Environment & Conservation

Coastal Connections

COASTAL CONNECTIONS

214-676-0011 coastal-connections.org MISSION: Protect coastal habitats (utilized by sea turtles) by educating and connecting people to the environment MAIN EVENT: Turtle Walks, Turtle Digs, and the Tipsy Turtle 2-Mile Run/Walk

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Coastal cleanups and helping check on beach baskets, helping rescue sick and injured sea turtles, and becoming a scout for nighttime turtle walks Founded: 2017

ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

772-589-5050 dicoverelc.org MISSION: To educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being MAIN EVENT: Annual Gala and Pavilion Unveiling, March 26, 2022; LagoonFest March 27, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Assisting with education programs, greeting visitors, special events fundraising, photography and video creation; serve on “green team,” event committees, or as docents or boating guides Founded: 1988

FRIENDS OF ST. SEBASTIAN RIVER

772-202-0501 fssr.org MISSION: To help maintain and improve the health and beauty of the St. Sebastian River and its watershed MAIN EVENT: Five public lecture presentations each year

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Invasive plant removal, newsletter and website production, river cleanups; develop and lead walking tours; assist with St. Sebastian River research project Founded: 1989

Success Stories

Indian River Land Trust

The Hoffmann property lies on the western edge of a serene part of the Indian River Lagoon known as the Narrows, just north of the Barber Bridge. Once slated for residential and commercial development, the 66acre tract has been purchased by the Indian River Land Trust, ensuring that it will remain natural and open.

The property adjoins another 240 acres the Land Trust has protected over the past decade, so it is a critical piece of the waterfront conservation puzzle. The resulting 2-mile stretch of green lagoon shoreline, a rare sight in Florida, is a respite for the wide diversity of fish, birds and other wildlife that call the Indian River Lagoon home, either on a year-round basis or as a resting place during long migrations.

This lasting conservation victory was funded through IRLT’s Campaign to Protect the Land That Protects the Lagoon, with support from the Indian River Community Foundation and many individuals.

GARDEN CLUB OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

772-567-4602 gardenclubofirc.org MISSION: To further the education of our members and the public in gardening, horticulture, floral arrangement and landscape design; to beautify our county through various civic projects and to study and assist in the protection and conservation of native plants and natural resources MAIN EVENT: Gardenfest! Feb. 5–6, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Maintain the Garden Center and the beautiful garden located behind the building and assist in projects to improve our community Founded: 1928

HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE FOUNDATION

772-466-9876 hboifoundation.org MISSION: To provide funding and support for research and education of marine sciences and ocean engineering MAIN EVENT: Love Your Lagoon Gala, February 2022 Founded: 1977

Environmental Learning Center

KELLY ROGERS

Pelican Island Audubon Society

INDIAN RIVER LAND TRUST

772-794-0701 irlt.org MISSION: To promote the preservation, conservation and improvement of natural resources and special places in Indian River County for the benefit of the general public and future generations MAIN EVENT: Annual Benefit, Nov. 11, 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Cleaning up trails, leading walking tours (which are free to the public) and helping at events Founded: 1989

KEEP INDIAN RIVER BEAUTIFUL

772-226-7738 keepindianriverbeautiful.org MISSION: To unite our community through environmental responsibility MAIN EVENT: International Coastal Cleanup, September 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Beach, lagoon and neighborhood cleanups, planting projects, recycling/waste reduction initiatives Founded: 1996

MCKEE BOTANICAL GARDEN

772-794-0601 mckeegarden.org MISSION: To nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all MAIN EVENT: Exhibition Dinosaur: Outdoor Adventure, Jan. 21–April 24, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Garden guide, grounds volunteer Founded: 2003

OCEAN RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

772-467-1600 teamorca.org MISSION: To protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies, science-based conservation action and community education and outreach

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: ORCA citizen scientist, volunteer@ teamorca.org Founded: 2005

PELICAN ISLAND AUDUBON SOCIETY INC.

772-567-3520 pelicanislandaudubon.org MISSION: Preserve and protect the animals, plants and natural communities, and the land and water on which they depend, in Indian River County through advocacy, education and public awareness MAIN EVENT: Twice monthly public lectures and 42 free birding field trips each year

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Maintain lagoon-friendly gardens at Audubon House, care for native plants and tree nursery; volunteer in elementary schools where we have many squarefoot vegetable gardens cared for by students and teachers; work with fifth grade students in the Audubon Advocates lagoon science program; help raise funds to maintain programs; lead birding field trips; help with morning nature walks Founded: 1964