MERRITT ISLAND, FL - - Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is about 60 miles south of OB. The NWR shares a good portion of the land used as a buffer zone by Kennedy Space Center between the work/launch areas and the public. In fact, the launch pad(s) for the space shuttle is approximately 10-miles away (in a straight line) through alligator / mosquito infested mangrove swamp from where these pictures were shot. The reality is that the space center and the NWR protect one another. And we all benefit.The blue herron (above) is searching very hard for a meal. The butterfly (below) will become a meal for some preditor if it isn't careful.
