Satellite Beach 

Recreation Department

                                              David R. Schechter Community Center         Office Hours

                                                        1089 South Patrick Drive                 Monday - Friday

                                                    Satellite Beach, FL 32937                  8:30 am - 6:00 pm

                                                            (321) 773-6458

Where is Samsons Island?

Samsons Island, owned by the City of Satellite Beach, Florida, is located within the City's boundaries on a 52-acre island in the Banana River.  Contrary to its name, the Banana River is not a river at all, but part of the Indian River Lagoon estuary system.  Unlike a river, its brackish water, which results from salt water from the sea mixing with freshwater from the land, is moved more by wind than by tide and does not flow from headwaters to a mouth.  The Lagoon makes up 40% of Florida's east coast, is 156 miles long, and run through six counties, from Ponce de Leon Inlet in New Smyrna Beach to Jupiter Inlet  just  north of West Palm Beach.  With more than 2,200 different animal species and 2,100 types of plants, the Lagoon system contains more species than any other estuary in North America.  Included are 700 fish species and 310 bird species, the most diverse bird population in  North America.  Also included are 36 endangered animal species, one of which is the manatee.  The rich array of plants and animals results from the Lagoon's climate zones, which range from temperate to subtropical.  Samsons Island Nature Park is part of this extraordinary estuary system.

How did Samsons Island Get Started?

Prior to the 1950's, the area that is now Samsons Island consisted mostly of salt marsh and mangrove wetlands.  In the early 50's, part of the wetlands were dredged to create canals for mosquito control, and a long "spoil island" resulted from the deposits of dredged material. (This long island was later divided by cross-canals into three islands, with Samsons Island in the middle).  Thus began the Grand Canal and Samsons Island.  In 1968, the owner, Sam Fuchs, donated half the acreage to the City with the stipulation that the island be named for his sons (hence "Samsons").  The City subsequently purchased the remaining half.  Left unattended for many years, Samsons Island grew into a jungle.  Then in 1990, at the recommendation of a citizen committee the City decided to create a passive recreation park and nature preserve, as time, funds, and volunteer efforts allowed.

What are the Plans for Samsons Island?

There are three major goals for Samsons Island:

1. Develop viable examples of the five natural biological communities present in Brevard County - Coastal saline wetlands, freshwater wetlands, mesic forest (requiring moderate water), xeric scrub (requiring little water), and hardwood hammock.

2. Develop sufficient facilities to support passive recreation and environmental education.

3. Addressing food, shelter, and reproductive requirements, build a biologically sustainable safe haven for plants and animals displaced from the barrier islands by human development, focusing on native plants, gopher tortoises, scrub jays and other birds.

Why is this Nature Preserve being Cleared of Vegetation?

Since the destruction of the natural ecosystem in the 1950's, Brazilian Peppers and Australian Pines have dominated Samsons Island, preventing native species from taking root.  These trees are exotic invasive, and now banned in Florida.  To develop our five natural biological communities, we must strip the island of these trees and introduce native plants.  So far, clearing has created substantial areas of these communities and a dramatic increase in wading birds, ospreys, and manatees.  Land animals such as raccoons, rabbits, tortoises, and possums have also increased.  Restoration of the remaining areas is expected to be a 10-year project.

How is the Work being Funded?

Managed by a cost conscious citizen committee, projects have been funded in various ways, with very little use of City money.  For example, a creative partnership with a local developer restored much of the saline wetlands.  Federal, State, and local grants, as well as donations from individuals and businesses, have helped fun revegetation and facility development efforts.  The key to success, however, lies in volunteer commitment, with civic clubs, scouting organizations, students, and military and civilian volunteers investing over 40,000 hours thus far.

What can I do on Samsons Island?

• Passive Recreation:  Enjoy hiking on the many nature trails, one of which leads to a unique sand beach for wading or fishing.

• Nature Observation:  While bird watching, you can spot more than 30 species of birds, including great blue herons, egrets, ospreys, roseate spoonbills, pileated woodpeckers, and horned owls.

• Primitive Camping:  Camp in a primitive campsite, or picnic in a peaceful grove overlooking a creek leading to the Banana River.  (Dusk to Dawn - permit required).

• Water Activities:  Enjoy boating in the surrounding waters or  for trout, redfish, snook, or tarpon.

• Environmental Education Classes:  Teachers, camp coordinators and homeschool groups can bring students to the island for one of our educational programs (space limited.)

How Can I Help?

There is a critical need to stop the degradation and loss of wildlife habitat along the Indian River Lagoon. It will take a creative partnership of diverse groups working together to have a positive impact.  Financial support from individuals, businesses, foundations, and others is needed to continue restoration efforts.  In addition, volunteers are always needed.

Rules while enjoying Samsons Island

While visiting Samsons Island please observe the following:

• It is preferable to stay on marked trail.

• Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed in the interior canals.

• Some animal species on the island are threatened or endangered and must be protected.  All animals living on the island should be viewed from a distance and not disturbed or fed.

• Dogs are permitted on the island, they must be on a leash at all times.

• Camping is permitted only in designated areas.  Camping at the pavilion is prohibited.  Park visitors must have a permit (see below)  to be on the island between dusk and dawn.  Permits must be obtained from the Satellite Beach Recreation Department (1089 S. Patrick Dr., Satellite Beach, FL 32937; phone 321-773-6458; fax 321-777-5207; email:  recreation@satellitebeach.org).  Permit holders must be 18 years of age or older (must show current driver's license.)  NOTE:  If members in the group are under 18 years old, permit holders must be 21 years old.

• Cutting any tree, dead or alive, is prohibited.  Plenty of dead wood is available on the island for firewood, but please do not use the border logs along the trail for this purpose.

• To help preserve the shoreline, please come ashore at the main dock or landing platforms located at the north and south canal cuts.

• Alcohol is prohibited during the hours of dusk and dawn.

• Paintballs, BB Guns, and all firearms or weapons of any kind are prohibited on the island.

Special Permit Rules between dusk & dawn (night time hours):

All Samsons Island visitors remaining on or arriving to the island after dusk must have a valid visitor permit.

This permit is available from the Satellite Beach Recreation Department during our business hours, Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm.  Those wishing to secure a permit must bring in their driver's license & information on boat (model & length).  The permit is issued annually and is valid through 12/31 of the current year.  Visitors with permits are instructed to phone in their request to visit the island after dark (campfire or camping) prior to each visit.

Volunteers?

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Satellite Beach Recreation Department, 1089 S. Patrick Drive, Satellite Beach, FL  32937.   Phone (321) 773-6458,  Fax  (321) 777-5207  or email:  recreation@satellitebeach.org