MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Nestled Away in Brevard County is a conservation area that takes you back to the days that the very first Pioneers made their way to the state of Florida. 

The soft chirping of birds and the peaceful shade of our Florida trees makes this conservation area a wonderful place to explore. 

"It's just such a great spot to get out and convene with nature and see what's out here... butterflies... birds... plants... flowers you name it," said Martha Pessaro, a sanctuary steward.

Martha, who is a Brevard County EEL Program Education Center Coordinator, has taken her time trekking through the almost 9 miles of trails that make up Sams House conservation area on Merritt Island, it’s her period clothing that might catch your eye though. 

Sams Place is one of the oldest standing historical sites in Brevard County. It was first established in 1875 in Eau Gallie.

Martha now serves as an historian, transporting you to the days of the area’s first settlers. 

“These were the first settlers... the people who created Courtenay, many of the families came from South Carolina and decided this was the place to be," Martha said. 

Along their more than 9 miles of beautiful trails you’ll find exhibits that show everything from the types of food these pioneers would eat.. to hunting techniques.. even the places they once lived. 

And of course they want you to get a feel for what life was like in those days...giving you plenty of chances to get hands on with games and chores the pioneers would have done many years ago. 

It’s an experience both adults and children will find enchanting as you take in the beauty of old Florida and learn about some of our state’s first pioneers. 

“I really believe this place does give people a sense of place and time.. a lot of people have told me after visiting here they’ve researched their personal history and the lands their ancestors once lived on," Martha said. 

Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.

For more information on tours and prices, head to their website.