INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation (HBOIF) will host an inaugural Love Your Lagoon dinner on Friday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. at FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce. Proceeds from the event will support the annual Indian River Lagoon Symposium and benefit scientific research on the Lagoon, conducted by FAU’s Harbor Branch.
HBOIF is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission supports Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, a research institute of Florida Atlantic University.
The Indian River Lagoon is the most biologically diverse estuary in North America. Like estuaries and coastal waters throughout the world, the Indian River Lagoon faces multiple and mounting threats related to increasing population and economic pressures.
FAU Harbor Branch is a leader in Indian River Lagoon research, and the community is invited to support the effort.
“We’re excited about this new signature event, which is timed right before Valentine’s Day to bring the lovers of the Lagoon together for an exceptionally enjoyable evening,” said Michael Minton, HBOIF board member and event co-chair. “Our goal is to celebrate the Indian River Lagoon, increase awareness about its fragile ecosystem and the important role it plays in our region, and establish a forum at the Symposium to annually gauge the progress being made to address the needs of the Lagoon.”
The guest of honor is renowned environmentalist and Hobe Sound resident Nathaniel P. Reed, a steadfast champion of the Indian River Lagoon.
Love Your Lagoon will be held waterside, on the Institute’s newly constructed open-air plaza. Guests will enjoy cocktails and music under the stars, while they savor the flavors of sustainably sourced seafood and local produce.
Tickets are $125 per person. Cocktail attire.
FAU Harbor Branch’s Indian River Lagoon Symposium, to be held on Thursday, February 9, will convene several different agencies and organizations for a forum addressing current scientific research on the Indian River Lagoon and its management.
The symposium will be held in the Institute’s Johnson Education Center and will be open to the interested public.
For more information or to register, visit www.indianriverlagoon.org or call (772) 466-9876 ext. 221.