Get involved to save the Indian River Lagoon

The Guardians of Martin County are pleased to be included in this list guardianprovided by TC Palm.

By Susan Burgess
TC Palm
July 18, 2016

Feeling angry and helpless about our polluted waters? Do you want to get involved?

In addition to signing our letter to Gov. Rick Scott or contacting your other elected officials, you can donate or volunteer your time to any of these Indian River Lagoon-related organizations.

Indian River County

Environmental Learning Center

Mission: Provide stimulating environmental and educational programs that instill an understanding of the natural world, enrich people’s lives and inspire participants to be active stewards of the surrounding natural resources.

Website: www.DiscoverELC.org

Contact:

  • 255 Live Oak Drive
  • Vero Beach, FL 32963
  • 772-589-5050
  • info@discoverELC.org

Friends of St. Sebastian River

Mission: Maintain and improve the health and beauty of the St. Sebastian River and its watershed.

Website: www.fssr.org

Contact:

  • P.O. Box 284
  • Roseland, FL 32957-0284
  • 772-202-0501
  • info@fssr.org

Indian River Land Trust

Mission: 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.

Website: www.irlt.org

Contact:

  • 80 Royal Palm Pointe, Suite 301
  • Vero Beach, FL 32960
  • 772-794-0701
  • info@irlt.org

Indian River Neighborhood Association

Mission: Preserve Indian River County’s quality of life and natural resources. Provide a sole, strong, unified voice to counterbalance the access, influence and special interests of the development industry. Monitor, research and debate pertinent projects at all levels of government to offset the negative effects of relentless, uncontrolled development.

Website: www.indianriverna.com

Contact:

  • Indian River Neighborhood Association
  • P.O. Box 643868
  • Vero Beach, FL 32964-3868
  • 772-410-4612

Keep Indian River Beautiful

Mission: Empower individuals to take greater responsibility for community environments by involving volunteers in litter prevention, beautification, recycling and conservation education.

Website: www.kirb.org

Contact:

  • Postal mail — P.O. Box 973
  • Vero Beach, FL 32961
  • To visit – 6200 20th St., Suite 140,
  • Vero Beach, FL32966
  • 772-226-7738
  • dpacker@KIRB.org

McKee Botanical Garden

Mission: Nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all.

Website: www.mckeegarden.org

Contact:

  • 350 U.S. 1
  • Vero Beach, FL 32962
  • 772-794-0601
  • info@mckeegarden.org

Pelican Island Audubon Society

Mission: Preserve and protect the animals, plants and natural communities in Indian River County through advocacy, education and public awareness.

Website: www.pelicanislandaudubon.org

Contact:

  • P.O. Box 1833
  • Vero Beach, FL 32961
  • 772-567-3520
  • PIAudubon@yahoo.com

Pelican Island Preservation Society

Mission: Support and promote Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and National Wildlife Refuge System to conserve habitat and wildlife.

Website: www.firstrefuge.org

Contact:

  • P.O. Box 781903
  • Sebastian, FL 32978-1903
  • 772-202-0697
  • info@firstrefuge.org

Surfrider Foundation-Sebastian Inlet

Mission: Protect and enjoy our oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network in portions of Brevard and Indian River counties.

Website: www.surfrider.org

Contact:

  • P.O. Box 372932
  • Satellite Beach, FL 32937
  • Chair@sebastianinlet.surfrider.org

St. Lucie County

Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie County

Mission: Pledge to protect the water, soil, air and native flora and fauna upon which all earth’s creatures depend for survival. Take such actions as are consistent with the motto of the alliance, which is to promote wise use and not abuse of our land and resources. Protect the environment and ecology of St. Lucie County.

Website: www.conservationallianceslc.org

Contact: www.facebook.com/ConservationAllianceofStLucieCo

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Mission: In terms of the Indian River Lagoon only, study reefs, sea grasses and marine mammals and how these communities are affected by human impacts, including nutrient pollution that contributes to excessive and harmful algae growth.

Website: www.fau.edu/hboi

Contact:

  • 5600 U.S. 1 North
  • Fort Pierce, FL 34946
  • 772-242-2400

Manatee Observation and Education Center

Mission: Promote understanding and responsible actions for the fragile ecosystems of the Treasure Coast and their inhabitants. Educate about nature and humans impacts on the environment, and teach ways to interact with our natural environment to lessen that impact.

