Dear community members of Cape Canaveral and surrounding areas,

We have the opportunity to preserve the last remaining forest on the barrier island right here in Cape Canaveral. The property is 10 acres of live oaks, cabbage palms, and other native plants and critters. 10 acres may not seem like a ton, but it is plenty of room to have multi-use trails through rare, coastal hardwood forest. The property would provide trails to create a cool, shade-filled area for walking, running, birding, education, and a community space for learning. Additionally, Cape View Elementary School is in close proximity, so students could have educational trips.

You may have been to a few of our public spaces in the area, but none are forested. Instead, they are manicured spaces designed to accomplish a different goal. The goal of this new space is to conserve some of our last remaining natural ecosystem for our native species, while also promoting exploration, health benefits, and ecosystem services that natural areas provide.

Not only is this property excellent for our well-being via trails, but it also provides numerous benefits to our local wildlife and lagoon. This property is a safe haven for our neighborhood wildlife: mockingbirds, cardinals, blue jays, red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, warblers, and even migratory birds. Other wildlife includes raccoons, possums, native mice, native frogs, and potentially more depending on the property’s geography.

Considering the nearest comparable natural walking trails are at least a 20 minute drive away, or over the causeways, this forest would provide accessibility to many folks who wouldn't otherwise experience the beauty of Florida's forests. Once this space is lost to development, there will be virtually no other chance to preserve natural land for ourselves and our community beach-side.

The goal of this petition is to prove that there is public interest so that we can apply for funding from the city and/or state through community grants to purchase the land from a private seller.

Please email us with any questions at forestparkcapecanaveral@gmail.com