Diurnal to Nocturnal – Insects & Arachnids After Dark
2026-04-14 06:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 2045 Mud Lake Road, Deleon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Join us for Insects & Arachnids After Dark, an evening hands-on science field experience that starts with a guided walk along a nature trail at sunset in search of the small but remarkable creatures that come alive after dark. Using red-light flashlights and UV lights, we’ll look for movement, glowing clues, eye shine, web builders, hunters, and other nighttime behaviors while exploring how insects and arachnids are specially adapted for life in the dark. Along the way, participants will sharpen their observation skills and learn how to notice the field marks and characteristics that help distinguish one species from another.
This program also invites you to be part of community science. As we document what we find, participants will help observe, describe, and assist volunteers with recording species using iNaturalist, contributing valuable sightings that can support wildlife knowledge and biodiversity tracking.
After the trail walk, we’ll gather in the classroom to examine and compare the species observed, practice identification techniques, and discuss the clues that help naturalists tell one arthropod from another. This field activity is made possible through a Special Use Permit to access the Refuge after closing time.
Field Trip Leader: Professor Candido Diaz, Stetson University
Professor Diaz’s academic passion has always bounced between physics and biology. Ultimately, he obtained a degree in Physics and Astronomy from Vassar College. He was lucky enough to conduct acoustics research during his undergrad but then found the call of biology too strong. Professor Diaz an Ecomechanist who travels into the field to study the material properties of the glue produced by rare spiders to capture moths. At heart, Professor Diaz loves evolutionary specialist animals and the weird things they can do. These amazing spiders use a combination of strange web structures, pheromones, and a special silk glue to retain hard-to-catch prey.
REGISTER HERE

April Village Inn Dine to Donate
2026-04-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Join us on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, for our next Dine to Donate event at Village Inn in Titusville, FL. Village Inn generously donates to MIWA based on all purchases (dine-in and carry-out) from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

May Day for Pollinators: Butterflies & Nature in Bloom
2026-05-01 10:00 - 23:30 | Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center, 1987 Scrub Jay Way, Titusville, FL, 32782, United States
Celebrate the magic of May Day with a morning dedicated to pollinators and the butterflies that bring our landscapes to life. Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or simply curious about what’s fluttering through your neighborhood, this event offers a welcoming way to connect with the natural world.
We’ll begin with a short, engaging program on Appreciating Butterflies, highlighting species commonly found in our local area and introducing the broader groups that make butterfly identification both approachable and fun. You’ll leave with simple tips to help you recognize patterns, behaviors, and field marks—turning every future sighting into a small moment of discovery.
After the program, we’ll step outside for a guided Butterfly Walk along the nature trail behind the Visitor Center. Our walk includes a stop at the pollinator garden, where one of our dedicated garden volunteers will share insights into native plants, seasonal blooms, and the role these habitats play in supporting butterflies and other pollinators. It’s a chance to see the connections between plants and wildlife in action.
The celebration continues inside the Nature Store with special pollinator-themed promotions, featuring items like bee puppets, insect-inspired mugs, and native plant books. Guests can also enjoy door prizes and take part in opportunities to earn free plants, including Milkweed for Members and our Going Native for Wildlife promotion—perfect for bringing a bit of pollinator habitat home with you.
REGISTER HERE

Culver's Fundraiser in May
2026-05-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Culver’s Restaurant, Titusville, FL, 2855 Cheney Highway, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Join us on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 for our next fundraiser at Culver’s Restaurant in Titusville, FL. Culver’s generously donates to MIWA based on all sales from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Keep an eye out for MIWA volunteers delivering your food, whether in the drive-through or in the dining room. We can’t wait to see you!

May Village Inn Dine to Donate
2026-05-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Join us on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, for our next Dine to Donate event at Village Inn in Titusville, FL. Village Inn generously donates to MIWA based on all purchases (dine-in and carry-out) from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

2026 Sea Turtle Program and Walk
2026-06-03 20:00 - 2026-07-29 23:30 | Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center, 1987 Scrub Jay Way, Titusville, FL, 32782, United States
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Step into the night with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a guided sea turtle walk—an unforgettable chance to experience one of Florida’s most remarkable natural events. Guests will learn about the nesting habits, habitats, and conservation of loggerhead sea turtles that return to our local beaches each summer.
Following an educational session focused on sea turtle conservation, nesting behavior, and coastal habitats, participants will caravan in their own vehicles to Playalinda Beach. Dedicated scouts will search for nesting sea turtles. If conditions align and a nesting turtle is located the group will be invited down to the beach for a respectful observation once a turtle begins laying her eggs,.
Sea turtle walks are offered Wednesday and Thursday evenings throughout June and July, beginning at 8:00 PM. Advance tickets are required.
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. ($25 Adults, $10 Ages 8 – 15)
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 classroom 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 supporting the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and for being part of the effort to protect this federally listed threatened species.

Community Fishing Day at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
2026-06-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 2045 Mud Lake Road, Deleon Springs, FL, 32130, United States
Cast a line and connect with the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
Join us for nature-filled adventures at our Community Fishing Day where anglers of all ages and experience levels are invited to enjoy a relaxing morning outdoors. Whether you are casting a line for the very first time or have years of fishing experience, this family-friendly event is designed to connect people with nature, recreation, and the unique beauty of the Refuge.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet local exhibitors sharing information about outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the region, while also enjoying a variety of hands-on activities for all ages.

Explore interactive educational stations focused on fish identification, ethical fishing practices, how to rig a fishing pole, and the important role plants play in aquatic ecosystems.
Meet Local Scouting troops, 4-H groups, and Refuge volunteers to learn about wildlife species that call the Refuge home
Participate in nature themed arts-and-crafts

Cast a line, catch a memory, and connect with the wild side of the Refuge.
REGISTER HERE

June Village Inn Dine to Donate
2026-06-23 17:00 - 20:00 | Village Inn Titusville, 2925 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL, 32780, United States
Join us on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, for our next Dine to Donate event at Village Inn in Titusville, FL. Village Inn generously donates to MIWA based on all purchases (dine-in and carry-out) from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
