Great Swamp!

Wildlife photographer and Melbourne Beach resident Tom Wilby captures a beautiful view of the flora and fauna found at Viera Wetlands. TOM WILBY

Viera Wetlands reopens fit and healthy, after trimming

A roseate spoonbill spreads its wings in flight. ALEX ALBAUGH

One of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail’s premier wildlife viewing areas, Viera Wetlands is a mecca for birders, nature photographers and eco-tourists — as well as anyone who is on the lookout for a stroll through nature. After a nine-month improvement effort that removed the overgrown vegetation and the muck choking its ponds, the area was partially re-opened in March. County officials say they expect to complete its $2.7 million restoration — funded by the American Rescue Act — this July.

The 200-acre site is a manmade wetland system constructed to play a natural part in filtering Brevard County’s water supply. Its official name is the Rich Grissom Memorial Wetlands, in memory of a longtime employee who worked at the adjacent water-treatment facility. Brevard County Utility Services Director Edward Fontanin said the wetlands’ “haircut” will improve the quality of the entire ecosystem. 

The reopening “was a day many of us were waiting for,” Kim Englert said. The Heritage Isle resident is in awe of all the wildlife she sees during her daily morning walks through the wetlands — but says she favors the mama and baby gators, and the roseate spoonbills. Englert and fellow volunteers, Lonie Moraitis and Anita Ingram, arrived early on opening day to assist visitors with parking and other information. All are members of the Viera Wetlands Facebook group, founded by Ingram — and now more than 2000 members strong.

Bicycling around the berms is a great way to enjoy nature at the wetlands. NAIYA AUBRIE

After attending a birding festival at the site several years ago, Ingram says she became smitten by its beauty and tranquility. She was looking for a way to help preserve and promote the wetlands, so the county facility would remain open to the public. “I started the [Facebook] page in late 2022, after learning the wetlands was planning to close for the restoration project,” she said. “My goal has been to share updates from the county.” The page has also become an outlet for nature photographers — both amateur and professional — to share their photos, ask questions and share their experiences.

Dave Hoffman, of Merritt Island, is one of several nature photographers who can’t stay away. “The birds I see here are quite different from Minnesota where I came from,” 

he said.  “I really enjoy the area, and the variety and abundance of wildlife subjects that make their home here. Soon after moving to Brevard, I began accumulating thousands of photos, and frequently share them on Facebook and other sites.”

On any given visit it is possible for one to see up to 100 different species of birds at the wetlands, including ospreys and eagles. JOEL COHEN

For artists, the wetlands provide spectacular backgrounds for their paintings. TOM WILBY

HIGHER CALLING

Cousins Tom Wilby and Wells Jacobson may take thousands of photos in search of the perfect shot. NAIYA AUBRIE

In 2013, Hoffman discovered a new outlet for his images. “My wife, Jan, and I began attending the First Baptist Church of Cocoa,” he said.  “After showing my photos to assistant pastor Alan Foster, we collaborated on an initiative to share them as part of a weekly series entitled Nature Photography and Scriptures. Fast forward: I was in charge of displaying six images with scriptures and graphics to the congregation, during prayer meetings and services, for the next three years. 

“It was initially challenging finding scriptures that spoke to the images. But looking at my subjects — whether birds, or other animals, or reptiles, etc. — I used my imagination to determine if my subjects were praying, praising, mourning or other.”

Last year, Hoffman decided to implement Foster’s goal to distribute a 30-page, 8 x10-format book that was distributed to homebound individuals. He has since expanded the circulation and added more pages to the book. “The response has been very positive,” he said. “I feel blessed about being able to not only shoot, design, and combine these photos with biblical scriptures, but to share them with those unable to visit in person.”

Alex Albaugh, of Melbourne, began visiting the wetlands back in 2014, after moving to the area. A self-described newbie to nature photography, he says that one of his favorite subjects to capture is the alligators. “They can be somewhat difficult creatures upon approach, but I have been fortunate to get some really close-up shots,” he said. “I love the peaceful, calming feeling, and can spend hours just wandering around.”

Tom Wilby, of Melbourne Beach, arrived early for the re-opening along with his cousin, Wells Jacobson. Even though they’ve been taking pictures together since the early ’90s, Wilby described the duo as “duffers.”

The Viera Wetlands is part of Florida’s Great Birding and Wildlife Trail and has been visited by thousands of birding enthusiasts from around the world. Timing is everything at the wetlands — as the wildlife changes with the season — which is part of the beauty of this Brevard treasure. TOM WILBY PHOTOS

Gators are probably the most photographed subject at the Viera Wetlands. One should be aware of their surroundings when visiting and use caution. ALEX ALBAUGH

“When it comes to getting the perfect shot, it’s about learning from our mistakes and observing everything,” Wilby explained. “I refer to the term ‘duffers’ because we may take a thousand shots of every bird or reptile out here to finally get it right. With the abundance of subjects to choose from, there is no lack of subjects.” 

Wildlife photographer, master naturalist and conservationist Joel Cohen says the Viera site is one of his favorites. “I love the wetlands and the fact that it is truly a place where folks can connect with nature with little distraction,” he said. “Though they are manmade, it’s definitely natural enough. These places are dwindling throughout our state and country.” 

Ingram says she plans to continue communicating with officials, while helping to promoting self-enforcement of the rules, as well as respect for the habitat. Walking and bicycling are currently the only ways to access the area.

The Rich Grissom Memorial Wetlands, 3658 Charlie Corbeil Way, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Updates and information are available at the Viera Wetlands Facebook page; by signing up for county updates at brevardfl.gov or by calling 321.255.4488.

See the original article in print publication