Website: www.manateecenter.com

Contact:

  • 480 North Indian River Drive
  • Fort Pierce, FL
  • 772-429-6266
  • manatee@manateecenter.com

Ocean Research And Conservation Association

Mission: Protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies and science-based conservation action.

Website: www.teamorca.org

Contact:

  • 1420 Seaway Drive
  • Fort Pierce, FL 34949
  • 772-467-1600
  • inquiries@teamorca.org

Oxbow Eco-Center

Mission: Foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural world, an understanding of ecosystems and sustainability, and a sense of stewardship toward Florida and all its inhabitants through educational programs

Website: www.stlucieco.gov/departments-services/a-z/oxbow-eco-center

Contact:

  • 5400 N.E. St. James Drive
  • Port St. Lucie, FL 34983
  • 772-785-5833
  • oxbow@stlucieco.org

RiverKidz of St. Lucie and Indian River County

Mission: Young advocates dedicated to preserving the future of the environment with a focus on the health of local waterways.

Website: www.facebook.com/riverkidzslc

Contact: riverkidzslc@gmail.com

Smithsonian Marine Station

Mission: Support and conduct scholarly research in the marine sciences, including collection, documentation and preservation of South Florida’s marine biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as education, training and public service.

Website: www.sms.si.edu/index.htm

Contact:

  • 701 Seaway Drive
  • Fort Pierce, FL 34949
  • 772-462-6220

South Beach Association

Mission: Identify and address the concerns of property owners and businesses while insuring the ecological health, appropriate development, economic growth and overall quality of life on South Beach.

Website: www.fpsba.org

Contact:

  • Fort Pierce South Beach Association
  • Fort Pierce, FL 34949
  • cmushier@fpsba.org

St. Lucie Audubon Society

Mission: Advocate for the preservation of the earth’s diverse ecosystems through educational, scientific, investigative, literary, historical, philanthropic, and charitable pursuits.

Website: http://stlucieaudubon.org/

Contact:

  • P.O. Box 12474
  • Fort Pierce, FL 34979
  • stlucieaudubon@gmail.com

St. Lucie Oyster Reef Program

Mission: Deploy clean, bagged oyster shells to create reefs that will attract oysters and other small marine creatures. The oysters will help clean the water of unwanted nutrients. The reefs hold down sediment and deflect waves.

Website: www.stlucieco.gov/home/showdocument?id=144

Contact: James B. Oppenborn, St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Supervisor (Mosquito Control and Coastal Management Services)

  • 3150 Will Fee Rd.
  • Fort Pierce, FL 34982
  • 772-462-1713

Surfrider Foundation-Treasure Coast

Mission: Protect and enjoy our oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.

Website: https://treasurecoast.surfrider.org

Contact: hparker@surfrider.org

Martin County

Audubon of Martin County

Mission: Conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.

Website: www.audubonmartincounty.org

Contact:

  • Mail — Audubon of Martin County
  • P.O. Box 3265
  • Stuart, FL 34995-3265
  • Visit — Possum Long Nature Center
  • 621 SE Palm Beach Road
  • Stuart, FL 34994
  • 772-288-2637
  • AOMC@audubonmartincounty.org

Citizens for Clean Water

Mission: C4CW connects the missing link between people, nonprofits, and local heroes around the world. We are the clean water promoters and the people behind a movement who bring attention where it is needed. Set out to seek solutions and help guide people into things they can do personally to make a difference.

Website: www.citizensforcleanwater.com orwww.facebook.com/citizens4cleanwater

Contact:

  • 772-285-3626
  • C4CWproductions@gmail.com

Florida Oceanographic Society

Mission: Inspire environmental stewardship of Florida’s coastal ecosystems through education and research.

Website: www.floridaocean.org

Contact:

  • 890 N.E. Ocean Blvd.
  • Stuart, FL 34996
  • 772-225-0505
  • Info@floridaocean.org

The Guardians of Martin County

Mission: Educate residents on environmental issues impacting their quality of life.

Website: https://theguardiansofmartincounty.com

Contact:

  • The Guardians of Martin County
  • P.O. Box 1489
  • Hobe Sound, FL 33475
  • info@theguardiansofmartincounty.com

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

Mission: Increase awareness of our relationship with the natural environment through educational programs while encouraging stewardship. The Hobe Sound Nature Center supports the refuge’s volunteer, environmental education, interpretation and visitor services programs.

