Turkey Creek Sanctuary facts for kids
The Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a special nature park in Palm Bay, Florida. It's a great place to explore different types of natural areas, like salty forests and sandy pine hills. This sanctuary has long boardwalks, which are like wooden paths, stretching for about 1.85 miles (3 kilometers). It also has jogging trails that are 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long, winding through beautiful native forests. These paths lead you right to Turkey Creek.
Turkey Creek is a fantastic spot to see many different animals! You might spot birds, turtles, gentle manatees, and even alligators. There's also a special deck where you can launch a canoe into the creek. This creek is super important because it's a breeding ground for both freshwater and saltwater fish. The Turkey Creek Sanctuary is also a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, which is a big path for birdwatchers across Florida.
About Turkey Creek Sanctuary
The land for the Turkey Creek Sanctuary was given to the Florida Audubon Society and the city of Palm Bay in 1978. People started raising money to protect this area in 1981. By 1994, about 113 acres (46 hectares) of land were officially protected and managed by a group of volunteers. The park is open every day from 7 AM until sunset, so you have plenty of time to visit and explore!
Protecting the Environment
Sometimes, the sanctuary faces challenges that could harm its natural environment. For example, in September 2014, there were very heavy rains. This caused some partially treated water to accidentally spill into Turkey Creek. Protecting places like the Turkey Creek Sanctuary helps keep our natural world healthy for everyone.
Margaret Hames Nature Center
The Margaret Hames Nature Center opened its doors in 1992. This center is a wonderful place to learn all about nature and the environment. They offer special educational programs, including fun nature day camps. These camps are a great way for kids to learn more about the plants and animals that live in the sanctuary and how to protect them.
