FIELD TRIP: Orlando Wetlands Park

Date: Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

After lunch, optional drive-through at Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville

Leader Name(s): Susan Drew (susandrew@peoplepc.com) and Lani York

Trip/area Description: Susan and Lani will lead a walking tour of this famous birding location. The park is a man-made wetland designed to treat reclaimed water and provide wildlife habitat for numerous animal species, including wading birds, raptors, otters, deer, turtles, snakes, and alligators in their natural habitat around the tree islands, palm stands and cypress domes. The birds and wildlife may be approached within a reasonable and safe distance, offering great opportunities for photography. The paths on the levees are dry and not open to vehicles, other than bicyles and a tram. Restrooms and picnic pavilions are available near parking lot, but not on levees.

Bring drinking water, snacks, suncreen, hat, proper walking shoes, binoculars/camera, and a cooler for your bagged lunch to eat at the pavillion following the nature walk.

Duration of trip in hours: 5 hours (not including those who opt for the drive through at Merritt Island)

Walking distance: about 2 miles

Degree of difficulty and any special instructions: The levees are packed dirt and walkers should be careful of uneven areas along the paths. It is advised to stay on the paths because the shorelines are home to a variety of wildlife. Please leave your furry friends at home because no pets are allowed.

The Black Point Wildlife Drive option follows a levee road around shallow marsh impoundments and takes approx. 1 hour to complete. Note: Black Point is approximately a 30-minute drive from Orlando Wetlands.

Where to meet: Carpool from Chevron / McDonalds, 9495 108th Avenue, Sebastian (Sebastian exit, then east of 1-95on 512)

Time of meeting: 7:00 a.m.

Number of participants: 40