VERO BEACH — The Indian River Land Trust hosted its Third Annual Members Event on its newly purchased property along the Indian River Lagoon. Close to 150 Land Trust members and guests enjoyed a beautiful afternoon outdoors, taking a stroll along the walking trails and boardwalk while learning about the importance of protecting waterfront lands. The event, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Henry G. Stifel, Merrill Lynch: Ashdown Hogan & Associates, and Sergio Ramirez Painting, Inc., allowed Land Trust supporters to see first hand how their contributions are making a difference.
Thanks to the generous support of Land Trust members and donors to the Land Protection Fund, Indian River Land Trust was able to purchase two critical pieces of land, a 1.6 and 6.7 acre parcel along the Indian River Lagoon in Winter Beach. These properties will allow access to 40 acres of publicly managed and protected parcels of oak hammocks, native scrub forest and mangrove swamps.
At the event, Board Chair Stephanie Smith announced that the property will be known as the Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail named in honor of Director Emerita Toni Robinson for her longtime support and commitment to the Indian River Land Trust. Board Member Kelly Kite, Jr. and staff member Dana McDougall unveiled a mock-up of the sign that will be posted at the trail entrance when the property opens to the public in fall 2010.
The Land Trust would like to thank Rich Wilson and Doug Carlson with the Indian River Mosquito Control District, and ELC tour guides Barbara Bromberg, Joan Edwards and Robin Dunlap for sharing their time and valuable information with event attendees.
Since 1990, the Indian River Land Trust has been protecting environmentally important lands, and conserving wildlife habitats and water quality in our community.
Information: call 772-794-0701 or visit www.irlt.org.
