Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸

Today, we celebrate a symbol of our nation and the public lands that help tell its story. At Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, that story includes protecting wildlife, conserving habitat, and connecting people with nature.

Flag Day (June 14th) is a fee-free day at National Wildlife Refuges and other participating federal public lands.

Celebrate by exploring the refuge & help protect wildlife by packing out what you pack in!

06/12/2026

🦎 Lizard Watch

👀 Brevard County has asked for assistance in helping to spot and locate Argentine Black and White Tegus, a highly invasive species of diurnal lizard originally from Central and South America, that preys on native wildlife, especially egg-laying species. What to know:

✔️ Growing to roughly 2 - 4 feet in length, tegus have a large head, black and white coloration as adults, and green head coloration as juveniles.
✔️ Recently, there have been an increasing number of sightings in Brevard County.
✔️ If you see an Argentine Black and White Tegu, please report it by calling the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 1-888-483-4681. You can also take a picture, note the location, and upload sightings to IveGot1.org. Do not attempt to capture them yourself.
✔️ Remember, it is illegal to release any animal into the wild that is not native to Florida!

👉 Learn more at:

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/lizards/argentine-black-and-white-tegu/

06/12/2026

Its Turtle Time!
Reservations for our summer sea turtle programs are open! Join us to learn about the endangered sea turtles that nest on the Refuge. We'll begin with a program about sea turtle conservation followed by a trip to the beach for a chance to see a turtle lay her eggs. Programs are at 8PM on Wednesday and Thursday nights in June and July. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. Space is limited. Use this link to reserve your spot.
https://bit.ly/2026turtlewalks

06/11/2026

This week's sea turtle nest count: 678 Loggerheads, 18 Greens, 3 leatherbacks. After an unusually busy start to the season, things seem to have settled down to a more normal pace.
photo of leatherback tracks on the beach courtesy of the FWS.

06/11/2026

🌈 Steal the Look: Painted Bunting

🛶 We’re out here paddling with pride and, like the Painted Bunting, unapologetically showing our true colors!
Yes, we're applying sunscreen so we don’t actually turn a shade of red, but you can't stop us from embracing the full spectrum of color from one of North America’s most astonishing birds.
☀️ Taking notes from this secretive species, we'll spend our spare time weaving through dense thickets, paddling shady waterways, and popping in and out of the sunshine.

Did you know that the incredible colors of the Painted Bunting don’t come from pigments, but from tiny structures in their feathers that reflect light?
It's a fitting reminder that we all reflect light in our own unique ways — and the world is brighter for it!
Learn more about this living rainbow in our bird library:
https://abcbirds.org/birds/painted-bunting/

06/06/2026

Happy National Trails Day!

Celebrate by exploring one of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge’s trails, like Oak Hammock, Palm Hammock, Scrub Ridge, or Pine Flatwoods.

When exploring the outdoors always remember to practice Leave No Trace: stay on designated trails, pack out trash, give wildlife space, and leave any natural items where you find them.

06/02/2026

It's This week's nest are counts are an amazing 530 Loggerheads, 6 Greens, and 1 Leatherback sea turtles. If this pace keeps up, it will be a record nesting year.
photo: loggerhead turtle courtesy of Archie Carr NWR

05/27/2026

05/23/2026

This Memorial Day weekend, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Monday May 25th is a fee-free day at all National Wildlife Refuges and other participating federal public lands. 🇺🇸

Did you know? Eligible current U.S. military members, dependents, veterans, and Gold Star Families can receive a free America the Beautiful Military Pass year-round at the Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center with proper documentation.

While enjoying the refuge this holiday weekend, please help protect wildlife and habitat by packing out what you pack in.

Photo By/Credit
James Lyon/USFWS