The Emerson Center Presents The Indian River Lagoon Story with Heather Stapleton of Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

The Emerson Center is honored to welcome Heather Stapleton, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, for her E-Series presentation, The Indian River Lagoon Story, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

Stapleton will share insights on the ecological importance of the Indian River Lagoon and the community’s role in protecting one of North America’s most diverse estuaries. Her presentation will also highlight how citizen engagement—through initiatives like the Indian River Lagoon Calendar Photo Contest—plays a vital role in raising awareness and fostering stewardship of this nationally significant waterway.

To complement the lecture, Art at the Emerson Gallery will host the exhibition Lagoon by Brush and Lens, featuring the winning images from the 2026 Indian River Lagoon Calendar. Many of these works will be presented in striking specialty metal prints provided by locally owned Canvas & Metal Prints. Visitors may also receive a free 2026 calendar (while supplies last).

Event Highlights
• E-Series Lecture: The Indian River Lagoon Story
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Heather Stapleton, Community Engagement Coordinator, The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program
• Meet the Artists Reception
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Celebrate the photographers whose images bring the lagoon to life in the 2026 calendar.

About Art at the Emerson Gallery
Art at the Emerson Gallery, located within The Emerson Center, is dedicated to showcasing community-driven exhibitions and promoting local artists and cultural awareness. The gallery strives to inspire creativity and connection through the visual arts. For more information, visit ArtatTheEmerson.com

About The Emerson Center
The Emerson Center’s mission is to provide educational, enlightening, and thought provoking programs, alongside memorable musical events, for our community. As Vero Beach’s premier performance venue, The Emerson Center presents its acclaimed E-Series lectures, a lineup designed to engage, educate, and entertain. Doors open one hour prior to each lecture. While admission is free, a suggested donation of $10 is greatly appreciated.
The 2026 Emerson E-Series is sponsored by the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County, a local 501(c)(3) dedicated to protecting and restoring our waterways.
The Emerson Center is located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, 1590 27th Ave, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. For more information, visit TheEmersonCenter.com