The Indian River Lagoon ecosystem is one of the great estuarine ecosystems in North America.  Stretching 156 miles along Florida’s east central coast from Ponce Inlet to Jupiter Inlet, the system is composed of three inter-connected estuaries – the Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon. 

The ocean, through global changes in sea level, shaped these estuaries, along with Florida’s eastern barrier islands, over many thousands of years.  This complex ecosystem represents a unique geological and ecological feature of Florida with profound historical, social, economic and environmental significance.

WHERE TO GO…

· Fish, canoe, kayak or hike anywhere along the Indian River Lagoon with an expert guide. Find fishing info at Coastal Angler Magazine or Florida Guidelines (www.flguidelines.com ). For nature experiences check out Volusia ECHO Tourism (http://echotourism.com/); Space Coast Birding (www.spacecoastbirding.com); Space Coast Paddling (www.spacecoastpaddling.com); Space Coast Hiking (www.spacecoasthiking.com).

· Experience the annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival in Titusville. This annual festival in November has grown to become one of the top environmental events in the United States. Over 100 field trips are offered including great birding and nature trips for beginners and experts. Experience the IRL region with expert nature guides. Meet new friends from all over the world. (www.nbbd.com/fly ).

· Canaveral National Seashore: From pristine beaches to the historic Eldora State House, enjoy nature at every turn. Be sure to visit the trails at Turtle Mound, Eldora and Castle Windy. Marvel in the natural diversity of Mosquito Lagoon with awesome canoe, kayak and fishing opportunities. (www.nps.gov/cana ).

· “String of Pearls” - The Indian River Lagoon has three National Wildlife Refuges with world-class activities: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge includes over 140,000 acres that overlay the John F. Kennedy Space Center. An excellent place to see wildlife, Black Point Wildlife Drive is a seven mile, one-way loop which traverses several shallow marsh impoundments (www.fws.gov/merrittisland ). Pelican Island is America’s first national wildlife refuge (www.fws.gov/pelicanisland ) and Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is a premier sea turtle nesting habitat (www.fws.gov/archiecarr ).