Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has been a place I’ve returned to countless times, each visit offering something new, something unexpected. But I still remember the first time I set foot in this remarkable landscape—the sheer abundance of wildlife, the quiet beauty of the estuaries, and the way the refuge seemed to pulse with life.

On that first visit, I was struck by the sheer variety of species. Roseate spoonbills, their vibrant pink feathers glowing in the soft light, moved gracefully through the shallows. Great blue herons stood motionless, waiting for the perfect moment to strike at passing fish. The refuge was alive with movement—ospreys circling overhead, their sharp eyes scanning the water, and alligators basking along the banks, their presence a quiet reminder of the untamed nature of this place.

Beyond the birds and reptiles, Merritt Island is also home to endangered species, including the West Indian manatee and the Florida scrub-jay, both of which rely on the refuge’s protected habitat. The delicate balance of this ecosystem is evident in every corner, from the mangrove-lined waterways to the open grasslands where deer and bobcats roam.

Over the years, I’ve returned again and again, each time discovering something new—a different light, a rare sighting, a moment that stays with me long after I leave. As an artist, places like this inspire me—not just for their beauty, but for the stories they hold. Every creature, every landscape, every fleeting moment of movement is a reminder of the interconnectedness of life, the delicate harmony that exists when nature is allowed to flourish.

Capturing the essence of Merritt Island in paint is about more than just depicting its wildlife—it’s about preserving the feeling of being there, the quiet awe that comes with witnessing such a thriving natural world.