Malabar Scrub Sanctuary

Part of Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program, the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary protects excellent examples of scrub habitat, complete with breeding populations of Florida Scrub- Jays. The sanctuary also contains xeric (dry) hammock, flatwoods, sandhills, swamp, ponds and depression marshes. The paved road that bisects the site is accessible to the physically challenged, although the 8.3 miles of sandy scrub trails (hike and bike) provide better opportunities for viewing scrub-jays and other birds, including Wood Storks, Glossy Ibises, Green Herons, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and Eastern Towhees. Gopher Tortoise, Bobcat, River Otter and Eastern Indigo Snake can also be found at the sanctuary. Interpretive loop trails wind throughout, starting from the central paved road. Download a trail map from the EEL website and bring it with you. Six miles of equestrian trails are available. Morning hours are best for viewing birds, to avoid the heat and full sun exposure.