Spanning over 100 acres across a mosaic of natural landscapes, Wabasso Scrub Conservation Area protects habitats vital to the endangered Florida scrub-jay and gopher tortoise.
Accessible from West Wabasso Park, the trails consist of sandy access roads that form a series of loops.
The route described in this narrative combines three loops to showcase a variety of landscapes within the conservation area.
Florida scrub-jayResources
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Overview
Location: Sebastian
Length: 1.6 miles
Trailhead: 27.755917, -80.453722
Address: 8900 64th Ave, Sebastian
Fees: Free
Restrooms: At West Wabasso Park near the trailhead
Land manager: Indian River County
Phone: 772-567-8000
Open 7:30 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From Interstate 95 exit 156 (Fellsmere/Sebastian) head east on CR 512 for 2.4 miles before turning right onto 90th Ave. Reaching a curve in the road at 1.2 miles, continue as the road becomes 85th St. In 3.3 miles, make a left turn onto 64th Ave, then a right in 0.5 mile at 88th St. Continue until the road ends at a grassy area near the Conservation Area sign.
Hike
Starting at the parking area, head towards an information kiosk in the southeastern corner of West Wabasso Park.
An opening in a tall chain link fence allows access to the adjoining preserve.
Passing through the fence, turn left to follow an access road westward, crossing over a seasonally wet dip before ascending into dry scrub habitat.
Conservation area entrancePalmettos and gnarled myrtle oaks covered in love vine border a stark white sandy pathway pitted with countless tracks and footprints.
At a quarter mile, turn right where an intersecting trail branches southward, leading further into the scrub forest.
Sandy pathwaySlender branches of coastalplain staggerbush rise above a dense sea of shrubby vegetation, producing showy clusters of bell-shaped flowers in the spring and early summer.
Reaching an end of the path in a half mile, turn left to continue a figure eight loop through the southeastern corner of the property.
Staggerbush in bloomWax myrtles and ferns line the grassy pathway alongside a depression marsh in the soggiest portion of the preserve.
Tiny carnivorous sundews and bladderworts dot the forest floor.
Round the bottom of the southernmost loop. The unmistakable calls of Florida scrub jays begin to emanate from the bushes.
Near the prairie pondOn occasion, a member of the scrub-jay family known as a sentinel may emerge from the tangle of oaks to perch on a sand pine or snag, keeping a lookout for potential predators.
Reaching the middle of the figure eight at one mile, turn right to loop around and then draw a line directly west across the property.
Florida scrub-jaysThe sandy corridor gradually transitions to patches of grass and darker soils, rounding a corner with tall Australian pines before turning northward.
Gopher tortoises often forage among the grassy areas, snapping up fresh green shoots.
This final leg of the route returns to the preserve entrance in less than 0.2 mile.
Gopher tortoiseTrail Map
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Video
Hiking Wabasso Scrub Conservation Area
Nearby Adventures
Sebastian Harbor Preserve A network of trails and boardwalks explore mesic and scrubby pine flatwoods dotted with prairie ponds that serve as a refuge for migratory and resident birds.
Ansin Riverfront Conservation Area Alongside the South Prong of the St. Sebastian River, this short loop trail weaves through a forest of stately live oaks covered with colorful air plants. 
St. Sebastian Catface Loop Traverse an expanse of prairies and scrub between a creekside hammock and palm hammocks atop tall bluffs on the St. Sebastian River.
North Sebastian Conservation Area An excellent place to spot rare Florida scrub-jays, the trails at North Sebastian Conservation Area explore a variety of wet and dry natural habitats.
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