Jennifer Croom, Bob Gibb, Lollie Stone, Charles Croom and Wheatie Gibb. [Photo: Kaila Jones]

More than 400 supporters of the Indian River Land Trust wound their way along the pathways of the lushly landscaped Rock City Gardens last Thursday evening, enjoying an evening under the stars at the organization’s annual benefit, Land Water Wildlife: Protecting the Land that Protects the Lagoon.

Perspiring in a sultry evening that felt more like August than November, guests cooled off by mingling over icy cocktails before sitting down to enjoy a delicious buffet dinner prepared by Wild Thyme Catering. The presenting sponsors of the event were Stephanie Smith and Lollie Stone.

Charles Cramb, who has served for several years as IRLT board chairman, said that he was pleased to be part of the Land Trust and its efforts to find solutions to the challenges faced by the Indian River Lagoon.

“We need to restore the lagoon and improve the water quality. Remember, it’s probably one of the area’s most valuable assets,” said Cramb. He noted that as part of their conservation efforts, they are always interested in looking at land that’s available, especially waterfront property.

“We love it when it’s gifted to us and we love it when it’s affordable. We’re always reviewing opportunities,” said Cramb.

Later, in his welcome to guests, Cramb reminded them of the three P’s that are critical to our area: “preservation of land, protection of the waterfront and providing our properties for both educational and recreational use.”

Ken Grudens, IRLT executive director, shared some of the Land Trust’s major accomplishments with attendees.

“In having acquired over 1,000 acres and 10 miles of shoreline, first and foremost we have eliminated sedimentation and the runoff of oils and chemicals into the lagoon that would have occurred as a result of hundreds of new homes that would have been built on these properties along the river,” said Grudens.

“These permanently protected conservation areas also naturally cleanse stormwater runoff from nearby neighborhoods and roads before it reaches the lagoon. In effect, our properties act as large natural filters for the lagoon.”

But, he added, Land Trust’s protections don’t stop there.

“We have conducted significant work through partnerships to restore native plant and wildlife habitats, and to allow for better movement of water in and out of our coastal wetlands into the Lagoon, keeping it fresher and healthier,” said Grudens.

“This equates to fewer opportunities for algae blooms in our county and allows important fish species such as tarpon and snook to move out into the lagoon and then to the ocean to spawn, in sync with their natural life cycles. In summary, we are protecting the land that protects the lagoon.”

For more information, visit irlt.org.