Ken Grudens and Meg Steiner PHOTO BY AMY SAVILLE

At a time when new developments seem to be popping up everywhere, the mission of the Indian River Land Trust to protect and preserve natural spaces, wildlife habitats and our most scenic landscapes is increasingly vital.

Some of the Land Trust’s most ardent benefactors gathered at the Quail Valley River Club to speak about the importance of those efforts during the annual Conservators’ Reception, hosted this year by Dick and Sally Brickman and Ned and Sherry Ann Dayton.

Ken Grudens, IRLT executive director, updated the crowd of nearly 140 guests on its latest goals and accomplishments, reminding everyone that with their help, the Land Trust has protected more than 1,300 acres and 12 miles of critical shoreline.

That includes protecting 300 acres of highly visible land north of the Barber Bridge from unsightly development, and its potential for the harmful runoff of pollutants into the Indian River Lagoon. As a result, that shoreline area will now remain a safe haven for manatees and dolphins, as well as a refuge for the millions of birds that migrate along the Atlantic Flyway.

Grudens reviewed the progress on their Five-Year Strategic Plan, completed in 2023, that expanded the Land Trust’s efforts beyond the edge of the Indian River Lagoon, and out to the four corners of the county. Among them, the ranching areas in the western part of the county, and an important corridor of ancient cypress along the South Prong of the St. Sebastian River.

“The Land Trust has not turned its back on the Lagoon and currently has two properties in its sights for acquisition,” Grudens reassured them.

As part of its focus on the lagoon, the Land Trust is currently building a Living Classroom at its 226-acre Coastal Oaks Preserve, which will be a place for education and research for adults and youth alike. The IRLT is partnering with organizations such as the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Environmental Learning Center, Gifford Youth Achievement Center and the Vero Beach Museum of Art.

“Of course, we also have our three public trails for everyone to enjoy,” said Grudens.

Public access trails include the Oyster Bar Marsh, off Highway A1A north of Round Island Park; the Lagoon Greenway, at 8th Street and Indian River Boulevard; and the Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail, on 79th St. off North U.S. Hwy. 1. Birding and conservation tours are offered periodically on those and occasionally at Bee Gum Point, a 111-acre property along the lagoon.

Offering thanks for their support, Grudens added that the Land Trust “is working harder and smarter than ever with more grants, partnerships and community support to protect our wildlife, waterways, green spaces and way of life here in Indian River County.”

For more information, visit IRLT.org.

Photos by Amy Saville