VERO BEACH — The Indian River Land Trust’s ever popular conservation tours return this season. The schedule is more robust than ever with the addition of two tours for families on Saturdays and monthly tours scheduled through March on our most popular properties.
Tours are free to the public, but are limited to 30 participants. They are conducted by one of the Land Trust’s Stewards who provide an overview of the habitats and the properties importance to conservation efforts in the community. Expect the unexpected with bird watching and native wildlife observation.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothes for walking. There are always great opportunities for using a camera and binoculars.
Established in 1990, the Indian River Land Trust’s mission is to promote the preservation, conservation, and improvement of natural resources and special places in Indian River County, Florida for the benefit of the general public and future generations.
For reservations participants should call the Land Trust at 772-794-0701 or email us at rsvp.irlt.org
Specific dates/locations and descriptions are listed below:
Padgett Creek Ranch: Two tours, Friday, October 12 and February 15 Ride on one of the ranch’s swamp buggies for a tour of this 1,600 –acre Florida ranchland property. Guests will also enjoy a hike along the creek, a fresh water feeder system to Blue Cypress Lake.
Bee Gum Point: Tours conducted the first Thursday of every month December through March; Family tours scheduled for Saturday November 17 & Saturday January 12. An easy but extensive walk on grass and sandy trail, participants will learn the importance of the property as a part of the Atlantic Flyway, commonly referred to as the I-95 for birds and gain insight to the marvelous salt water ponds on this 111-acre property.
Spoonbill Marsh: Tours conducted the first Wednesday of every month December through March an easy walk on uncovered boardwalks allow participants to view shallow manmade marshes with a guide who will describe this unique project designed to clean well water brine and at the same time enhance wading bird habitat.