Merritt Island Wildlife Association

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

Otterly Amazing - Celebrating World Otter Day
2025-05-28 09:00 - 23:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Celebrate World Otter Day with us at this fun, family-friendly event all about North America’s playful and elusive river otters! Stop by interactive stations to explore real “show and tell” artifacts, uncover fascinating otter facts, and get creative with otter-themed arts and crafts. Enjoy a presentation by Megan Stolen, wildlife biologist and forensic scientist who focuses on coastal and aquatic species.
You’ll also be treated to captivating video footage featuring the otters of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge—giving you a rare glimpse into their watery world. Perfect for curious kids, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages!
Program is free; kindly Register HERE

Lake Woodruff Native Plant Garden Service Project
2025-05-23 08:00 - 12:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 2045 Mud Lake Road, Deleon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Join us for a Service Project at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge to help plant native species that support bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators. Volunteers will take part in hands-on tasks like digging holes, planting, spreading soil and pine bark mulch, and loading wheelbarrows—all while making a lasting impact on local habitat restoration.
Please note: roles require bending, lifting, and working outdoors.
Please email Rochelle Hood (miwascrubjay@gmail.com) if you are interested in volunteering.

Prehistoric Animals Living in Modern Times
2025-04-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Discover how ancient creatures from prehistoric times, unchanged by evolution since the age of dinosaurs, continue to thrive today, with some even found in your local environment. Participants gain insights into the resilience and adaptations of these “living fossils,” fostering a deeper appreciation for Florida’s rich natural history. Following the classroom presentation, there will be an interactive exploration of prehistoric-themed artifacts and a guided outdoor experience to connect the lessons with the natural world.

About the Presenter – Joan Ferrell
Joan is a Florida Master Naturalist Land Steward with a deep passion for the outdoors. Originally from Pennsylvania, she has explored extensive sections of the Appalachian Trail. As both an author and co-author of outdoor guidebooks, she shares her knowledge and experience with fellow nature enthusiasts.
With a diverse professional background, Joan spent 20 years as an executive secretary, 10 years as the publisher of an employment opportunity newspaper and the first website dedicated to horticulture employment, and 5 years as a franchise trainer. These roles have equipped her with strong business acumen and leadership skills.
Her extensive volunteer work includes over a decade with a ground search and rescue organization, where she developed leadership, survival, and outdoor skills. She has also served as a Girl Scout leader and continues to contribute her time to organizations such as the Merritt Island Wildlife Association, Volusia Green, and Lyonia Environmental Center. Joan currently serves as the president of the Friends of the Volusia County Florida Master Naturalist Program chapter.
REGISTER HERE

Bees, Butterflies and Blooms
2025-04-26 09:00 - 14:00 | UF/IFAS Bevard Extension Office, 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, FL, 32926, United States
The Brevard Backyard Beekeepers will be buzzing with activity at the UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County Center in Cocoa to celebrate all pollinators. The event is FREE to the public and is aimed to educate people of all ages about butterflies, honeybees and the global importance of pollinating insects. The event will feature: demonstrations and lectures by Honeybee Experts, Master Gardeners, Conservationists and Holistic Health Practitioners; local crafts, honey and hive products will be available for purchase.

Learn how to help bees and other pollinators using Butterfly and Bee-Friendly, Native Gardening Practices
Spelling Bee for Elementary and Middle School Kids
Discover the Benefits of supporting all pollinators
Watch a live honey extraction: fresh, free local honey samples to take home!
Food, vendors, children’s games and activities
Merritt Island Wildlife Association Booth

Arbor Day Celebration
2025-04-25 08:00 - 12:00 | MINWR Temporary Contact Station (Trailer), West Gator Creek Road, Titusville, FL, 32796, United States
Join the volunteers and staff at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for an Arbor Day Celebration at the Temporary Contact Station, located at West Gator Creek Road. We will learn about trees and the importance they play in Earth’s ecosystems through interactive education tables and games.

Dine to Donate Village Inn Titusville Fundraiser
2025-04-22 16:00 - 21:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Celebrate Earth Day with fellow nature enthusiasts during our Dine to Donate Fundraiser. Dine in, pick up takeaway, or buy a pie to go. Village Inn will donate 10% of sales between 4pm to 9pm.

