Plan to join us in march 20-22, 2026 for the 123rd anniversary celebration with president theodore roosevelt!

Thanks to everyone who participated and supported us for another amazingly fun celebration of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge last year!  We enjoyed a wonderful fireside chat at the Heritage Center, Vero Beach with President Roosevelt to start the weekend off.  Photos from the weekend’s events were shared on our Facebook page, and VeroNews.com also has a story with some photos from the fireside chat here.

Joe Wiegand, aka President Theodore Roosevelt, will be joining us once again this year, bringing the history of Pelican Island, our nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge, to life. Events are planned at various locations and will feature a wildlife display and other activities.

The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is located at the north end of Jungle Trail There are signs for the Refuge at the northern entrance to Jungle Trail, about 3.5 miles north of the A1A/route 510 intersection. Once on Jungle Trail, the first facility you will come to is a Welcome Area and restrooms on the left. A little farther south on the right, you will encounter the Centennial Trail and Pelican Island Viewing Area. The Centennial Trail includes planks chronicling the establishment of each refuge in the country, leading to the overlook of Pelican Island. For more information about the Refuge, visit their website at www.fws.gov/refuge/pelican-island.

The Pelican Island Conservation Society is the “friends” group for the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Your participation supports the Refuge, as well. Thanks for your interest and engagement! Below are some of the events that were held as part of this year’s celebration. Details will be announced as plans are developed for next year’s event.

Schedule of Events

Friday, March 20, 2026

  • School visit with President Roosevelt

  • Special event with President Roosevelt, TBA.

Saturday, March 21, 2026
Pelican Island NWR, Centennial Trail, 11455 Jungle Trail, Vero Beach, 10am to 3pm

Teddy Roosevelt with Sandy Peterson and US Fish and Wildlife staff

Sunset Wine and Cheese Cruise to Pelican Island, 5:30 to 7:30pm

Join us for an evening sunset wine and cheese cruise to Pelican Island with President Roosevelt! We expect to enjoy a beautiful evening aboard Capt. Hiram’s River King pontoon boat, and encounter the many birds returning to Pelican Island for their evening roost. Reservations are required at $60/person and can be made online - please click here to reserve. Arrive on time at the Capt. Hiram’s Adventure Center, 1606 Indian River Drive, Sebastian, to check in and use the restroom. The cruise departs promptly and refunds will be provided in the event of cancelation, at the discretion of the River King captain, but not if you miss the boat!

Rodney Kroegel Conservation Area, 11296 Indian River Drive, Sebastian

Rodney Kroegel was the son of Paul Kroegel, Pelican Island’s first game warden. The Area is adjacent to the Paul Kroegel homestead in Sebastian and is now conserved by Indian River County. The Area has yet to be opened to the public, awaiting installation of interpretive signage and restoration of Rodney’s photography workshop. Please visit the Indian River County Conservation Lands Program website for location information and watch for details as to when it will allow for visitation.

Sunday, March 22, 2026
Pelican Island NWR, Centennial Trail, 11455 Jungle Trail, Vero Beach, 11am to 3pm

  • President Theodore Roosevelt meet-and-greet

  • Displays and exhibits from other local groups

 

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