News about Ulumay and EEL Program Central Region
Sams House Open Thursday through Saturday
The residences, exhibits and trails at Sams House are now open three days each week from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Explore the restored 1875 Sams Family cabin, interactive exhibits, a history garden, and a variety of hiking trails at the Pine Island Management and Education Center/Sams House - 6195 North Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL 32953.
Sams House is located adjacent to the Pine Island Conservation Area - 1000 acres of conservation land adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon that is managed by the Brevard County EEL Program. A trail connecting Sams House to the Pine Island property is expected to be completed during the Spring of 2012. The Pine Island Conservation Area provides excellent spots for viewing manatees.
Brevard County EEL Program link
Christmas Bird Count at Ulumay
A total of 160 bird species were observed this year as part of the 61st annual Cocoa Christmas Bird Count - including 57 species found near Ulumay. The Ulumay team led by Charlie Venuto was one of nine teams that participated in the Cocoa count.
The Ulumay count star
ted
at David and Karin Biega's condo overlooking a retention pond near BJ's
Club. Birds were counted as they departed their roosting sites and
flew toward Ulumay during the sunrise. Most of the morning was
spent hiking near Ulumay including the Moquito Control property across
Sykes Creek Boulevard. After a delightful lunch at the Venuto's
home, some team members hiked the trails again to find more birds.
Roseate Spoonbills, a Reddish Egret, White and Glossy Ibis were among the 57 species found at Ulumay. Tim Kozusko managed to catch a Black Racer along the Sykes Creek Dike trail at Ulumay.