unique paintings. No experience needed—just a curiosity for nature and a love of earthy color.
Date: Friday, Sept 26
Time: 6:00 to 8:00pm
Cost: $15 per person (includes supplies)
Refreshments will be provided. Participants are also welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Refund Policy – Refunds are only available for cancellations prior to Sept 18 due to having to order supplies in advance of the workshop.
Workshop Instruction:

Plant pigment basics & materials
Plant pigment methods
Hands-on Painting
Pigment checks and processing

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Insects and IPAs
2025-10-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Playalinda Brewing Company, 5220 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Join Merritt Island Wildlife Association and Playalinda Brewery for an incredible insect themed night to benefit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge complex. Cheers to conservation! Celebrate the debut of ‘Insects and IPA’ craft brew adorned with a custom label featuring native Florida insects.
UCF Bug Closet Assistant Curator, Collection of Arthropods, Robin Marquez, will have microscopes and specimens to observe. Ethan Wright, a PhD student in the social insect behavior lab at UCF, will have live beetles to study and share interesting research about insect parasites of ant nests.
Enjoy the brewery patio area and be sure to check out their new menu items. From the first pour to the final can, Playalinda is donating $1 for every 4-pack and $1 for every pour of “Insects and IPA” for the entire brew’s cycle.

iNaturalist Workshop: Explore, Identify, Contribute
2025-10-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center, 1987 Scrub Jay Way, Titusville, FL, 32782, United States
Please note: If the Government Shutdown has not ended by Oct 31, this event will move to Dixie Crossroads restaurant in Titusville, FL.
Discover Nature with iNaturalist, a community science app, connecting people with nature and contributing valuable wildlife data.
Workshop Highlights
Learn the iNaturalist App

Purpose, features, and community science benefits
Key differences between iNaturalist and iNaturalist Classic versions

Tips for Community Science Contribution

Best practices for documenting plants, insects, birds, and more
How to capture clear photos and useful observations
Ensuring your observations contribute to community science with confidence

Hands-On Practice

Guided use of iNaturalist along the Merritt Island NWR Boardwalk Trail
Real-time observation, photo documentation, and uploads
Group Q&A and support from instructors

What to Bring

Smartphone or tablet with the iNaturalist app installed (and account created in advance, if possible)
Comfortable walking shoes for boardwalk trail (some areas may be wet)
Refillable water bottle and sun protection
Curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring nature!

Who Should Attend

Nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and birders
Students, educators, and families interested in science
Anyone curious about connecting technology with conservation
Content is suited to ages 16 and older

Join us on Halloween morning for a hands-on introduction to iNaturalist. By the end of this workshop, you’ll be ready to explore, record, and share the biodiversity of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge—all while making your observations count for science!
REGISTER HERE

Fall into Conservation Fundraiser
2025-11-01 16:00 - 18:00 | Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL, 32952, United States
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Please join us as we welcome keynote speaker Professor Gordon Patterson who will bring to life the fascinating stories and history captured in his book Mosquito Wars. Professor Patterson will explore the intriguing conservation connection between mosquitoes and preservation of natural spaces. The event will feature a silent auction and raffles, with proceeds directly supporting environmental education programs, community outreach, and conservation actions. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served as guests enjoy an early evening by the river—an ideal setting to relax, connect, and share conversation with fellow nature enthusiasts.
About Merritt Island Wildlife Association
The Merritt Island Wildlife Association inspires community stewardship by advocating for wildlife, advancing conservation education, and expanding outreach that supports the Merritt Island and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuges.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Keynote Speaker: Professor Gordon Patterson
Gordon M. Patterson is a Professor of History at Florida Tech, where he has taught since 1981. In addition to his work at Florida Tech, he has served as a Vector Historian with the Rutgers University Center for Vector Biology. Before coming to Florida, he lectured at the University of Maryland. Dr. Patterson holds graduate degrees from UCLA and a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University.
His teaching and research have taken him around the world, including work in Europe and China, visiting professorships in Korea and Japan, and field research in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Professor Patterson is the author of The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida and The Mosquito Crusades: A History of the American Anti-Mosquito Movement from the Reed Commission to the First Earth Day.
Itinerary
4:00 – 4:30pm Enjoy hors d’oeuvres with the river view and silent auction browsing
4:30 – 5:15pm Keynote Presentation followed by book signing
5:15 – 5:45pm Dessert, raffle drawings, social time, silent auction close out
5:45 – 6:00pm Merritt Island Wildlife Association highlights and sponsor recognition

