In a recent In Focus interview on WQCS Public Media, Greg Braun, Executive Director of the Guardians of Martin County, discussed the organization’s long-standing role in protecting responsible growth, water quality, and environmental sustainability in Martin County.
Braun explained how the Guardians advocate for thoughtful planning rooted in the county’s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, which includes strict wetland protections, height limits, and clearly defined urban service boundaries. These policies, he noted, are key to preserving agricultural lands, managing infrastructure efficiently and cost effectively, and maintaining the character that residents call the “Martin County Difference”.
The interview also highlighted major initiatives such as the Western Lands Study and the Loxahatchee–St. Lucie Headwaters Initiative, which aim to protect critical conservation corridors, improve water quality, and connect public lands through partnerships with organizations like The Conservation Fund, 1000 friends of Florida and the University of Florida's Center for Landscape Conservation Planning.
Braun emphasized that the Guardians are not anti-growth, but pro-responsible growth—supporting development that balances economic needs with environmental protection. Looking ahead, he shared a vision of a future Martin County with healthier waterways, connected conservation lands, and a sustainable quality of life for generations to come.
Click the play button below to listen to the whole interview.
