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:
- 8535 Northlake Blvd.
- West Palm Beach, FL 33412
- 561-625-5122
- www.myfwc.com/contact/fwc-staff/volunteer-coordinator
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