Culver's Custard for Conservation
2025-11-11 17:00 - 20:00 | Culver’s Restaurant, Titusville, FL, 2855 Cheney Highway, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Get out of the kitchen and join Merritt Island National Wildlife Association for a delicious meal and dessert, while supporting your Refuge. Culver’s will donate a percentage of all sales back to MIWA, so the more you eat, the more we earn. Invite your friends and family to dine at Culver’s on Veteran’s Day. Thank you to all who have served our country!

Bear Aware: Living with Florida’s Wild Neighbor (note date change)
2025-11-22 09:00 - 11:30 | Rinker Environmental Learning Center at Stetson University, 230 E Michigan Ave, Deland, FL, 32724, United States
Join us for our Florida Black Bear program offering an engaging, hands-on learning experience where participants can explore artifacts such as pelts and skulls while discovering the vital role these animals play in Florida’s ecosystems. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on how to coexist safely with bears, including strategies to prevent conflicts in neighborhoods, campsites, and recreational areas. Through education and awareness, the program fosters respect for wildlife and encourages stewardship of Florida’s natural heritage.
Key Takeaways:

Learn about Florida black bears’ biology, habitat, and conservation challenges.
See and touch real bear artifacts, including pelts and skulls.
Discover practical tips to reduce bear encounters, such as securing trash and storing food properly.
Family friendly event to learn fun facts from FWC Bear Biologists and representatives from the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway.

REGISTER HERE

FLORIDA’S SNAKES: CORALS & COACHWHIPS, INDIGOS & SCARLETS, PIT VIPERS & PYTHONS
2025-11-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Rinker Environmental Learning Center at Stetson University, 230 E Michigan Ave, Deland, FL, 32724, United States
FLORIDA’S SNAKES: CORALS & COACHWHIPS, INDIGOS & SCARLETS, PIT VIPERS & PYTHONS
Florida is famous for its diversity of reptiles, and since the 1980s John Serrao has been photographing and documenting them, from the panhandle’s ravines to the central scrub and highland ridge to the Everglades.
This presentation features more than 35 of Florida’s snakes, including all 6 venomous species. It includes amazing photos of the largest indigo snake documented in Volusia country in at least 40 years (found by John in 2013) as well as snakes ranging from 6 to 7 feet, coachwhips and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, to 8-inch crowned snakes. John not only shows how to identify these beautiful animals but also their important roles as predators in Florida’s ecosystems.
The program will encourage participants to see snakes in a new light—valuing their role in nature and recognizing the need to preserve the expansive habitats vital to their future.
About the Presenter:
John Serrao received his M.S. degree with an emphasis on entomology from Cornell University and has been a professional Naturalist, writer, photographer, and tour leader since the 1970s. He has written 7 books about wildlife and natural history, and created dozens of Self-Guided Nature Trails Booklets.
REGISTER HERE

Thankful for Village Inn
2025-11-25 16:00 - 21:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
The Merritt Island Wildlife Association is very thankful for our amazing partnership with Village Inn and their generous Dine to Donate fundraisers. Step away from your Thanksgiving prep and join us for a delicious meal on Tuesday November 25. And be sure to pick-up a few tasty pies to impress your holiday guests. All purchases from 4-9pm will benefit MIWA.

Trash Bash
2025-12-13 08:00 - 12:00 | West Gator Creek Kiosk, W Gator Creek Trail, Titusville, FL, 32796
The Fish and Wildlife Service holds a Trash Bash clean-up for the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge every second Saturday, October through April. Please join MINWR staff and volunteers for the December Trash Bash. Check-in will begin at West Gator Creek Kiosk located at the entrance of the Refuge when crossing over Max Brewer Memorial Bridge. Check-in is rolling so please feel free to come and go as is convenient during that time window. Cleanup locations will be assigned at check-in. Trash pickup supplies will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. Closed toe shoes, long pants, and a reusable water bottle are recommended.