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt
2025-04-22 08:00 - 15:30 | MINWR Temporary Contact Station (Trailer), West Gator Creek Road, Titusville, FL, 32796, United States
Join the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt on the Refuge. Bring your friends and prepare to solve puzzles and learn more about our habitats and their species. Puzzles can be picked up at the temporary contact station located at the entrance to West Gator Creek Road.

Who Were the Mayaca?
2025-04-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Brian Polk, former manager of De Leon Springs State Park, recently published a local history book titled, Lost in History—The Mayaca—Native People of West Volusia County, Florida. The Mayaca lived exclusively in West Volusia County for over 2,000 years. Their culture extended along the St. Johns River from the south side of Lake George to the north side of Lake Monroe, leaving the remnants of their society in burial mounds and middens. Where did they come from? How did they live? Where were their villages? Who were their allies and enemies? What happened to them? Brian’s program will answer these questions, and it will explore many more topics.
Copies of Brian’s book will be available for sale. Following the program, the participants will have the opportunity to join a guided hike on the Mayaca trail.
From 2005 until his retirement in 2018, Brian lived and worked at the park, one of the Mayaca sites. Shortly after his arrival there he was determined to give the Mayaca the recognition they deserved and felt compelled to tell their story. This book is the culmination of his quest. It is endorsed by the Florida State Parks archaeologist, the manager of DeBary Hall Historic Site, and by Robert Sitler, a retired Stetson history professor, who stated that the book is a “groundbreaking text and is the only one of its kind since it includes virtually every reliable source.”
REGISTER HERE

ARCI Swallow-Tailed Kite Program at Lake Woodruff NWR
2025-04-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Annual Journey of the Swallow-tailed Kite: Breeding Requirements, Migration Route, and Winter Destinations
Learn about Avian Research and Conservation Institute’s (ARCI) latest research on Swallow-tailed Kites. Find out what kites look for in a breeding territory, how they are one of North America’s most social raptors, and the challenges they face throughout the year as they migrate 10,000 miles between their U. S. nesting areas and winter locations in South America. Find out how you can help ARCI help Swallow-tailed Kites.
Gina Kent, Senior Conservation Scientist, Avian Research and Conservation Institute
www.arcinst.org
Gina Kent has worked for the Avian Research and Conservation Institute since 2000. Whether conducting bird surveys from small planes, boating around the Florida Keys, or climbing up 100-foot tall trees, Gina has worked with many Florida specialty birds including Swallow-tailed Kites, Short-tailed Hawks, Snail Kites, Reddish Egrets, White-crowned Pigeons, Magnificent Frigatebirds and others. She grew up in Wisconsin and went to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She received her Masters at Georgia Southern University on the stopover ecology, habitat associations, and parasites of Swallow-tailed Kites. She is currently ARCI’s Senior Conservation Scientist.
Limited to 20 Participants REGISTER HERE

Warbler Identification During Spring Migration
2025-04-05 09:30 - 11:30 | Sams House, Pine Island, 6195 N. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, United States
Join us for an engaging and interactive Warbler Identification Workshop, where we’ll focus on the warblers you’re most likely to encounter during Florida’s spring migration. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, this workshop will help sharpen your birding skills and improve your ability to identify these colorful, fast-moving songbirds.
Led by professional birding instructors, Dee and David Simpson – Birding with David Simpson, this workshop will cover key identification techniques, including field marks, behaviors, and habitat preferences. Participants will also receive hands-on guidance in using an interactive Warbler ID guide, a valuable tool designed to make identification easier in the field, which includes 3-D models for comparison.
Following the instructional session, we’ll take what we’ve learned into the great outdoors with a guided birding hike. With expert guidance, you’ll have the opportunity to practice spotting and identifying warblers in their natural habitat, reinforcing newly learned skills while experiencing the excitement of spring migration firsthand.
Don’t miss this chance to build confidence in warbler identification and enjoy a morning immersed in nature!
REGISTER HERE

