Indian River — it’s our county, it’s our special stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s the land we enjoy and admire every day. Keeping it clean and beautiful and accessible to all is the mission of the Indian River Land Trust.
Kenneth Grudens, Executive Director, and Melissa DePriest, Chief Development Officer of the Indian River Land Trust will discuss the mission and significance of the Trust at a Speaker Luncheon at 11:30am Saturday, January 17. Sponsored by the Vero Beach branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the luncheon is at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2555 58th Ave., Vero Beach. Cost is $25; go to AAUWverobeach.org for tickets. Registration deadline: Jan. 12.
In 2025 we celebrated the Centennial of Indian River County. One of the most prominent aspects of Indian River County is in its very name: Indian River. The Indian River Land Trust was formed in 1990 to protect that land that protects the Indian River Lagoon. The Land Trust promotes the conservation of the Lagoon for the residents of Indian River County by preserving habitat, protecting scenic waterfront and providing access for the public. Their work today stretches to the four corners of Indian River County.
Kenneth Grudens has been with the Trust since 2004, working to develop and implement a variety of programs that protect and conserve the natural resources and special places of Indian River County.
Melissa DePriest is a lifelong Florida resident with a deep-rooted passion for protecting the natural beauty of her home state. She oversees IRLT’s philanthropy and donor relations, guiding strategic development efforts and cultivating meaningful community partnerships.
As the old song says, “This land is your land; this land is our land.” Don’t miss this chance to learn how IRLT inspires and engages the community to protect and restore the health of the Indian River Lagoon, recognizing how critical the estuary is to the area’s economic vitality and quality of life.
AAUW-Vero Beach is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All funds raised go toward scholarships for women and girls in Indian River County.