Website: www.fws.gov/hobesound

Contact:

  • P.O. Box 645
  • 13640 S.E. Federal Highway
  • Hobe Sound, FL 33475-0645
  • 561-546-6141

Indian RiverKeeper

Mission: Grassroots environmental organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the waters of North America’s most diverse estuary. Protect the Indian River Lagoon for future generations.

Website: www.indianriverkeeper.org

Contact: Marty Baum, Indian RiverKeeper

  • P.O. Box 1812
  • Jensen Beach, FL 34957
  • 772-631-5827

Martin County Oyster Reef Restoration

Mission: Restore important oyster habitat in the St. Lucie and Loxahatchee estuaries, leading to long-term and significant ecological improvements to the health of the river as well as providing additional social, recreational and economic benefits to the community.

Website: www.oysterrestoration.com

Contact:

  • 772-221-1387
  • Info@oysterrestoration.com

Rivers Coalition

Mission: Fight for a safe, healthy and ecologically balanced St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon, natural resources that are vital to the economy and quality of life of Martin County and the Treasure Coast.

Website: www.riverscoalition.org

Contact:

  • P.O. Box 2627
  • Stuart, FL 34995
  • 772-225-6849
  • info@riverscoalition.org

River Kidz

Mission: Youth group to fight for a safe, healthy and ecologically balanced St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon, natural resources that are vital to the economy and quality of life of Martin County and the Treasure Coast.

Website: http://riverscoalition.org/riverkidz

Contact:

  • P.O. Box 2627
  • Stuart, FL 34995
  • 772-225-6849
  • info@riverscoalition.org

River Warrior Community

Mission: Concerned citizens of Martin County and the Treasure Coast oppose the dumping of Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie River and Indian River.

Website:www.facebook.com/warriorsfortheriver or http://facebook.com/toni.rummo

River Warriors of the Indian River Lagoon

Mission: Advocate for clean river waters and oppose dumping of Lake Okeechobee water.

Website: www.facebook.com/groups/517339968343780

Contact:

  • camelottechpet@gmail.com

Save the Indian River Lagoon

Mission: Enlighten, educate and engage the citizens of Florida of the concerns with our waters.

Website: www.facebook.com/stopthedischarges

Contact:

  • RiverWarriorLodge@yahoo.com

State Groups

1000 Friends of Florida

Mission: Promote healthy urban and natural places by wise management of growth and change. Educate, advocate, negotiate and, when necessary, litigate to protect our high quality of life. Help citizens have the technical knowledge and access needed to ensure that public and private decisions lead to livable communities.

Work to protect natural areas, fight urban sprawl, promote sensible development patterns and provide affordable housing. Give citizens the tools to keep Florida’s communities livable.

Website: www.1000friendsofflorida.org

Contact:

  • P.O. Box 5948
  • Tallahassee, FL 32314-5948
  • 850-222-6277
  • friends@1000fof.org

Aquatic Preserve Office of the Department of Environmental Protection

Mission: Protect the living waters of Florida To ensure sure that they will always be home for bird rookeries, fish nurseries. To protect freshwater springs, salt marshes, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests. Aquatic preserves’ natural heritage is entrusted to us to explore, experience and protect for future generations.

Website: www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/indian-vero

Contact:

  • Irene Arpayoglou, Manager, Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves and North Fork of the St. Lucie River
  • 3300 Lewis Street
  • Fort Pierce, FL 34981
  • 772-429-2995
  • Irene.Arpayoglou@dep.state.fl.us

Coastal Conservation Association

Mission: Protect the state’s marine resources and the interests of saltwater anglers. Support strong, resource-based law enforcement, access to the resource for recreational fishing and strong and fairly balanced fishery regulations to protect state and federal fish stocks.

Website: www.ccaflorida.org

Contact:

  • 4061 Forrestal Ave.
  • Orlando, FL 32806
  • 407-854-7002
  • info@ccaflorida.org

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Citizen Scientist Program

Mission: Manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Website: www.myfwc.com/get-involved/citizen-science

Contact:

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

Mission: Improve the lagoon’s water quality and ecological integrity. Guide and oversee the lagoon’s protection and restoration.

