Enchanted Forest Hike and Wildlife Encounter

• What we'll do
Join us for a double header with a morning hike and birding field trip at one of Brevard County’ s finest outdoor sanctuaries, the Enchanted Forest, followed by an animal encounter presented by Florida Wildlife Hospital volunteers. Matt Heyden and Lora Losi will host this event which includes both birding and an interpretive nature walk with highlights of plants found on the trails. The sanctuary has several types of habitats which support a variety of birds and other wildlife. The Enchanted Forest trails are mostly level dirt roads and pathways. The walking distance is approx 1-2 miles. We recommend you wear long pants and closed toe shoes. Bring bug spray and binoculars. The hike will last approx. 2 - 2 .25 hours. Following the hike we'll gather in the classroom for a picnic style lunch while enjoying a presentation from the Florida Wildlife Hospital. Handlers will bring 3 or 4 hospital patients or residents unable to return to the wild for a closer look at some native wildlife species. Participants are welcome to join both activities or meet at 11:15am in the classroom for just the animal encounter portion. Sanctuary gates open at 9am. Follow the long driveway to the parking lot. Look for Matt and Lora near the front entrance of the main building. Restrooms are available in this building. Email Matt at [masked] if you have any questions.

0915 - 1115 Nature hike, birding field trip around Enchanted Forest Trail
1115 - 1130 Get lunch from vehicles and gather in the classroom
1130 - 1230 Education presentation and animal encounter

• What to bring
Water bottle, bug spray, picnic lunch, drinks, binoculars and camera/smart phone if you'd like to take photos during the animal education and encounter presentation.

• Important to know
We will have a supply drive collection box (optional) if you want to donate any supplies to help the FL Wildlife Hospital. The full wish list is posted in the Photos section. Some of the items requested are distilled water, bird seed, bleach, laundry detergent, trash bags, paper towels, copy paper and dry erase markers. Every little bit helps!