eBird Tips and Tricks: Maximizing Your Use of the World’s Largest Citizen Science Database
2025-03-23 10:00 - 12:30 | Sams House, Pine Island, 6195 N. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, United States
Join Will Johnson, regional eBird reviewer for Brevard, Volusia, and Indian River counties, for an interactive and wide-ranging discussion on how to make the most of eBird for reporting and tracking your bird observations, exploring the bird life in your area, and contributing to impactful citizen science. In this session we will place particular emphasis on demystifying the eBird review process and learning best practices for documenting your sightings so that you can become a more skilled and intentional (e)birder in the field. Whether you’re a veteran eBird user or completely new to the program, this session is designed so that everybody will take away valuable lessons they can apply to increase the value of your contribution to community science.
About the Presenter: Will Johnson serves as the regional eBird reviewer for Brevard, Volusia, and Indian River counties and contributes to local environmental organizations as a frequent guest speaker and tour leader. A lifelong resident and avid birder of east-central Florida, Will has developed a thorough expertise of local birdlife and is particularly knowledgeable about this area’s migration patterns, vagrancy trends, and biogeography. In addition to spending extensive time in the field, Will enjoys expressing his love of birds through art and illustration and has had his artwork featured in multiple local and national publications. Will recently graduated from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, and he currently works remotely from Vero Beach, FL for a climate tech startup supporting nature-based carbon removal projects.

Dine to Donate: Village Inn, Titusville
2025-03-15 16:00 - 21:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Gather some friends for dinner, pickup a take home meal or enjoy a delicious piece of pie. On Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 4pm to 9pm, Village Inn Titusville is generously donating a portion of their sales to Merritt Island Wildlife Association. Enjoy a fantastic meal while supporting a great cause. Whether you dine in or order takeout, your support will make a positive impact. Gather your friends and family for a night of fun and philanthropy!
Dine to Donate
NEW DATE: Saturday March 15, 2025
Dine In or Get Takeaway
Anytime Between 4p to 9pm
Village Inn
2925 S Washington Ave
Titusville, FL 32780

Beginning Birdwatching For Adults
2025-03-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
It’s winter in Florida. Everywhere you look there are birds. Sandpipers on the beach, herons along the river, mockingbirds in the yard. Have you ever noticed a bird that has taken you by surprise? Have you ever wondered what that bird is? If you have, then you are a bird watcher.
You might have taken the next step and picked up a bird guide book or went to the internet for some help.
You quickly realized there are 800 avian species that are regularly recorded each year in North America and probably wondered – how do I make sense of this? It’s impossible! Yet people do it every day. We are offering to help.
This workshop will include both classroom and outdoor opportunities to hone your skills. You will be introduced to tools that will help you to whittle down the possibilities and that will get you to the right id: “I know what that is!”
The class content and format is recommended for adults and children ages 16 and over, accompanied by an adult.
Topics Covered:

Why should I want to know how to identify birds? (Find out what you are missing)
The Basics of Bird Identification (Preparation and concentration)
The importance of time and place
The Power of Quiet Observation and Listening
Binoculars and other optics (How to choose and how to use)
21st Century BirdingTools (There’s an app for that)

Meet at the Classroom Address: 4490 Grand Ave. DeLeon Springs FL 32130
Nature Center: Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, 2045 Mud Lake Road, DeLeon Spring, FL 32130

Delicate Details: Up Close and Personal With Insects
2025-03-01 10:00 - 12:30 | IRLAP Titusville Field Station, 5332 Riveredge Drive, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Join us to explore the fascinating world of insects through hands-on experiences. This engaging event features two components: an insect pinning workshop, where nature enthusiasts will learn the art and science behind preparing specimens for scientific collections, and a live insect bioblitz in a native plant garden. Participants will observe and document local insect species in their natural habitat. No prior knowledge is needed, making this a perfect opportunity for curious minds to gain insight into entomology. Attendees can construct their own pinning board or help with the education display being created for the Field Station.
Designed for ages 16 and older, this event promises an immersive look at the tiny yet intricate creatures that shape our ecosystems. All supplies will be provided. The program will also include time for some special appreciation for the volunteers who conduct monthly bee and butterfly surveys at the native plant garden.
Logistics: The parking area next to the garden enables attendees with mobility devices to participate. The classroom is accessible. A restroom is located onsite. Pinning specimens will be provided by the instructor using insects who have ‘donated themselves to science’ (no live capture for pinning purposes is necessary by the participants).
About the Instructors:
Robin P. Marquez (he/him/his)
Robin Marquez is an entomologist and insect ecologist with the University of Central Florida specializing in Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants, and sawflies). In addition to serving as Assistant Curator of the university’s Collection of Arthropods, he studies the biodiversity and ecology of micro-parasitoid wasps. He has received additional entomology training from the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution and has conducted research in a variety of habitats including tropical, agricultural, and suburban landscapes. Through his work, Robin has seen hobbyist entomology used as a tool to advance real-world science, and is eager to support new insect enthusiasts in their collection journeys!
Emily Surmont (she/her/hers)
Emily Surmont is a coastal ecologist with the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves, where she has worked for the last 5 years on a variety of research, conservation, restoration, and outreach projects. She received her BS in Environmental Science from Broward College and is currently working towards her MS in Fisheries and Aquatic Science at the University of Florida in the Coastal Ecosystems and Watersheds Lab. Emily is a Pollinator Partnership Certified Pollinator Steward and has been leading the FDEP Titusville Native Plant Pollinator Garden project since September 2021, recently expanding the project to encourage pollinator monitoring collaboration throughout the IRL.

