We will be hiking the Cruickshank Trail at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.  This is a fairly easy five mile loop trail which borders the Black Point Marsh.  This trail passes three different water habitats:  salt marsh; marsh stream; and inland lagoon, to offer a wide variety of wildlife.  At this time of the year expect to see a relatively high concentration of waterfowl and songbirds in the area such as blue-winged teals, pintails, yellow rumpled warblers, tree swallows, and bald eagles.  Turtles and alligators are also likely to be seen sunning themselves along the banks, though manatees may have gone south at this time of the year for warmer waters.  Bring a hat, water, sturdy walking shoes, some snacks, and insect repellent, as mosquitoes and ticks may be around.

Please note that the Refuge has a $5.00 fee per car for entering the Black Point Wildlife Drive, on which we will be driving in order to get to the trailhead, so plan on carpooling from the Visitor Center, to minimize the cost.

If you would like more information, check the NWR website:  www.fws.gov/merrittisland

We will meet at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 11:00 a.m.  From I-95, take exit 215 in Titusville, and go east on Rt. 50 to US 1.  Go north on US 1 to 406 east, at which point you should see signs directing you to the Refuge.  Go right on 406 to cross the Intracoastal Waterway.  After crossing on the bridge, bear right at the first fork on the road, and take 402 east.  The Visitor Center will be on your right.  I drive a silver Rav4 with Palm Beach County license plates.