Website: www.irlcouncil.com

Contact:

  • 1235 Main St.
  • Sebastian, FL 32958
  • irlcouncil.org
  • 772-742-2858
  • hill@irlcouncil.org

Indian River Lagoon Shoreline Restoration Project, Department of Environmental Protection

Mission: Protect, conserve and manage Florida’s natural resources, and enforce the state’s environmental laws.

Website:www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/indianriver/calendar/shoreline.htm

Contact:

  • Dana Maira, Shoreline Restoration Coordinator, DEP Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas
  • Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve
  • 3300 Lewis St.
  • Fort Pierce, FL 34981
  • 772-429-2995 or 321-953-5008

Marine Cleanup Initiative

Mission: To save our waterways for future generations and to improve the quality of our seafood products as well as the quality of life of our aquatic and airborne critters. Website: www.facebook.com/Marine-Cleanup-Initiative-Inc-405088376209463

Contact:

  • Captain Donald Voss
  • 323 Leeward Lane #202
  • Ft. Pierce, FL 34949
  • 772-528-0675
  • captain-don@comcast.net

Marine Resources Council

Mission: Indian River Lagoon watch assesses the trends and changes in water quality. Provides the agencies involved in regulating the lagoon with data of known quality for determining long-term seasonal and temporal trends in water quality. The MRC is a charitable organization whose purpose is to maintain and enhance the quality of marine systems for the economic, recreational, aesthetic, and environmental use of the people of Florida.

Website: www.mrcirl.org/our-programs/indian-river-lagoonwatch

Contact:

  • 3275 Dixie Highway N.E.,
  • Palm Bay, FL 32905
  • 321-725-7775
  • council@mrcirl.org

The Nature Conservancy in Florida

Mission: Conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Website:www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/florida/volunteer/index.htm

Contact:

  • 2500 Maitland Center Parkway, Suite 311
  • Maitland, FL 32751
  • 407-682-3664
  • florida@tnc.org

Save The Manatee Club

Mission: Protect endangered manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations.

Website: www.savethemanatee.org and www.savethemanatee.org/vol.htm

Contact:

  • 500 N. Maitland Ave.
  • Maitland, FL 32751
  • 407-539-0990
  • 800-432-JOIN (5646)
  • jnearing@savethemanatee.org

Sea Turtle Preservation Society

Mission: To educate the public about marine turtles. The society’s goal is to help maintain the current sea turtle population and to prevent a potentially irreversible decline in that population.

Website: www.seaturtlespacecoast.org

Contact:

  • 111 South Miramar Ave.
  • Indialantic, FL 32903
  • 321-676-1701
  • stps@seaturtlespacecoast.org

Sierra Club Florida

Mission: Explore, enjoy and protect the planet. Mission Outdoors programs provide access to outdoor experiences for more people, organize grassroots and administrative support for the value of outdoor experiences, and build alliances and partnerships that involve diverse communities in protecting their natural heritage.

Website: www.sierraclub.org/florida

Contact:

  • 1990 Central Ave.
  • St. Petersburg, FL 33712
  • 727-824-8813

South Florida Water Management District

Mission: To manage and protect water resources of the region by balancing and improving flood control, water supply, water quality and natural systems.

Website:www.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/xweb%20protecting%20and%20restoring/volunteeringandwww.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/xweb%20protecting%20and%20restoring/what%20you%20can%20do

Contact:

  • 301 Gun Club Road
  • West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
  • 561-686-8800 or 800-432-2045 (Florida Only)

Spoil Island Project

Mission: The Spoil Island Project was established to aid in the enhancement and preservation of the Indian River Lagoon Spoil Islands. It is a volunteer-driven program spearheaded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Aquatic Preserve Offices with support from other state and local agencies. Includes island cleanups, and adopt-an-island.

Website: http://spoilislandproject.org

Contact:

  • FDEP — Florida Coastal Office, Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve Field Office
  • 3300 Lewis Street
  • Fort Pierce, FL 34981
  • 772-429-2995
  • Frank.Jackalone@sierraclub.org

St. Johns River Water Management District

Mission: Ensure the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of Floridians.

Website: www.sjrwmd.com and http://cfwiwater.com/FAQs.html#17

Contact:

  • Palm Bay Service Center
  • 525 Community College Parkway, S.E.
  • Palm Bay, FL 32909
  • 321-98-44950 or 800-295-3264

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/indian-river-lagoon/health/Get-involved-to-save-the-Indian-River-Lagoon-386537641.html