Outdoor Activities Archives - On the Go in MCO

Find Yourself In Nature On Florida’s Space Coast

April 6 – 21, 2013

At the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition

For sixteen days in April, the Space Coast will be host to hikers, bikers, paddlers, horseback riders and more during the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition from April 6-21, 2013. The Space Coast of Florida boasts a variety of habitats to explore, from coastal scrub and forested uplands to open prairies and maritime hammocks. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy an amazing diversity of ecosystems during specially planned treks and tours during the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition.

Inspired by the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition (FWCE) that covered 1000 miles of Florida in 100 days from the Florida Everglades to the Georgia Okefenokee Swamp, in April 2012, the Brevard Nature Alliance (BNA) created a local version of the statewide expedition. We share similar goals of creating awareness of conservation lands and wildlife corridors, but the BNA chose to encourage extensive active participation of the public. The Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition (BWCE) will feature the active involvement of many expert guides, residents and visitors. Some Brevard events will be limited to very fit participants, like a six-day 74 mile kayaking trip in the Indian River Lagoon spanning the county. A four-day fifty mile paddling trip will follow much of the same route used by the FWCE up the St Johns River to Titusville. A two-day 38 mile trip on fat-tire bikes from Cape Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet will provide another unique experience. Many other events are far less physically demanding such as pontoon boat rides in the Indian River Lagoon, plant identification hikes and a variety of educational events. This expedition includes keynote presentations by three of the participants of the FWCE as well as a Spring Seafood Jubilee.

The BWCE moves across land and water, providing approximately 8o scheduled events from April 6-21. This event offers a variety of activities that relate to the natural areas of Brevard County. These activities will appeal to a wide range of interests, ages and fitness levels. Some of the activities include: eco-tours on horseback, by kayak or canoe and fat-tire bikes; stand up paddleboarding in the Indian River Lagoon; a nocturnal nature hike; a night critter watch ride; pontoon boat guided excursions; wildlife photography, surf fishing and plant identification instruction; and more.

Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition Cornerstone Events:

6-day 70+ mile Indian River Lagoon paddling and camping trip–Scottsmoor to Micco (with 3-day options)
4-day 50+ mile St. Johns paddling trip–Lake Washington to Midway
April 13: Elam Stoltzfus at Brevard Community College/Titusville – Capturing the 100 Days in Video–from the Everglades to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, including along the St. Johns River in Brevard County.

The motto of the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition is “find yourself in nature” — the event is designed to build awareness of conservation lands and wildlife corridors in Brevard County – Florida’s Space Coast.

The Expedition is being organized by local volunteers and has received support from sponsors and experts on the lands and outdoor recreation of the area, including special support from the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands program and the Space Coast Office of Tourism.

The Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition is presented by the Brevard Nature Alliance, a voluntary group of individuals and organizations associated for the purpose of raising the awareness of citizens and visitors to the value and importance of the natural resources of Brevard County, Florida. The group is dedicated to serving the community through educational outreach, environmental program development, strategic planning, and the sharing of information and expertise with all interested parties.

The Mission of the Brevard Nature Alliance is to build public awareness and appreciation of the value of Brevard County’s natural resources by fostering and promoting ethical nature-based ecotourism.