Burrow Buddies: Discovering the World of Gopher Tortoises
2025-02-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 2045 Mud Lake Road, Deleon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Gopher Tortoise Education Day!
Lake Woodruff NWR, DeLeon Springs, FL
Calling all nature explorers! Join us for a fun-filled day of adventure and discovery as we learn all about Gopher Tortoises! Take part in an exciting scavenger hunt, enjoy guided hikes through the Refuge, and uncover the secrets of these fascinating reptiles and their underground burrows.
Did you know? Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is home to many Gopher Tortoises and other protected wildlife. Stop by our interactive education stations to explore cool tortoise facts and learn about the creatures that share their burrows!
🔍 Gopher Tortoise Explorer Passport
Visit each station to collect stamps in your Explorer Passport. Complete your journey and earn a chance to win a prize!
🌿 Hands-on Fun for All Ages!
Get up close with nature through hands-on activities and discover what makes Gopher Tortoises so important to our environment. Whether you’re a young explorer or a curious adult, there’s something for everyone!
Don’t miss this exciting day of learning, adventure, and fun!

Florida Scrub Jay and Wildlife Festival
2025-02-22 09:00 - 15:00 | Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave, Deltona, FL, 32725

Waterfowl of Merritt Island NWR
2025-02-20 11:00 - 14:30 | Dixie Crossroads, 1475 Garden St, Titusville, FL, 32796, United States
Dixie Crossroads (Refuge Room),
1475 Garden St, Titusville, FL 32796
https://bit.ly/waterfowlminwr
Cost: $15 (includes Cornell Labs Waterfowl ID Series Set of 3 Folding Guides. Retail value $24). Participants will pay for their own lunch. Limited to 24 participants. Register here.
Merritt Island NWR is an important migration and wintering site for many species of waterfowl. Come learn about the ducks, geese, and other swimming birds that use the refuge for part or all of the year. Dee and David Simpson will share their pictures and give you tips and tricks on identification, and help you learn more about how waterfowl utilize the Refuge and its many wetland habitats. Afterward, we will visit some sites to put into practice some of what you learned in class.
Register here.

Discover Tanzania: Home to the World’s Greatest Overland Animal Migration
2025-02-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Dixie Crossroads, 1475 Garden St, Titusville, FL, 32796, United States
Holbrook Travel and Merritt Island Wildlife Association invite you to join us for an evening of discovery about the dream destination of Tanzania, Africa. Our special guest Lucas Mhina will share insights into his important work with schools, the Land of Nature Camp, his current projects, and of course the unforgettable experience of visiting Tanzania. Africa is a dream destination in every sense; it is home to remarkable wild animals and astonishing scenic beauty.
Tanzania’s Bird list exceeds 1,000 species (31 endemics) including: Marabou Stork, Gray Crowned-Crane, African Spoonbill, Secretarybird, Kori Bustard, Lilac-breasted Roller, Decken’s Hornbill and Hartlaub’s Turaco.
Enjoy a photographic journey to the national parks, reserves, and wetlands of Africa through the lens of a local. Africa tops the bucket list for many wildlife enthusiasts and conservation curious travelers.
Free, but Kindly Register Here

Dine to Donate: Village Inn, Titusville
2025-02-11 16:00 - 21:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Gather some friends for dinner, pickup a take home meal or enjoy a delicious piece of pie. On February 11, 2025, from 4pm to 9pm, Village Inn Titusville is generously donating a portion of their sales to Merritt Island Wildlife Association. Enjoy a fantastic meal while supporting a great cause. Whether you dine in or order takeout, your support will make a positive impact. Gather your friends and family for a night of fun and philanthropy!
Dine to Donate
Tuesday, Feb 11th
Dine In or Get Takeaway
Anytime Between 4p to 9pm
Village Inn
2925 S Washington Ave
Titusville, FL 32780

