Twinkling lights dotted the picturesque pathways of Rock City Gardens, where guests enjoyed another lovely evening to benefit the Indian River Land Trust. More than 400 supporters were on hand to celebrate the efforts of the Land Trust to preserve, conserve and improve our environs, particularly along the Indian River Lagoon.
Ken Grudens, IRLT executive director, noted that in August, they had broken ground on the construction of a state-of-the-art living classroom at their 226-acre Coastal Oaks Preserve. The acreage includes 1 mile of lagoon waterfront and boasts nearly every type of habitat found in the region.
Grudens said they expect the project to be completed next summer, so that classes can begin there in the fall, engaging adults and youth alike in research and educational programs.
Among them will be the Junior Scientist Fellows Program, now in its 11th year, with Harbor Branch Oceanographic at FAU. They will also be working on projects with the Pelican Island Audubon Society, Environmental Learning Center, Indian River State College and Gifford Youth Achievement Center.
The Land Trust continues to make headway on its initiative to eliminate residential septic systems that are polluting our lagoon, Grudens said.
“The partnership with the Clean Water Coalition, the Economic Opportunities Council and the Community Foundation to clean the lagoon and assist homeowners in the City of Vero Beach is well underway, with nearly 30 income-challenged homes impacting the lagoon already converted to sewer. Additionally, the Land Trust is working with the county right now to convert a lagoon-front neighborhood of 53 homes,” said Grudens.
Additionally, The Land Trust has also has been working to protect lands south of the City of Sebastian along the St. Sebastian River, the only natural tributary of the lagoon in our county.
And they expect to soon complete the acquisition of another 20-acre property containing rare and threatened wildlife and ancient cypress trees.
“This is just one of several areas of our county in need of protection. The Land Trust has expanded its conservation priorities across the entire county as it continues to protect our important wildlife corridors, drinking water and waterways, including the Indian River Lagoon,” said Grudens.
He impressed upon the ecologically minded supporters that it takes each and every one of us to make a positive impact in order to protect our county’s natural resources.
Grudens finished with the famous quote from author, Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
For more information, visit IRLT.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
