Pelican Island NWR Anniversary Celebration

This event took place on March 14, 2025. See upcoming events in Vero Beach.

The Pelican Island Conservation Society will be celebrating the 122nd anniversary of Pelican Island as our nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge, designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. Premier Roosevelt re-enactor Joe Wiegand will join us yet again, to bring history to life and regale us with stories of how Roosevelt became known as the “conservation president,” and his historic declaration.

The celebration will be held March 14-15, 2025 and includes several events with President Roosevelt throughout the weekend. Please note a major change to the event – all activities scheduled to be held at the Refuge, have been moved to the Thomas Schidel Pavilion at the Environmental Learning Center. PICS has decided to make this change due to the possibility of a federal government shutdown on March 14th which may limit access to Refuge facilities.

Please visit the PICS website at www.FirstRefuge.org for more details, online reservations for events requiring an RSVP, and the latest details on celebration activities.

The Pelican Island Conservation Society is a nonprofit organization and the “friends” group for the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The Environmental Learning Center is an environmental education facility located at 255 Live Oak Dr. Vero Beach, FL 32963. For more information about the ELC, visit their website at www.discoverelc.org.