A closer look at this early morning scene gives an indication of recent history. During the late 1990s, under severe drought conditions, fire swept through this portion of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. A few of the Florida's native trees survived, giving an unnatural appearance. New growth seems to effortlessly spring up from the blackened forest floor. A few lifeless tree trunks hang on, defying gravity. The new growth, hidden by the low lying fog, gives a promise of a new start to a well balanced habitat.