Despite some evening drizzles, donors weathered the storm as they gathered for the annual Indian River Land Trust Benefit Dinner at Rock City Gardens to celebrate conservation wins and the impact those victories have had on protecting our waterways and open spaces.
Once the skies cleared, guests enjoyed a lovely dinner catered by Elizabeth Kennedy & Co. under twinkling stars.
“Thank you for joining us for our 22nd annual benefit at Rock City,” said Scott Alexander, vice chair of the Land Trust board.
“Without your generous support, we wouldn’t be able to make the difference that we’re making in Indian River County.”
Alexander shared that when he moved to the area 17 years ago, he took for granted the miles of undeveloped waterfront land, including the 2-mile stretch north of the Barber Bridge, which the Land Trust has since protected.
Since its founding the nonprofit has protected more than 1,300 acres and 12 miles of lagoon shoreline, devoting significant resources to the restoration and care of these natural areas, “so that the wildlife can thrive and people of all ages can get out and enjoy the places in different ways,” said Alexander.
“By joining us tonight, you’ve embraced the value of protecting our precious resources. But the need to protect what remains is urgent. I challenge you to join me in taking the Land Trust efforts to the next level. Let’s send a clear message that our forests, wildlife and our waterways matter,” he continued.
Ken Grudens, IRLT executive director, highlighted their expanding conservation focus, which now encompasses the protection of waterways, wildlife corridors, and drinking water across the entire county, all while keeping the lagoon firmly in its sights.
He noted that they have continued the Septic-to-Sewer Conversion program in collaboration with the Clean Water Coalition and the Indian River Community Foundation. The Land Trust has helped convert or is in the process of converting 60 homes in the city and is working with the county to convert another 150 homes in two lagoon-front neighborhoods.
Additionally, he said, the Land Trust completed the acquisition of a 20-acre riverfront property on the St. Sebastian River, which flows into the lagoon, earlier this year. The property, which features rare and endangered species and ancient cypress trees, is now protected from that area’s increasing development.
“I can’t emphasize enough how much the whole county matters for our clean water and green places in this community,” said Grudens.
He noted that they had completed a transformational landscape installation at the 226-acre Coastal Oaks Preserve this summer that included more than 80,000 native trees and plants. The property boasts a mile of lagoon shoreline and nearly every habitat type in the region.
The construction of a rustic, yet state-of-the-art pavilion will soon be built there. Plans call for it to serve as a living classroom which will host partners such as the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, the Environmental Learning Center, and the Pelican Island Audubon Society.
Grudens served the sweetest news alongside a dessert of cupcakes adorned with edible succulents.
“This fall, we received a $1 million challenge pledge to complete phase one of the Coastal Oaks project. We’ve been challenged to raise $1 million in matching funds. And toward that goal, I’m pleased to tell you that we’ve already received three $100,000 matching gifts,” Grudens shared.
No sooner had he finished the announcement than another donor announced a $100,000 pledge as well, bringing the total that evening to $400,000.
The Land Trust is dedicated to protecting, improving and providing access to Indian River County’s waterways, open spaces, and green places for current and future generations. They do this through diverse programs that include land conservation via acquisition and easements, native habitat restoration, free public tours, and the septic conversion project to improve lagoon water quality.
Volunteers can participate in shoreline and trail clean-ups, invasive plant removal, as tour guides, or can monitor protected lands.
For more information, visit irlt.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
