Recreation guide to District lands
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St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park
Size:
21,748 acres. Most of this property is jointly owned with the state of Florida.
Location:
In Brevard and Indian River counties, between the cities of Sebastian and Fellsmere.
Description:
The St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park protects the West Indian manatee, red-cockaded woodpecker and Florida scrub jay by providing an upland buffer to the river and limiting development in the area. The preserve is a mosaic of open pine flatwoods, seasonal wetlands, hardwood swamp, sand pine scrub and scrubby flatwood communities.
Wildlife viewing:
Wildlife abounds on the preserve. Visitors may see manatee, scrub jay, red-cockaded woodpecker, southern bald eagle, bobcat, river otter, deer and turkey. Several species of rare plants are also found here. A variety of wading birds, including wood storks and roseate spoonbills, use the property seasonally. Shorebirds such as white pelicans and black skimmers use Canal 54.
Recreational activities:
- Horseback riding, bicycling, hiking, wildlife viewing, primitive camping at designated sites, nature study and fishing. more info
- Boating and canoe/kayak opportunities are available on Canal 54 and the St. Sebastian River; however, there are no boat or canoe/kayak launches on the property. Please launch boats and canoes/kayaks from the county parks on Roseland Road or at the Stick Marsh.
Restrictions: more info
- Motorized vehicles are not permitted.
- The preserve is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, every day of the year.
Access:
From I-95, take exit 73 and go east on Malabar Road (State Road 514). Turn south onto Babcock Road (County Road 507), travel 11.5 miles and turn east onto Buffer Preserve Drive. The south entrance is off Fellsmere Road (CR 512), 1.8 miles east of I-95.
For more information:
The Florida Park Service is the lead manager, in cooperation with the District. Call the preserve at (321) 953-5004.
