Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area

From Ice Age animals to Native Americans to early pioneers, Pine Island Conservation Area has a rich history. Mastodon tusks, pottery sherds, and 19th century farm tools found on site help piece together the story of this special place.

Come inside the oldest standing home in Brevard County, the 1875 Sams family cabin. Travel back in time here and along the paved trail where interactive exhibits highlight Pine Island's many past inhabitants.

Enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking through five different habitats and over six miles of trails. Wading birds, bald eagles, alligators, manatees, and bobcats are just a few of the animals that you may see. The Environmentally Endangered Lands Program and the St. Johns River Water Management District jointly own this over 880-acre site.

Sams House Exterior
Children digging in dirt for educational activity
Sams Family Cabin
Tractor in front of Sams house
Sams House Nature Sanctury Information Area
Pioneer Day players in front of Sams House

Activities


Accessibility

Drinking Water

Fishing

Geocaching

Hiking

Historic Site

Nature Center

Picnicking

Primitive Youth Group Camping

Restroom

Tours

Wildlife Viewing

Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area Educational Resources

Sams House at Pine Island FREE Study Trips

Study Trips run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, but can easily be adapted to another time frame.

Grades VPK-2 "Little Nature Pioneers": Discover what life was like for Florida pioneers by visiting Brevard's oldest standing home (the 1875 Sams cabin), doing pioneer "chores" and going on a nature hike.

Grades 3-5 "Florida's Diverse History and Ecosystems": Go back in time to Florida's beginnings and sift for fossils, explore a Native American village, learn how to throw spears using an atlatl, see inside the 1875 Sams cabin, and explore the surrounding woods.

Grades 6-12 "Earth Science and Ecology": Understand the dynamic systems of earth through explorations into the soils, water, and habitats of the Pine Island Conservation Area

Homeschool Programs

All programs can be one or two hours in length. Choose from: Little Nature Pioneers, Megafauna, Native Americans, Ecology, Budding Biologists series, and more.

To Schedule Your Group call 321-449-4720, or Alexandra Schilling

Sams House at Pine Island
6195 N. Tropical Trail
Merritt Island, FL 32953

Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Volunteer Opportunities at Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area

Are you interested in history and nature? Want to make new friends? Volunteers are essential to the Sams House at Pine Island. Join in the fun while you help preserve this Historic Site and Conservation Area for the future.

There are many ways you can become involved and share your talents...

  • Greeter
  • Study Trip Guide
  • Sanctuary Preservation
  • History Garden
  • Children’s/Family Programs
  • Guided Hikes
  • Special Events
  • Community Outreach
  • Administrative
  • ...the possibilities are endless!

Requirements - A smile, willingness to learn, love of history and nature, and desire to give back to the community! If this sounds like you, please contact us to find out more about volunteering.

Contact Alexandra Schilling, Tuesdays - Sundays, 321-449-4720, for more information!

Events

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