Additional Information for St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park
A small, unmanned visitor’s center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Plant Life
Over 27 rare and endangered species of plants are protected and actively managed by the preserve staff. Some of the endangered species include hand fern, giant air plant, celestial lily, Curtiss’ milkweed, rosemary and calopogon. Threatened species include hooded pitcher plants, orchids, ferns, sundew and Catesby’s lily.
Wildlife
Many endangered and threatened species are protected and actively managed by the preserve staff. Among them are the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, West Indian manatee, wood stork, peregrine falcon and threatened Florida scrub jay, eastern indigo snake and southern bald eagle. Common wildlife sightings include wild turkey, quail, deer, sandhill crane, gopher tortoise and manatees.
Area Geography
Primarily mesic pine flatwoods with numerous wetlands, such as marshes, swamps, wet prairies and cypress domes. The majority of the eastern boundary lies along the St. Sebastian River. The only remaining undeveloped sandhill in Brevard County is located on the northeast side of the preserve. The preserve is divided in half (east and west) by the C54 canal and (north and south) by Interstate 95.
Resources
There are several cultural, historical and archaeological resources found on the preserve. The Carlton House was a 1920’s era hotel located on the high bluffs of the St. Sebastian River. Today, only the foundation remains near the canoe landing on the South Prong of the St. Sebastian River. Other sites of significance include the Herndon homestead, remnants of two World War II airplanes that crashed in 1943 and two military trails, the Hernando Trail and the Capron Trail. These trails were important during the Second Seminole War and later were used for cattle drives and traveling homesteaders. The town of Kitching, located on the southeast section of the preserve, was one of two railroad stops along the Fellsmere Railroad, which ran from Fellsmere to Sebastian in the 1910’s and 1920’s. A replica of Kitching Station has been rebuilt and can be seen at the North County Regional Park near the southeast entrance to the preserve. The southwest side of the preserve is home to a former turpentine campsite. Original railway beams from the former Fellsmere Railroad can still be seen today north of County Road 512.
Pets
Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property.
Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.
