The Pelican Island Audubon Society is a non profit organization that has been a voice for…read moreconservation in Indian River County since 1964. Their mission is to educate the community, especially children about conservation and the environmental health of their community. The Pelican Island Audubon Society operates out of a nature center in the middle of the 430 acre Oslo Conservation Area. The charming building has both indoor and outdoor classrooms. Outside they have planted native pollinator and host plants for bees and butterflies along the nature trails. Their plant nursery is run by volunteers and to date they have distributed over 18,000 native trees and plants. All of the programs and field trips offered by the Pelican Audubon Society are free of charge. A full listing of upcoming events can be found on their website. These events include plants sales, advanced birding classes, and field trips to nature preserves in other counties in Florida. The Pelican Audubon Society also supports River Kidz, an environmental club for children of all ages. If you have children and are interested in environmental programs, the Pelican Audubon Society is a wonderful resource for the families of Indian River County.

This is a 28 acre conservation area in Sebastian, Florida. It is open every day of the year from…read more7'30 AM to sunset. The parking area is located in Canoe Launch Park. There are no restrooms or water. There are however a half mile of hiking trails with more under development. Dogs are allowed on the leash. The Ansin Riverfront Conservation Area was purchased by Indian River County in 2005. It helps to buffer the Sebastian River from the developments nearby preserving the water quality of the river and providing a safe refuge for the wildlife attracted to the river. Ansin Riverfront Conservation Area also acts as greenway to protect hikers traveling between CR 512 and the Trans-Florida Central Railroad grade to the County Canoe Launch Park. This preserve also protects the South Prong of the St. Sebastian River from runoff and future development. At the eastern end of the railway corridor there is a boardwalk that goes over a mixed hardwood swamp. To the west along the railway, there are live oaks covered in ressurection ferns and bromeliads. The final portion of the paved goes through mesic and scrubby pine flatwoods, home of the endangered Florida gopher tortoise and saw palmetto. I had so much fun discovering and hiking this preserve. Even though there is a shopping center across the street, you feel you are in Florida before all of the development. I am so glad that this tract of land was saved to preserve the health of the river and to provide a refuge for all of the wildlife. If you bring your own canoe or kaya you can go for a paddle on the river at Canoe launch Park next door.

This park is part of a freshwater marsh or savana that used to cover the southeast coast of…read moreFlorida. This preserve is one of the longest remaining tracts of east coast savanna. It is 10 miles long stretching from Ft. Pierce to Jensen Beach.The term savanna for the marshland and ponds was first used by Lt. Colonel Benjamin Pierce during the Second Seminole Wars. In 1879 Captain Thomas Richards came here from Key West to plant pineapples which thrived in the sandy soil. From 1895 to 1920 Jensen Beach became the pineapple capital of the world. In 1977, 6,000 acres of land were acquired to create a park that protects this biologically unique ecosystem. Today the park offers many amenities to the nature enthusiast. There are 15 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. There is also a canoe and kayak launch. At 8:30 AM every Friday and Saturday morning volunteers lead two hour guided tours. Reservations are required and you can call this number: 772-398-2779. Fishing is available in the park if you have the proper license. If all of the fun outdoor sports makes you hungry there are a number of picnic shelters around the preserve. To learn more about the savannas you can go to the Visitor Center Education Center which is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. I only got a chance to scratch the surface of this wonderful park and now I can't wait to come and explore it more fully. Admission to the park is $3 that you put into an envelope on the honor system. If you visit bring cash make sure to have the exact amount. The money goes to supporting a wonderful outdoor space rich in history, plants, and animals.

If you're looking for a place in Vero Beach that humbles the soul and lifts the heart, Veteran's…read moreMemorial Island Sanctuary is it. This isn't just a park--it's sacred ground dressed in serenity and sunshine. As I walked under a bright sky and the slow rustle of trees, I was greeted by engraved stone pillars marked with words like Honor, Devotion, Sacrifice. You don't just read them--you feel them. Every step here carries meaning. The American flag stands tall at the end of a peaceful, tree-lined brick path, swaying like it's saluting every visitor who comes to remember. Sculptures and monuments dot the landscape, each one dedicated to those who gave their lives in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. The "Lest We Forget" stone from 1963 hit especially hard--simple, bold, and eternal. But what struck me the most was how beautiful it all is. The landscaping is pristine, the layout intentional, and the silence... powerful. You hear birds, maybe your own footsteps, and nothing else. It's as if the whole place whispers: "They mattered. Don't forget." This is more than a park. It's a living tribute--one that doesn't ask for applause, just presence. I came to reflect, to walk, to breathe--and left with gratitude in my chest. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this island sanctuary deserves your time, your silence, and your thanks.

