March 15-17 celebrate the 121st anniversary of Pelican Island as the first National Wildlife Refuge.
Joe Wiegand, aka President Theodore Roosevelt, will bring the history of Pelican Island, our nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge, to life through events at various locations including a wildlife display and other activities at the entrance to the Refuge’s Centennial Trail.
The weekend line up includes:
Friday, March 15
School visits with President Roosevelt
An Evening With “Theodore Roosevelt,” under the stars at the Environmental Learning Center. Bring-your-own picnic supper, and mingle with “President Roosevelt.” The evening will include music, a photo/video display of the Refuge and its wildlife, and “President Roosevelt’s” “Conservation History” presentation. Water, ice cream and Indian pudding (one of Teddy Roosevelt’s favorite desserts” will be provided. This event will be 5 to 8 pm, and reservations are required at $40/person.
Saturday, March 16, 2024
10 am to 3 pm
Visit Pelican Island NWR (entrance at the north end of Jungle Trail, off Hwy A1A) Centennial Trail for a meet and greet with “President Theodore Roosevelt.” A stroll along the Centennial Trail boardwalk, kids’ fishing and wildlife demonstrations, and exhibits from groups including: Indian River County Historical Society, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, Sebastian Area Historical Society, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Fisheries, and more.
5:15 pm to 7:45 pm
Take a sunset wine and cheese cruise to Pelican Island with “Teddy Roosevelt,” aboard the ELC’s pontoon tour boat. Reservations are required at $70/person.
Sunday, March 17, 2024
11 am to 3 pm
Meet-and-greet with “President Theodore Roosevelt” at Centennial Trail and stroll the trail for a view of Pelican Island and learn the history of our nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy the wildlife! Take in live reptile display/show-and-tell with the Florida Wildlife Hospital, and stop by the PICS tent for a free ice cream treat.
March 15-17