Fascinating Freshwater Mussels
2025-02-09 13:00 - 15:30 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Classroom, 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Bringing Back the Bivalves: Mussel Propagation and Recovery
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, DeLeon Spring, FL
Cost: Free (limited to 24 participants)
https://bit.ly/freshwatermussels
Freshwater mussels, often called the “hidden gems” of aquatic ecosystems, play a critical role in maintaining water quality and biodiversity. Florida is home to a diverse array of native freshwater mussels, which are vital to aquatic ecosystems as filter feeders and indicators of water quality. Tony Brady, Acting Project Leader at the US FWS Welaka National Fish Hatchery and co-author of Freshwater Mussel Propagation for Restoration, will share challenges facing freshwater mussel populations and efforts being taken restore these vital organisms to their natural habitats.
This program will delve into the fascinating biology and ecology of freshwater mussels. Whether you’re a conservation professional, a student, or simply a nature enthusiast, this program offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of freshwater mussels and enhance your appreciation for their importance.
Following the classroom program, the group will be invited to join a hike on the Refuge. The trail for the hike will be chosen based on weather conditions. Register here.
Logistics:
What to bring: Refillable water bottle, sun protection, and insect repellent. Long pants and closed toed shoes are recommended for the Field Trip portion of the program.
What’s provided: professional instruction, water refill station, snacks, and door prizes.
Logistics/Accessibility: Please meet at the classroom location (this is not the address Google/Apple Maps will take you to. It is a special access gate to park directly in front of the classroom). Classroom address: 4490 Grand Ave, DeLeon Springs FL 32130. Please park in the limestone loop off to the right just past the building, along the roadway (without blocking traffic), or in the staff parking area (just past the loop on the lefthand side). There is a handicap parking spot available in the classroom building. The classroom portion of the program is handicap accessible.
The Field Trip portion of the program will be on natural trails with roots and uneven surfaces. Restrooms are located inside the classroom and at the Nature Center/HQ building. There is a pit toilet near the trailhead. Depending on sightings the walking distance will vary (approximately .75 to 1.5 miles). The Nature Center will be open for workshop attendees to explore after the program. The Nature Center is located at: Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, 2045 Mud Lake Road, DeLeon Spring, FL 32130

Black Point Wildlife Drive Bus Tour
2025-02-06 10:00 - 2025-03-29 12:00 | FL
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Feb 6- Mar 29, 2025

Black Point Wildlife Drive Bus Tour
Cost: $10 per person ($5 for America The Beautiful passholders and Merritt Island Wildlife Association members)
Check-In: Arrive at 9:40am to check in and pay at the Merritt Island NWR Contact Station trailer (look for Pink Flamingo statues).
Boarding the Bus: After checking in, please drive to Parrish Park (across the street from the Contact Station) to park and board the bus.
Questions: Call our welcome center at 321-861-0669 (Tues to Sat from 8am to 4pm)
Pick a Date and Register Here
Hop aboard our Nature Bus Tour to take in the beauty of local wildlife from the comfort of your seat. Your Naturalist guide will share background about Merritt Island NWR while providing highlights about wildlife seen along the journey. The Refuge is home to many species of migratory birds along with year round residents that include freshwater frogs, turtles, alligators, and armadillos. Every day is different, and you never know what you might see on Black Point Wildlife Drive because ‘wild’ is literally in the name.
Logistics: The bus will make a stop for a restroom break approximately 1.25 hours into the tour. Our bus has limited accessibility; unfortunately, the bus is not equipped for wheelchairs, however we have space for walkers and canes. The tour includes use of loaner binoculars and wildlife identification resource guides.

I've Got an App for that Bird!
2025-02-02 11:00 - 13:30 | Dixie Crossroads, 1475 Garden St, Titusville, FL, 32796, United States
Location: Dixie Crossroads (Refuge Room), 1475 Garden St, Titusville, FL 32796
https://bit.ly/birdingskills
Explore the exciting world of bird identification with the help of the latest technology. Our I’ve Got an App for That Bird! workshop is tailored for adult learners (ages 16+). Professional birding guides and consultants, David Simpson and Dee Fairbanks Simpson (Birding with David Simpson) will share tips on how to leverage technology to enrich your birding knowledge. This hands-on session delves into the features, benefits, and best uses of three popular birding apps:

Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID: Learn how to identify birds using field marks captured in images with AI enhanced recognition. Improve your Birding by Ear skills by leveraging automated sound ID.
eBird: Discover how to keep a detailed life list, contribute to community science, and explore bird sighting hotspots worldwide.
Sibley’s Field Guide App: Master the art of field identification using detailed illustrations and field marks.