Mysteries of Mycology: Mushroom Walk and Talk
2025-12-13 09:00 - 11:30 | Chuluota Wilderness Area, 3895 Curryville Road, Chululota, FL, 32766, United States
Mysteries of Mycology Walk
Join us for a guided exploration into the fascinating world of wild mushrooms! This field-based program invites participants to discover the diversity of fungi found in natural habitats and learn how to identify them through their unique features, forms, and ecological roles.
Led by the founder of the Florida Mycological Society, this interpretive walk will highlight key characteristics used in mushroom identification—such as cap shape, gill structure, and growth patterns—while emphasizing observation and respect for these remarkable organisms in their natural settings.
Following the walk, participants will have the opportunity to examine collected specimens and practice using field guides and identification resources to deepen their understanding of Florida’s fungi.
This educational program is recommended for ages 16 and older due to its detailed scientific focus and field-based format. The session emphasizes identification and ecological learning.
REGISTER HERE

Nature Journaling Workshop
2025-12-14 14:45 - 16:45 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
’Tis the Season! Nature Journaling for Adults
As we prepare for the upcoming arrival of winter, we invite you to join us for a program where we will practice nature journaling skills that can help us explore “phenology”—the changing of the seasons. In this beginner-friendly lesson, participants will learn some fun facts about Florida phenology, and get hands-on experience with a few artistic and creative writing methods that can be used to record the natural world.
Although much of the journaling portion will take place in our indoor classroom, there will be a component of outdoor exploration, so come prepared for a 30 minute adventure into our pollinator garden, where we will explore what the plants, insects, and other animals are doing at this time of year!
All supplies will be provided (you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer). Refreshments and seasonal snacks will be available. If you have dietary needs or restrictions, you are welcome to bring your own snacks or meals to ensure your preferences are accommodated.
REGISTER HERE

Final 2025 Dine to Donate at Village Inn
2025-12-16 16:00 - 21:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Thanks to all who have supported MIWA through visits, meals and takeaway at Village Inn. Village Inn gives 10% back to MIWA for all purchases made from 4-9pm on December 16, our final night for 2025. If you can’t make it in for a meal, order takeaway and enjoy at home; every little bit helps!

Holiday Art with Heart
2025-12-18 16:00 - 18:30 | Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center, 1987 Scrub Jay Way, Titusville, FL, 32782, United States
Join us for Holiday Art with Heart for a hands-on painting session where participants will apply color and creativity to hand-carved bird and butterfly balsa-wood ornaments. Each guest will paint beautifully handcrafted ornaments designed by a Women of the Cloud Forest fair-trade artisan. Painting kits are just $10 each and available in limited quantities. During the session, we’ll hear from the artisan, gaining insight into the cultural inspiration, carving process, and meaning behind each piece. It’s a warm, artful holiday experience that blends creativity, connection, and conservation—resulting in a keepsake that truly has heart.
Register and purchase painting supplies here
Kit includes 2 balsa wood carved ornaments (1 bird, 1 butterfly) and paints.

Naturally Festive: Gift Shop Jingle & Mingle
2025-12-18 16:00 - 18:30 | Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center, 1987 Scrub Jay Way, Titusville, FL, 32782, United States
Join us for a festive evening of after-hours holiday shopping at our Nature’s Treasures Gift Shop on December 18, 2025, from 4:00–6:30 PM. We’re keeping the doors open late so you can browse our nature-inspired gifts, puzzles, books, and wildlife-themed treasures at your leisure—perfect for finding something special while supporting conservation. The night will feature exclusive discounts, cheerful refreshments, holiday treats, and exciting door prizes throughout the event. It’s a warm, community-focused way to wrap up your shopping, enjoy a little seasonal sparkle, and give back to the Lake Woodruff and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuges with every purchase.

YOUTH: Discover Archery Day--Have a Go at the Bow!
2025-12-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Discover the thrill of archery in this open, beginner-friendly session—no experience required! Participants will learn the basics and take their first shots using equipment we provide. Whether you’ve never held a bow or are just curious to see what you can do, come give it a go and let your inner archer take aim at something new!
Youth class is for ages 10-18 years old.
REGISTER HERE

ADULTS: Discover Archery Day--Have a Go at the Bow!
2025-12-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Discover the thrill of archery in this open, beginner-friendly session—no experience required! Participants will learn the basics and take their first shots using equipment we provide. Whether you’ve never held a bow or are just curious to see what you can do, come give it a go and let your inner archer take aim at something new!
Adult class is for 18 years and older.
REGISTER HERE
