Gay and Truman Casner [Photo: Kaila Jones]

Conservation-minded benefactors gathered at the Quail Valley River Club recently to toast the Indian River Land Trust and its continued efforts to “protect the land that protects the lagoon” during the annual Conservators’ Reception, hosted by Laura and Bill Buck, and Sally and Dick Brickman.

Over cocktails, guests perused placards showcasing IRLT properties, before getting an update on the tremendous progress made this past year and its goals for the future. Since 1990, the Land Trust has procured 1,200 acres and 12 miles of shoreline.

“We’ve had a very exciting year,” said Bill Buck. “We’ve accomplished a lot and we’re very proud of our year. Thank you for supporting recently, and thank you to many of you for supporting for many years.”

The mission of the Land Trust is to preserve environmentally significant land, fish and wildlife habitat, water resources and scenic waterfront areas, while providing access for public recreation and education for future generations.

Ken Grudens, IRLT executive director, spoke of the nonprofit’s recent, significant purchase of a 100-acre parcel.

“Now, as you look to the north of the Barber Bridge, from the Barber Bridge to Grand Harbor, you have a 2-mile and 300-acre stretch of land that will always be green and always be there for us to look at and appreciate and enjoy,” said Grudens.

He said they are working in partnership with universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and local schools to preserve water quality, improve habitats and educate youth about the importance of these ecosystems; targeting properties that are ecologically important to the health of the lagoon.

Initiatives include the development of the Coastal Oaks Preserve, a 220-acre property recently planted with 3,600 trees. This freshwater wetland will be part of a larger preserve, where the IRLT plans to create a green facility. The property, Grudens says, is where pretty much every habitat in the county can be found in one location.

The Land Trust and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute are engaging future environmentalists through a Junior Scientist Fellows program. Now in its seventh year, area high school students visit IRLT properties and use an outdoor lab to conduct experiments, providing feedback to help the Land Trust best manage its properties.

Grudens said a fish studies program at Bee Gum Point, funded by the Ladies of the Lagoon and a grant from the National Estuaries Program, is helping them to better understand the environment fish need to grow and thrive.

A brief video featured wise words from Vero’s ‘First Lady’ Alma Lee Loy: “I’m going to watch with great interest to see and help with the efforts to keep this area the beautiful spot that it is. We must be vigilant and educate the young people who have come along, because it’s going to be their job.”

Join the Ladies of the Lagoon for a boat tour on April 23 or reserve dinner for two with a bottle of wine from Chelsea’s on Cardinal. For more information, visit irlt.org.