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Great Outdoors
Much of Indian River County's high quality of life is traceable to its beautiful beaches, plentiful parks and wildlife areas.
The Atlantic Ocean, Indian River Lagoon and the Sebastian River meet in Sebastian Inlet State Park, a 738-acre gem at the north end of the county (and the south end of neighboring Brevard County). Famous for its surfing, the inlet park features fishing, swimming, boating, diving and water sports in abundance. Hiking, camping and picnicking activities are also encouraged. Yet the park is part of the larger Archie Car Wildlife Refuge, so endangered sea turtles and numerous animal and bird species including manatees are not only sighted but also protected.
Pelican Island, the first wildlife refuge in the United States, became a National Historic Landmark in 1963. It's off-limits to people but continues to attract birds to its mangrove island bastion in the Indian River southeast of Sebastian. To appreciate numerous botanical delights, visit McKee Botanical Gardens, which preserves in an 18-acre parcel what was once an 80-acre Florida tourist attraction (McKee jungle Gardens).
Another ecological resource is the Environmental Learning Center on Wabasso Island, which contains 51 acres of marsh and uplands associated with the estuary. Daytime and evening courses and field trips are offered. Thirty-six rare or endangered species live among the many thousands of bird, animal and plant varieties within the center. It's possible to trek through three distinct ecosystem within this one small environmental and educational treasure. Kids learn by walking the boardwalk through a mangrove forest or following the native plant trail; they enjoy the butterfly garden and observe creatures large and small that inhabit the waters. They can also sign up for classes like: Tanks A Lot (home aquariums), It's a Jungle Out There (family biking on Jungle Trail) and Ask Dr. Bug (for families).
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