This workshop combines interactive demonstrations, hands-on app exploration, and group discussions to ensure participants gain practical skills and confidence in using these tools for birding. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder looking to enhance your tech-savvy birding skills, this session is for you!
Format:

Overview of APP’s
Scenario based examples to apply your learning
Q&A and group discussion on choosing the right app for your needs
Optional field practice following the workshop. Instructors will announce the field location at the start of the session.

Bring your smartphone or tablet for the full experience. Let technology take your birdwatching to the next level!
Register here.
Logistics: Workshop participants will order their lunch upon arrival and eat while the instructors are presenting. Each participant will pay for their own lunch. Please download the Merlin and eBird APP’s prior to the workshop. Please bring your smartphone or tablet and charging cable. Guest wi-fi will be available.

Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival
2025-01-22 04:00 - 2025-01-26 19:00 | Radisson Resort at the Port, 8701 Astronaut Boulevard, Cape Canaveral, FL, 32920, United States
Join MIWA at the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, Jan 22-26,2025
Curious to learn about the natural side of our state? The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival (SCBWF) allows you to add to your life list, take some amazing photos, see different Florida habitats, and meet other birders and naturalists from around the world.
Participate in one of the largest, most comprehensive birding and wildlife festivals in the country! Sign-up for field trips, including several at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Here is the link to start registration.
Click here be put on the mailing list to be notified of any new offerings.

Dine to Donate: Village Inn, Titusville
2025-01-14 16:00 - 21:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Gather some friends for dinner, pickup a take home meal or enjoy a delicious piece of pie. On January 14, 2025, from 4pm to 9pm, Village Inn Titusville is generously donating a portion of their sales to Merritt Island Wildlife Association. Enjoy a fantastic meal while supporting a great cause. Whether you dine in or order takeout, your support will make a positive impact. Gather your friends and family for a night of fun and philanthropy!
Dine to Donate
Tuesday, Jan 14th
Dine In or Get Takeaway
Anytime Between 4p to 9pm
Village Inn
2925 S Washington Ave
Titusville, FL 32780

Dine to Donate: Village Inn, Titusville
2024-12-17 16:00 - 21:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Gather some friends for dinner, pickup a take home meal or enjoy a delicious piece of pie. On December 17, 2024, from 4pm to 9pm, Village Inn Titusville is generously donating a portion of their sales to Merritt Island Wildlife Association. Enjoy a fantastic meal while supporting a great cause. Whether you dine in or order takeout, your support will make a positive impact. Gather your friends and family for a night of fun and philanthropy!
Dine to Donate
Tuesday, Dec 17th
Dine In or Get Takeaway
Anytime Between 4p to 9pm
Village Inn
2925 S Washington Ave
Titusville, FL 32780

Dine to Donate: Village Inn, Titusville
2024-11-19 16:00 - 21:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Gather some friends for dinner, pickup a take home meal or enjoy a delicious piece of pie. On November 19, 2024, from 4pm to 9pm, Village Inn Titusville is generously donating a portion of their sales to Merritt Island Wildlife Association. Enjoy a fantastic meal while supporting a great cause. Whether you dine in or order takeout, your support will make a positive impact. Gather your friends and family for a night of fun and philanthropy!
Dine to Donate
Tuesday, Nov 19th
Dine In or Get Takeaway
Anytime Between 4p to 9pm
Village Inn
2925 S Washington Ave
Titusville, FL 32780

