Happy New Year!! So much has changed in our world since I wrote this letter last year. We zoom, team, and facetime, we don’t hug as much and bumping fists and elbows have become the expected greeting. But the places that we love are still there and we need them more than ever. National Parks were created in a time when the nation was feeling stress from war and the Great Depression; these places of peace can help us get through the pandemic. Take a ride, take a walk or ride a bike to your local park or green space, and I promise it will make for a better day. It is relaxing and relieves stress to take a walk on the beach. It helps our bodies to breathe fresh air and see our neighbors from a distance doing the same. Here’s to 2021!

On January 3^rd, 1975, Canaveral National Seashore was established by an act of congress. The National Park was put in place to protect this barrier island and ensure it will remain untouched for future generations. The barrier island has a long history that goes back thousands of years. Canaveral National Seashore is a small national park split between Brevard and Volusia Counties. This 58,000-acre barrier island serves as a safe haven for many threatened and endangered species, along with a protected beach for many marine sea turtles. The seashore is 24 miles long, the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on the east coast of Florida. Two-thirds of the park constitutes the Mosquito Lagoon, which is brimming with various forms of wildlife. This estuary plays a vital role in filtering out sediments and pollutants from the water before entering the ocean. Albeit this national park is on the small side, it makes up for it with abundant history, beauty, and outdoor activities. 

The park offers loads of diverse activities. You can come to walk the Turtle Mound, a 35-foot shell midden that is all that remains of the Timucuan tribe history. The views from the top are spectacular! Then have a stroll around the Eldora house, a statehouse that was built in 1903. The park also provides many hiking trails, swimming, or fishing. Canoe and kayak rentals are also options or bring your own boat. While you cruise around the mangroves, take in the stunning scenery and possibly spot an Osprey out fishing or a bottlenose dolphin. Almost year-round, we offer programs for you to come out and learn about the park’s wildlife, plants, and a bit of history. In the summer, the turtle program kicks off. You can come to learn about our three nesting sea turtles: Green, loggerhead, and leatherback. If lucky, you may even get to see one crawl ashore! So, come celebrate Canaveral National Seashores’ 47^th birthday while you relax, enjoy, and learn.   

Article by: Dawn James, Park Ranger