VIERA WETLANDS

Shown here, Sweetscent (Pluchea adorata), sometimes called “Cure-for-all,” attracts native butterflies such as Skippers, Blues and Hairstreaks, and was used by native peoples (dating back to the Aztecs) for a broad range of medicinal purposes.

• November 2006, Brevard County Natural Resource Management Office was awarded an educational grant by the Florida Wildflower Foundation focusing on the use of wildflowers along the banks of lakes, retention ponds, and canals, creating an amazing range of Aquatic plants for shallow water, plants for moist soil, and upland plants for dry slopes, demonstrating the use of native plants well-adapted to their environment to benefit soil stabilization and reduce maintenance requirements. Plants adapted to their native soils have little need for supplemental fertilizers; those adapted to local rainfall patterns have scant need for additional irrigation; those that co-evolved with insect populations need not rely on pesticides; and unlike turf, wildflowers do not require frequent mowing.
• December 2007, the Wetlands were designated by the Brevard County Board of Commissioners as the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera in memory of Ritch Grissom, a longtime employee of Brevard County who worked nearby.
• In 2008, the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands were included in the Great Florida Birding Trail. (floridabirdingtrail.com)
• In 2014, the access road leading to the entrance of the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands was named in honor of the late Charlie Corbeil, long-time volunteer at the wetlands and well-known nature photographer.

Located between the Moccasin Island Tract of the River Lakes Conservation Area and the Brevard Zoo, the Viera Wetlands are a popular site for birders, photographers, and eco-tourists.

• More than 200,000 people come to the wetlands each year, including avid birders.
• The wetlands encompasses 200 acres divided into four cells of approximately 35 acres each plus a central lake, planted in wildflowers along its approximate one mile of shoreline
• An observation tower overlooks the lake and lands.
• The berms are open to pedestrian traffic and non-motorized vehicles, except in the case of a serious safety concern.

The Viera Company’s long history of conservation and land stewardship makes the annual wetlands festival a perfect fit and opportunity for both exploring VIera and learning about what makes it a great place to live.

• This annual event in April brings community together enjoying the wetlands and learning about the ecological environment created there.
• All ages will enjoy the Viera Wetlands Nature Festival, its exhibits and family-friendly activities.
• It includes an art contest for students, on nature subjects related to the Wetlands.
• Exhibits include both education and products derived from nature, as well as arts and crafts fun.
• Viera Community Institute encourages educational events and other opportunities in order for the community to come together to create a quality of life environment for generations to come.