veterans park is a memorable visit. free of charge:-) always reminds me, one if the reasons why i'm…read moreso grateful & blessed to be in nation!! views of the beautiful waterways greet you on the roads to get here. from walking paths, picnic covered pavilions most with bbq to grill your anytime of year favorites. parking is free. -*** bring your fur baby on a leash of course:-) and please dont forget the infamous poopie bags. pick up & make a deposit in the multiple g cans throughout the park. so many areas to visit inside the park. heart warming memorials practically everywhere you walk. paying tribute and respect to all those who have selflessly sacrificed for the freedom we live. i thank everyday all the men and women tgat give me the peace of mind and spirit for no worries. when i lay my head to sleep the sound of an attack of our land. on a a happier note:-)) may you & your family & friends enjoy this thanksgiving holiday. christmas, chanukah or any holiday we are ***free to celebrate.

We always enjoy this park but it was BUSY this weekend!!! You have 3 areas to park and one…read morebathroom, you can launch and park across the street. We always enjoy ourselves here!

Nice day at the Causeway. No waves is good for my knees,…read morethe estuaries are cool, one can walk out 50 yards and still touch the ground. It's so beautiful this time of year, although the water is cold but it gets better as you acclimate. The beauty of Florida is its 80 degrees in the middle of November. :)) Fish jumping, the boyfriend throwing out a line, dragonflies hunting, birds and bugs doing their thing. A really nice afternoon today at the Causeway. Thank you Wabasso! You can trust me, I don't have to get out of the house. ;D

This county park in Vero Beach is also known as South County Regional Park. It was named in honor…read moreof Richard "Dick" Bird. Mr. Bird was a PGA golf professional and the founder of Bird Realty. He served 16 years as an Indian River County commissioner. This large 72.7 acre park is open daily, 7 AM until sunset. Park amenities include seven grills, 23 picnic tables, 10 pavilions, a renovated in 2022 ADA accessible playground, 4 lighted multi-purpose ball fields with concession stand, press box, 4 lighted lacrosse fields (only for use by the Lacrosse Association), 2 lighted tennis courts, 2 lighted basketball courts, restrooms, water fountains, and disc golf. One of the most popular features of the park are the 12 pickleball courts divided by skill level. They are lighted and have live camera streaming online The trees throughout the park provide much appreciated shade and the tropical landscaping adds to the natural beauty of the nature areas. This park hosts various sports leagues such as adult slow-pitch softball and lacrosse events. Ample parking with over 200 spots adds to the ease of visits. The well maintained Dick Bird South County Park provides an important community recreational resource for sports, relaxation, and picnicking.

This is a beautiful soccer / lacrosse park. The fields have excellent drainage and very nice…read morebathrooms (not common during lacrosse tournaments). There's plenty of parking and the concession stands serve excellent food. Overall I'd highly recommend this park for any sports tournaments.

Sandpiper Bay Park is an 11.5 acre open space park established in 1999 in Port St. Lucie. I was…read morehiking in the area and decided to stop by and check it out. There is no established parking area but I noticed people were parking on the grass. The park is located on a canal where fishing is permitted but there is a sign warning about alligators. There is a small trail through the woods that runs along the canal. Along the way you will trees, pinecones, and a view of the water. The park also has picnic tables near the parking area making it a nice place to eat lunch in nature. Port St. Lucie really excels in their nature preserves. Their newest one is The Preserve in the Port District. Sandpiper Bay Park is a great spot for local families to walk their dog, have a picnic, or just taking a relaxing stroll among the trees.

Richard E. Becker Preserve is located on what appears to be a busy street, but the day I was…read moredriving down it's, there was little traffic. I initially drove by, but since I like parks and preserves and stuff, I made a u-turn and pulled in here. It is not a huge place by any means, however it is rather tranquil and it was a good place to take a few minutes to just chill and escape the stress of the day-to-day grind.

Richard E Becker Preserve is a 13 acre preserve on Ten Mile Creek which is part of the head waters…read moreof the St. Lucie River North Fork. It is named after Richard E Beckerwho was the owner of the Becker Holding Corporation which is a citrus and agricultural business still operated by his family. In 2011, St. Lucie county was able to purchase the Becker property which allowed for the continuation of an important ecological corridor along the north fork of the St. Lucie River. Preserve amenities include a half mile hiking trail, observation deck overlooking the river, canoe/kayak launch, picnic tables, and gazebo. There are plans to open a nature center with exhibits. The habitats in this area are floodplain forest, scrub and pine flat woods, and primordial swamps and wetlands. Animals that make their home here include barred owls, North American river otters, wading birds, and butterflies. Richard E. Becker is a tranquil place to stroll around especially when combined with the other nature preserves in the chain.