Barrier Island Sanctuary

Located on the barrier island, this 34-acre sanctuary features the second EEL Program Management and Education Center. The new center is a modern educational facility with classrooms, an interactive exhibit room, a library, offices, auditorium, restrooms and a gift shop. Providing a focal point for the Archie Carr Refuge and the associated barrier island ecosystem, the center provides exhibit space and a presentation hall for hosting ongoing educational programs that promote stewardship of the area’s fragile natural resources. The 5,700 square foot facility offers an educational resource for visiting school groups from throughout Brevard County, as well as for residents and tourists. The Center, with gift shop and exhibits opens daily to the public.

Barrier Island Sanctuary Trail

Situated in the heart of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, the trail features examples of several barrier island habitats. The trail includes some raised boardwalk and winds through an active restoration area providing observation of a living laboratory of land management and restoration science. Much of the sanctuary was heavily impacted by nonnative plant species such as Brazilian pepper and Australian pine trees in recent years. Now, with the majority of alien plant species removed, native habitats such as cabbage palm hammock, maritime hammock, saltmarsh, mangrove swamp, and the Indian River Lagoon are regaining a foothold and are viewable along the trail.