Updated Sunday, December 09, 2007 02:00 PM

Welcome to Turkey Creek Sanctuary

The Turkey Creek Sanctuary consists of boardwalks through native vegetation areas, a jogging trail with exercise stations, and the Margaret Hames Nature Center. The winding Turkey Creek is visible from the boardwalk in many areas.
(Photo credit, City of Palm Bay)

As of 1994, the Sanctuary is comprised of 113 acres, with more acreage to be added to the southeast. The park property was donated to the City of Palm Bay and to the Florida Audubon Society in 1978 by General Development Corporation. Florida Community Trust, in partnership with Brevard County's Environmentally Endangered Land Program, has added acreage.

Efforts to preserve the area began in 1981 with the formation of the Turkey Creek Sanctuary Committee, Inc., a nonprofit Florida corporation, whose sole purpose is to raise money for the Sanctuary.

The Nature Center was named after Margaret Hames, an outstanding conservation activist and teacher. The Center was opened April, 1992. The park and nature center are a result of contributions from the community, plus city, State, and county funds. The boardwalk and Nature Center are handicap accessible. (Derived from the Margaret Hames Nature Center brochure, 2/97) (Photo credit, City of Palm Bay)

VISITOR GUIDELINES

(Please read and abide by the rules posted at the Sanctuary entrance.)

·         Please do not leave boardwalk

·         No pets

·         No disturbance of plants or animals

·         No smoking, alcohol, or drugs

·         No fishing or swimming

·         No biking or skateboarding

·         No littering

·         No jogging on the boardwalk

This map (while upside down) shows the park layout.

Here's a trail guide. You might like to print this guide to take along, to add your notes, and to see more in the sanctuary.

Take only pictures, kill only time, leave only footprints
The Turkey Creek Sanctuary Committee, Inc., May, 1994

CALENDAR of EVENTS

Sanctuary Tours are led by a ranger on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

The Turkey Creek Sanctuary celebrates Earth Day 2000
Oli Johnson, Park Ranger, reports that an Earth Day Celebration will be held on May 6th, 2000. Please call him at (321) 952-3433 for more information. Turkey Creek Sanctuary entrance is located south behind the Palm Bay Community Center. Here's a poster.

The Turkey Creek Sanctuary Evening Stroll (date not set for 2000 yet)
The Turkey Creek Sanctuary invites you to join them in touring the park from 8 to 10 p.m. Jenny McVickers, park ranger, will be our guide. Meet at the Margaret Hames Nature Center near the Sanctuary entrance. Come at 7:45 p.m. to have time to browse the exhibits at the center before starting the walking tour. Older chidren will enjoy this outing as well as adults. Bring insect repellent! Please call her at (321) 952-3433 for reservations/information. Turkey Creek Sanctuary entrance is located south behind the Palm Bay Community Center. Here's a poster.

The Turkey Creek Sanctuary Management Committee meets at the Margaret Hames Nature Center on the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

Location: The Turkey Creek Sanctuary is located at 1518 Port Malabar Blvd., Palm Bay, Florida.

The mailing address is

P.O. Box 060175,

Palm Bay, FL 32906-0175

To reach the Sanctuary from southbound I-95, exit at 70A and turn east on Palm Bay Road 2.6 miles to Babcock St. Turn right (south) 1.0 miles to Port Malabar Boulevard. Turn left (east) and proceed about 1.1 miles.

To reach the Sanctuary from northbound I-95, exit at 70 (not 70A) and turn east on Malabar Road 0.5 mile to Babcock St. Turn left (north) 1.3 miles to Port Malabar Boulevard. Turn right (east) and proceed about 1.1 miles.

From U.S. 1, turn west at Port Malabar Blvd. Go west 1.7 miles and turn left (south) at the Turkey Creek road sign.

The Palm Bay Community Center is seen on the south side of the Port Malabar Boulevard. There is a 400 foot communications tower within the Turkey Creek property. Turn south on the east side of P.B.C.C. Park at the back west of the library. The Sanctuary entrance is on the north side of the parking lot.

Hours:

Park hours are from 7:00 a.m. to sunset everyday. The Nature Center is staffed by City Park Rangers and volunteers and is usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Center telephone is (321)-952-3433. Rest rooms and water are located in the Nature Center.

For Important Government and Environmental Addresses

This issue contains information collected from many sources of public information; Florida Today newspapers, and several individuals. Thanks again!

This website is offered as a public service by the Turtle Coast Group of the Sierra Club --- The webmaster, a.k.a. "Scrubjay".
from www.geocities.com/RainForest/2210/tcs.html
Converted, edited, or modified Updated Sunday, December 09, 2007 02:00 PM by F. R. Leslie from Turkey Creek Sanctuary information, handouts, and submissions from our writer staff