December marks the beginning of migrations for many...the whales,
birds, holiday family and friends, and of course the "snowbirds" we
have so missed!
We look forward to seeing everyone again for our special activities to
celebrate the arrival of the North Atlantic right whales and our
migration outdoors to enjoy the beautiful weather with a holiday hike
and paddle!
2009 Barrier Island Bash! - Saturday, 5 December 7 to 9 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join the Caribbean Conservation Corporation for an elegant evening of sea turtles and art to
celebrate a fantastic year of sea turtle conservation! The Bash will feature live music, wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and
exhibits by local artists. Proceeds from the sale of artwork will benefit sea turtle education at the Barrier Island Center.
Cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
RSVP/purchase tickets online at www.cccturtle.org, or email rocio@cccturtle.org, or call 1-800-678-7853.
Oyster Mat Making - Thursday, 10 December 10 a.m.
Help the Nature Conservancy with their community project to restore oyster reefs in the Mosquito Lagoon of North
Brevard County.
A Whale of an Eco-Art for Everyone! - Saturday, 12 December 1 p.m.
Sculpt your very own North Atlantic right whale from self-hardening clay in celebration of the beginning of their migration!
Record-Breaking Season for the Right Whales! - Sunday, 13 December 2 p.m.
Last season more calves were born to the North Atlantic right whale population than have been documented since
researchers started keeping track almost 30 years ago! The Marine Resource Council’s Right Whale Program is the
nation’s largest endangered species monitoring network. Join Julie Albert, Project Coordinator, to learn how you can
help protect the whales by reporting sightings during their winter migration to Florida to give birth.
Beach Clean-Up - Saturday, 19 December 9 a.m.
Give your gift to the oceans and marine life by helping clean up the beach and bring your holiday visitors too!
“Who’s Home for the Holidays?” Hike - Saturday, 26 December 10 a.m.
Watch those extra holiday pounds fly off as the migratory birds fly in to put on a few! Bring your visiting family and
friends to enjoy this special 2 mile guided hike around the Maritime Hammock Sanctuary pond.
Please wear closed toe shoes, sunscreen and bring your water bottle. Binoculars and cameras are optional.
Meet at Maritime Hammock Trail Head, 6200 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach. Enrollment is limited to 20. Call
321-723-3556 to make your reservation.
*Pine Island Paddle* - Sunday, 27 December 1 to 4 p.m.
Experience another Environmentally Endangered Lands Program treasure with your holiday visitors. Many have migrated
to Pine Island over the years...from Ice-Age animals to pre-Ais Indians to early pioneers...giving this Conservation Area a
rich history. Put in at the peaceful waters of Sams Creek where alligators bask and manatees seek refuge. Then paddle
out into the Indian River Lagoon to explore the shore.
Meet 12 p.m. at Howard E. Futch Memorial Park at Paradise Beach, 2301 N. Highway A1A in Indialantic, to travel
together or 1 p.m. at Pine Island Conservation Area, 2121 Pine Island Road on Merritt Island.
Please wear water shoes and sunscreen and bring your water bottle and a snack. Binoculars are optional.
Tandem touring kayaks available for a party of 2 or singles for individuals. Children under 12 must paddle tandem with
an adult. Cost of kayak rental is $38 per person. Enrollment is limited to 20 people/10 kayaks.
Call 321.723.3556 to make your reservation by Wednesday, 23 December. No refunds after this date, unless minimum of
6 enrollments is not met. If the weather does not permit after meeting to launch, the rain date will be Sunday, 3 January.
8385 S. HIGHWAY A1A, MELBOURNE BEACH 321.723.3556 www.barrierislandcenter.com
BREVARD COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT MIGRATION
MONTH!
DECEMBER 2009 EVENTS
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE
UNLESS NOTED (*)