Explore Turkey Creek Sanctuary
The Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a small but abundant 130 acre nature reserve in the city of Palm Bay. Palm Bay is located in Brevard County, Florida. You deserve to renew your health and this is the place to do it.
You can hike 3.5 miles of pristine trails through Turkey Creek Sanctuary. The Sanctuary bestows.8.5 miles of boardwalk paths so you can walk in tranquil nature solace. The mystic boardwalk trail passes through hydric or wet hammocks, mesic or moist hammocks, and sand pine scrub communities. Much of the solidly constructed wood boardwalk overlooks Turkey Creek. There are many enchanted views you can access and overlook breathtaking habitats of Old Florida.
Turkey Creek Sanctuary has 1.5 miles of winding jogging trails through lush primitive hammocks all the way to the hypnotic shores of Turkey Creek. Simply put Turkey Creek is a captivating place to take a relaxing walk, hike, or jog through the Florida wilds just as natives have done for thousands of years. This is a great place to explore and I highly recommend you take the time to visit. It really is worth your time. Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a wonderous place to clear your head and replenish your soul. Thoreau would love it here.
Turkey Creek is a true wilderness area if you like observing many different species of animals. If you visit the Sanctuary, you will likely but are not guranteed to see manatees, alligators, turtles, manatee, dolphins, and birds including ospreys and owls. Turkey Creek Sanctuary is part of the East Florida section of the Great Florida Birding Trail so do not forget to bring your binoculars and cell phone so you can take some memorable wildlife photography or intriguing video. It is enlightening to observe animal behavior in their natural environments. This is better than a zoo where the animals tend to often look sick and depressed locked up in cages.
Turkey Creek Sanctuary’s natural wilds are simply inspirational and a wonedrful place to escape a pandemic and other stressors. The environment reveals salty hammock and sand pine ridge habitats as well as a wide variety of marine habitats with various levels of salinity. Turkey Creek Sanctuary also boasts a canoe deck. So bring along a canoe or kayak with you to launch from inside the park and refresh your mind, body, and soul.
Local vendors are easily found online who can provide you with canoes, kayaks, and even guided tours. A kayak trip on Turkey Creek in Palm Bay combines the best of two outdoor treats — -paddling and hiking. The creek is an important breeding ground for both salt and fresh water fish. Breathe in deeply the fresh air of nature all around you.
Both the Turkey Creek kayak trail and the Turkey Creek Sanctuary hiking trails are easy adventures. You do not need to be an advanced hiker to thoroughly enjoy hiking Turkey Creek. The Turkey Creek Sanctuary trails are ideal for families or for people who want a half day of outdoor communing with nature.
Turkey Creek Sanctuary is an ideal day trip from Orlando or Port St. Lucie environs. It really is optimal for a weekend kayak trip exploring the west shore of the Indian River Lagoon from Stuart to Melbourne) and there are some very good restaurants in nearby Palm Bay to get a bite to eat or something to drink. The sanctuary is also close to convenience stores to get yourself or your family some snacks and drinks. Do no forget to pack a backpack with water and whatever else you may need such as sun screen. There is no charge to enter park and use kayak and canoeing facilities. There are bathroom facilities for you to use.
Turkey Creek Sanctuary was acquired and is managed by the City of Palm Bay, the Audubon Society, and the State of Florida Environmentaly Endangered Lands (EEL) Program Adminsitrative Office.. Keep in mind while at Turkey Creek Sanctuary:
- Alcoholic beverages in designated areas only
- Service animals only
- All plants and animals are protected. Do not remove them.
- No fishing
Turkey Creek Sanctuary can be accessed by canoe or kayak and you never know who might pop into view to say “hello.”
The Margaret Hames Nature Center is a gem of the Palm Bay parks system. The Hames Nature Center provides interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, and restrooms to compliment your visit to Turkey Creek Sanctuary. It is a great place to do research on what you may find or have discovered at the reserve.
1502 Port Malabar Blvd NE Palm Bay, FL 32905
(321) 676–6690
Sources:
Turkey Creek Sanctuary (brevardfl.gov)
Turkey Creek Sanctuary in Palm Bay: Good kayaking & hiking (floridarambler.com)
