On August 22nd our guest speaker was Ken Grudens, Executive Director of Indian River Land Trust (IRLT). The IRLT is a private nonprofit organization founded in 1990. The mission is “To promote the preservation, conservation and improvement of natural resources and special places in Indian River County, Florida for the benefit of the general public and future generations.”
The focus is on the preservation of the Indian River Lagoon’s environmentally important land and water resources. And to protect scenic waterfront areas, provide access for public recreation and education. The Indian River Lagoon is 156 miles long and encompasses 5 counties. There are 136 spoil islands, 2100 plant species, 2200 animal species and 350 bird species. IRLT owns ten properties totaling 10,000 acres and 10 miles of shoreline.
The Lagoon Greenway, which is located off Indian River Boulevard at 8th Street in Vero Beach, is a public-private partnership between the Indian River County government and the Land Trust. The Lagoon Greenway is made up of a trail system for hiking and bicycling through oak forests, over wetlands, and along the Indian River Lagoon.
The Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail is a one-mile trail located in Wabasso off 79th Street. It totals 50 acres and contains oak trees, scrub forest, mangrove swamp and beautiful dock views of the lagoon. There is also an active beekeeper on the property.
There are now over 1000 members of the IRLT. Volunteers are needed for cleanups, restoration and events.
If you are interested in helping or need information contact Ken at 772-532-0939 or kgrudens@irlt.org.
Margie Duffell