History & Homestead: A Christmas Florida Celebration
2024-11-02 11:30 - 13:00 | Christmas Mills and Roastery, 1144 Taylor Creek Rd, Christmas, 32709
Event Description
Many birders and nature enthusiasts know Christmas Florida as the gateway to Orlando Wetlands, Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area, and Swampy, the world’s largest gator. Join us as we travel back in time to the heart of Christmas, Florida, to learn about history of the farms and families that make it such a unique place.
We will gather at the Christmas Mills and Roastery red caboose to be transported back to a simpler time while learning about milling corn, making cornbread, producing cane syrup, and coffee roasting. From farm fields to mistletoe, our program will include an informal storytelling session that will delve into the fascinating history of Christmas.
No such journey back in time would be complete without a taste of homemade goodness. Enjoy an array of homemade pies and treats, crafted with love and the same care as generations before. Freshly roasted coffee will warm your soul as we gather for a picnic that invites you to participate in the age-old custom of sharing food. Bring your favorite sandwich fixin’s, and we’ll provide the homemade bread, baked just as it was in the old days, to complete your meal.
After our picnic lunch, the Christmas Market will be open with neighbors and friends selling honey, coffee, jams & jellies, soaps, handcrafted items, stone ground layered grit jars, corn bread mixes, and baked goodies. You can also place an order for holiday pies.
Tickets available here.

Birds, Art and More Tour
2024-10-25 08:00 - 13:00 | FL
Cost: $15 (Advanced registration is required)
(Includes entrance to both museums and Audubon Birds of Florida special exhibit)
0800-1015 Field trip with Birding with David Simpson (Dee & David)
1015-1045 Restroom break and travel to Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS)
1045-1100 Arrive at MOAS and check in for tour
1100-1300 Docent led tour of Audubon special exhibit, planetarium show, and time to explore other galleries.
Birding Field Trip
Trip leaders Dee and David, professional guides from Birding with David Simpson, will lead us on an adventure to two different birding hot spots to look for local species and fall migrants. Tipping the guides is optional, but greatly appreciated.
Stop #1: Ponce Preserve
Ponce Preserve – https://maps.app.goo.gl/jdQd9nhamYFDv77LA
Restrooms on site. No entrance fee. Boardwalk 1/3 mile. Mangroves and salt marsh, lagoon overlook. Some woods around parking lot. Migrants, Clapper Rails, maybe some ducks and waterbirds on lagoon.
Stop #2: Port Orange Causeway Park
Port Orange Causeway Park – https://maps.app.goo.gl/oL84Gs9kE7ss9GxQ6
10 min from Ponce Preserve. 15-20 min from museum. No entrance fee. Restrooms on site. Walk around parking lot. Lots of water birds. Ducks, Oystercatchers, shorebirds.
Museum of Arts and Sciences – Art Museum Special Audubon Exhibition Tour
John James Audubon’s Birds of Florida
The Museum of Arts & Sciences invites you on an extraordinary journey through the original Birds of Florida as captured in the meticulously painted studies of John James Audubon (1785-1851), one of the most celebrated artists in American history. A masterpiece of printmaking, these exquisite, life-size illustrations are part of Audubon’s ground-breaking 435-count compendium The Birds of America, the culmination of the artist’s ambition to paint every bird species in North America. As part of this twelve-year venture, Audubon organized a special expedition to Florida (1831-1832) in order to document the birds, and their habitats, unique to the U.S. Territory.
Location:
Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS)
352 S. Nova Road
Daytona Beach FL 32114
Our group will enjoy a private, docent led tour of Audubon’s Birds of Florida special exhibit. Following the tour attendees will have free time for self-guided viewing of the other galleries and science museum.

Tickets on Sale Now: Annual Meeting and Dinner
2024-10-19 16:00 - 20:30 | Field Manor, 750 Field Manor Drive, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, United States
Tickets on sale now!
Mark your calendar and join us for our 30th Anniversary celebration! This year we are expanding seating to 125 and planning a lovely evening with a sunset view along the Indian River Lagoon. Field Manor is an 1800’s historic homestead located on
45 beautiful acres that include 400 feet of river frontage. There will be a silent auction again with baskets, artwork, and adventures. New table sponsorship opportunities are available too. Gather a group of friends and enjoy the evening together.
Individual Tickets are $40 per person and include buffet-style dinner, coffee/tea service, and dessert. Doors open at 3:30pm, auction viewing starts at 4pm, and dinner will be served at 4:30pm.

Keynote Speaker: Kirsten Hines is a Florida-based writer, photographer, and conservationist focused on highlighting nature and wildlife around the world. Anchored by her master’s degree in biology and experience as an environmental educator, her aim is to inspire conservation action through her personalized story-telling. She has authored or co-authored nine books, most recently Birds of Florida: A Photographic Guide and Recovering Caribbean Nature. Kirsten’s images have been featured in numerous photography showcases and exhibitions, public art programs, and magazines. She lectures widely on a range of nature and photography-related subjects, and leads wildlife photography field trips and workshops.
