Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera

The Natural Resources Management Office provides land management for several sites belonging to Brevard County, most notably the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera, a property of Brevard County Utility Services.

Located between the Moccasin Island Tract of the River Lakes Conservation Area and the Brevard Zoo, the wetlands are a popular site for birders, photographers, and eco-tourists.  The entire wetland system is accessable by automobile, making the site popular among those who find the rigors of hiking trails and summer temperatures daunting.  Even better, viewing the site from one's automobile serves to screen visitors from birds and widlife, enhancing the experience. 

The perimeter of the wetlands central lake was seeded with native wildflowers in March 2007. This project was made possible through a grant from the Florida Wildflower Foundation with funds generated through the sale of wildflower license plates. A covered gazebo serves as a visitors information center overlooking the lake. The gazebo is surrounded by a demonstration butterfly garden donated by Rockledge Gardens. More information is available at the Wetlands - Wildflowers page.

Also known as the Viera Wetlands, the Board of County Commissioners designated the sit as the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera in December, 2007, in memory of Ritch Grissom, a longtime employee of Brevard County who worked at the adjacent treatment facility. 

In 2008, the wetlands were included in the East Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

A Note on Berm Closures:

At various times, site conditions may require that the wetland's berms be closed to vehicles.  The berms are normally open to foot traffic and non-motorized vehicles, except in the case of a serious safety concern. 

Visitor's may wish to call the Plant Office to check on berm conditions before their trip.

Plant Office: (321) 255-4329

Some Quick Links

Friends of Viera Website

Wildflowers

Visitor's Checklist

Wetland Volunteers

Record Volunteer Hours

Approximately 60,000 visitors per year pass through the main entrance to the wetland system — many drawn by the site's breathtaking views and stunning abundance of wildlife.

Shown left is a an autumn sunrise over the wetlands as seen from near the southwest corner of the site. 

The wetlands are an integral component of Brevard County's water reuse system. Providing increased water quality and savings over traditional water treatment methods, the constructed wetland system polishes reclaimed water for irrigation or overflow into the adjacent Four-mile Canal.

The wetlands consist of 200 acres divided into four cells of approximately 35 acres each, plus a central lake. The cells were designed to maintain differing depths of water, reflecting diverse wetland conditions. Click on the thumbnail to the right to view a larger aerial map.

A special mitigation littoral zone along the lake's shoreline is carefully monitored to assess wetland health and wildlife utilization. While functioning as a healthy, productive, and effective polishing system for water reuse, the wetlands further provide for a biologically diverse ecosystem — affording visitors a wonderful, close-up opportunity to view Brevard County's native wildlife and vegetation.

 

Location: 10001 Wickham Road • Melbourne, FL 32940

 

Hours: Monday through Sunday Sunrise to Sunset

Wetlands Information: (321) 637-5521

Current Road Conditions:  (321) 255-4329

 

Driving Directions:

The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands are located approximately two miles west of the traffic circle at the intersection of Wickham Road and Lake Andrew Drive. Visitors traveling on I-95 should take Exit 191 heading west approximately 2.5 miles. Click on the thumbnail image to the right to view a larger map.

 

FOR YOUR SAFETY

WHILE VISITING THE RITCH GRISSOM MEMORIAL WETLANDS

Never leave children unattended.
Do not feed or approach alligators or other wildlife.

Stay well back from the shoreline: No swimming or wading.

Hunting and fishing are not allowed.

Pets must remain attended and on leashes at all times.

Before exiting any vehicle, set the brake and turn off the ignition.

Do not drive on the turf. Stay on designated roadways.