INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Under a blue summer sky, hundreds of people came out to Riverside Park on Saturday to show their love for the Indian River Lagoon. The Save Our Indian River Lagoon Rally included distinguished speakers, volunteer drives, and an opportunity to learn more about how to get and keep the Indian River Lagoon clean.
The event was organized by the Coastal Conservation Association Treasure Coast Chapter President Lange Sykes, with the assistance of local restaurateur, Will Collins.
“The mark of this event being a success was how many oyster mats were constructed for the reef,” said Sykes, speaking of the reef that is being replenished down by the Moorings. “I am so happy that we are able to have the opportunity to provide citizens a chance to hear about environmental and water issues.”
The distinguished list of speakers included Dr. Edie Widder, founder of Ocean Research & Conservation (ORCA) , as well as Dr. Grant Gilmore, a senior scientist at Estuarine, Coastal and Ocean Science, Inc. (ECOS), Corry Westbrook, Policy Coordinator for CCA, who is running for Congress from the 8th district, which includes parts of Brevard County, all of Indian River County, and parts of Orange County, County Commissioner Joe Flescher, and Bill Camp, current President of CCA Florida.
The main message for the audience was that it is every individual’s responsibility to think about the human impact on the environment, specifically the very sick lagoon.
“I don’t care what government entity we’re talking about,” said Gilmore, who was with Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution for 32 years.
Gilmore was adamant that action on cleaning up the Indian River Lagoon is the responsibility of individuals.
“This has to be a grass root local effort…And I don’t care how many fertilizer ordinances are passed. What matters is what the individual homeowner is going to do,” Gilmore continued. “We have industries that take advantage of our ignorance. We need to educate the public about things like xeriscaping. The homeowner needs to understand how directly connected we are to the river.”
Several local organizations, including ORCA, the Environmental Learning Center, and CCA, had set up booths in order to distribute information and recruit volunteers.
Even the small fry were encouraged to think of ways to clean up the lagoon by putting their ideas down in colorful chalk and sand art. When they finished their masterpieces, they got rid of their pent up energy in the bounce house.
Local food trucks battled for business. Wild Thyme Catering served mouthwatering lobster po boys, steamed clams, and smoked mahi dip. Nanny’s pleased the crowd with hot dogs, beans and rice, chili fries, and conch fritters.
“Nature takes care of itself,” said Tom Baumker, an outdoor photographer, who was attending the rally. “Nature takes of nature. If we let the environment alone, it would take care of itself. The environment’s worst enemy is man.”
