Welcome to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is America's most biodiverse national wildlife refuge. This 140,000-acre refuge sits right next to Kennedy Space Center on Florida's Space Coast and encompasses barrier island, coastal marshes, hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, and the globally significant Indian River Lagoon. MINWR is home to more threatened and endangered species than any other national wildlife refuge in the continental US, including 15 federally listed species. It's the only national wildlife refuge in the world that shares land with an active space launch facility, co-existing with Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. More than 330 bird species have been recorded at MINWR, making it one of the top birdwatching destinations in the entire country, especially during winter migrations. In this lesson, we'll explore the refuge's crown jewel species, its marine wildlife, its management tools, and how you can help.