The park is named after Erna Nixon, a local conservationist who fought to preserve this specific tract of land from development.
The hardwood hammock ecosystem within the park is one of the few remaining examples of native Florida forest in the area.
The boardwalk system is designed to minimize human impact on the fragile root systems of the surrounding hardwood trees.
Gopher tortoises, a keystone species in Florida, are frequently sighted burrowing near the edges of the boardwalk trails.
Erna Nixon Park is a 53-acre nature preserve featuring a 3,000-foot elevated wooden boardwalk that meanders through a dense Florida hammock ecosystem. The site preserves a native hardwood forest canopy, including ancient live oaks and cabbage palms, providing a contrast to the surrounding suburban development of West Melbourne. The elevated path serves as the primary route for visitors to observe local wildlife, including gopher tortoises, butterflies, and a variety of bird species, without disturbing the forest floor. The area functions as a protected habitat, maintaining a high level of biodiversity characteristic of the region's original landscape. The park is managed by Brevard County Parks and Recreation.
The mid-point of the boardwalk where the canopy creates a natural tunnel effect with sunlight filtering through the oak branches.
Bring insect repellent, as the dense forest canopy creates a humid environment favored by mosquitoes.
Stay on the boardwalk at all times to protect the delicate understory vegetation and avoid potential encounters with snakes.
Visit early in the morning to increase the probability of spotting active wildlife.
Attempting to walk off-boardwalk into the brush, which increases the risk of tick exposure and habitat damage.
Wear closed-toe, comfortable walking shoes; remain on the boardwalk; do not feed or disturb any wildlife.
