Loyal supporters of the Indian River Land Trust enjoyed a cocktail reception at Quail Valley River Club last Wednesday evening hosted by Laura and Bill Buck and Sally and Dick Brickman. The annual event is a thank-you to top donors from board members and staff. As guests relished the gorgeous sunset over the Indian River Lagoon, it brought to mind the mission of the IRLT to keep the area pristine and beautiful for future generations.
“When we go down south all you see are high rises. We love seeing Vero Beach much more family oriented and kept as it is. So that is why we support the Land Trust,” said Laura Buck.
“We are trying to preserve and protect these areas from development to keep the wildlife and nature safe,” agreed Bill Buck. “The Land Trust projects are a great asset to the community because people come here specifically because they want to see the birds and they want to fish. Keeping that preserved is very important to keeping Indian River thriving.”
Every year IRLT increases its conservancy of acreage to protect it from development or to replenish delicate wetlands harmed by encroaching development. Last Wednesday the IRLT laid out its current and future plans for donors to see; specifically focusing on two recent projects. Maps outlined both the 111-acre Bee Gum Point restoration as well as the construction of the Oyster Bar Marsh Trail on that 156-acre coastal wetland property.
“We are almost at the 1,000-acre mark right now,” said David Heuberger, IRLT director of land protection. “This year we are focusing on stewardship and restoration. We have purchased a lot of coastal wetlands which were impounded by Mosquito Control years ago and are restoring them to help water quality in the lagoon.”
At the reception it was the Oyster Bar Marsh Trail which generated the most buzz, with members gathered around the overhead map to view and discuss the future of this publicly accessible project.
Located just south of the Moorings and north of Round Island State Park, the Oyster Bar Marsh plans call for trail access for hiking, the addition of a two-mile coastal trail, an over-the-water pavilion where visitors will enjoy amazing Lagoon views, and a boardwalk through a mangrove forest along the shore.
The property will eventually attract and be enjoyed by the public for years to come, similar to neighboring Round Island, which is well-known as a great place to walk the trail, watch manatees and water birds or launch a kayak into the river.
“The Marsh Trail gets people excited by the idea of walking out on this beautiful wilderness-like trail right here in Vero Beach. It’s hard for people to believe when they get out there how pristine it is and they are going to have access to it,” said IRLT executive director Ken Grudens.
“The property is theirs, and I think that is another attractive aspect of it as well. It is right here and local,” added Board chair Kathleen Schulke. “I am excited about it. These people are so giving. There is something about this community that has everyone willing to help to preserve all of this, whether they are year-round or only winter residents.”
