Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival
2019-01-23 08:00 - 2019-01-28 21:00 (America/New_York) | Eastern Florida State College – Titusville Campus, 1311 North US 1, Titusville, FL, 32796, United States
Discover why Florida’s Space Coast is your launch pad to incredible nature-based experiences. The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival features world class photographers, field trips, workshops and presentations. Contact festival@brevardnaturealliance.org or call 321-268-5224 for more information, and visit the Festival Website.

Litter Quitter Volunteer Training Session
2019-01-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Brevard Zoo, 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL, 32940, United States
Be a part of the solution combating single-use plastics and Styrofoam to #HelpTheLagoon! Join the Litter Quitter Team with Keep Brevard Beautiful, Inc. and Brevard Zoo! This session is held at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge at the Brevard Zoo.
LItter Quitter is a Keep Brevard Beautiful and Brevard Zoo program that combats single-use plastics and Styrofoams in businesses and restaurants. The training session is where interested people are trained to promote our program to their favorite local businesses and help our environment from marine debris! Have you ever gone to a restaurant and seen a green initiative? Now you can be the one to recruit them into our program? We hope to see you there and have you spread awareness!

Native Plant Nursery Maintenance
2019-01-26 08:00 - 10:00 | IFAS Aquaculture Research and Extension Facility, 8500 Picos Road, Ft. Pierce, FL, 34945, United States
Join us at our native plant nursery to learn about our habitat restoration program, the importance of these native plants and to assist us with nursery maintenance. Maintenance includes watering plants, weeding and pruning, propagating plants, planting new plant species in pots and maintaining the nursery inventory.
ORCA’s native plant nursery is located at the IFAS Aquaculture Research and Extension Facility. These native plants are being grown to support ORCA’s Living Lagoon Program which partners with community and school groups to help rehabilitate impaired shorelines along the Indian River Lagoon.
Please bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.
To volunteer, please RSVP on this page or to volunteer@teamorca.org or call 772.467.1600
About ORCA’s restorative efforts:
The focus of ORCA’s habitat restoration program is the construction of living shorelines. Living shorelines are shoreline protection projects that provide habitat for plants and animals, stabilize shorelines and improve water quality. Living shorelines usually include the construction of a hard structure or breakwater made from rock or bagged shell and the planting of native vegetation along intertidal shorelines.
Learn more: http://www.teamorca.org/restorative-efforts.html

Water Talks: Helping the Indian River Lagoon
2019-01-26 13:00 - 17:00 | Eastern Florida State College – Titusville Campus, 1311 North US 1, Titusville, FL, 32796, United States
How can toxic algae, oysters, natural shorelines and government come together into a New Vision for Florida and the Indian River Lagoon? Hear state and national experts in rapid fire talks about these critical topics. You’ll take away a deeper sense of the problems and hope for the future, including ways individuals, communities and elected leaders can make a difference.
Held in the East Central Florida State College, Titusville, Auditorium. Register here.
The cost is $30 for the entire day, including access to the exhibits and all workshop presentations. Programs sponsored by Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition #HelpTheLagoon .

Restore Our Shores Reef Build
2019-02-01 08:00 - 17:00 | TBD, FL, United States
Looking to get your feet wet and your hands dirty? Join Brevard Zoo for our first reef build of 2019 in Cocoa Beach on Friday, February 1st. Volunteers can look forward to deploying bags of live oysters along with recycled shell into the Indian River Lagoon to help create a living shoreline. Registration can be found at Restoreourshores – both AM and PM shifts are available.

Transforming Landscapes for a Sustainable Future
2019-02-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Indian River County Fairgrounds, 7955 58th Ave, Vero Beach, FL, 32967, United States
The Pelican Island Audubon’s 2nd annual conference entitled Transforming Landscapes for a Sustainable Future, starts at 8am at the Indian River County Fairgrounds ($10 in advance, $15 at the door). There are several wonderful speakers, three nurseries bringing native plants for sale and will have two food trucks there for the day including breakfast and lunch food. Check our website for more information on the schedule and bios of the great speakers on our website.

Vero Beach: Toxic Puzzle Screening and Q&A with Bo Landin
2019-02-04 19:00 - 22:00 | The Emerson Center, 1590 27th Ave, Vero Beach, FL, 32960, United States
This film is an excellent opportunity to learn about what’s happening with Florida waters. #HelpTheLagoon .
Ocean Research & Conservation Association presents a special showing of this award-winning documentary. The film follows scientist Dr. Paul Cox and his team as they investigate linkages between toxins produced by cyanobacteria (better known as toxic blue-green algae) and the neurodegenerative diseases ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These toxins have been in the news lately with major blooms in Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatche River, and the St. Lucie estuary. Toxic Puzzle describes the science behind some of the possible linkage between these blooms and the health of local residents. Dr. Edie Widder, CEO of ORCA, will introduce the film and producer Bo Landin will be on hand for a Q&A following the film. Admission is Free.

Ocean Plastics: Are We Making Progress?
2019-02-05 12:00 - 13:00 | MRC Ted Moorhead Lagoon House, 3275 Dixie Highway NE, Palm Bay, FL, 32905, United States
We’ve all seen the grisly pictures, but what is the solution to plastic in our oceans? Join us for our February Brown Bag presentation with Patty Goffinet, the founder of Blue Tube, as she discusses efforts to fix our plastic waste mess. She will talk about what’s being done, what works, what probably won’t work and what can we do to help. Topics covered include recycling, landfills, garbage collection, bans, incineration, pyrolysis, plastic-eating bacteria, plastic roads, and of course, BlueTubes. One lucky person will go home with a very cool set of reusable utensils.

Indian River Lagoon Symposium 2019
2019-02-07 - 2019-02-08 | Harbor Branch, 5600 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL, 34946, United States
The Indian River Lagoon Symposium (IRLS) is the result of a multi-institutional, multi-agency effort to provide a forum for discussing Indian River Lagoon science and its application to management of the lagoon. The symposium is open to scientists, decision makers, students, education and outreach professionals, and the interested public. The intent is to facilitate better communication among these groups so that the gaps between research and its application can be narrowed.

Marine Resources Council Fertilizer, Yard Clippings, & Rain Barrel Education Workshop
2019-02-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Rockledge Gardens, 2153 U.S. 1, Rockledge, FL, 32955, United States
You are invited to join the Marine Resources Council (MRC) & Rockledge Gardens to learn how Florida friendly fertilizing practices, better yard clippings management, & how collecting rainwater from your roof can help save the Indian River Lagoon. The workshop also includes a presentation on how to construct your very own water-saving rain barrel.

Add a living shoreline to your property
2019-02-15, 2019-03-15, 2019-03-22, 2019-03-29 | FL, United States
If you live along the lagoon in Brevard County, add a living shoreline or oyster reef to your property. Learn more with Brevard Zoo’s Restore Our Shores Program.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping Seminar
2019-02-16 08:30 - 13:00 | Eau Gallie High School, 1400 Commodore Blvd, Melbourne, FL, 32935, United States
Come join us for the 2019 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Seminar where we will have 4 presentations plus vendors!

Lecture on "Day in the Life of the Lagoon"
2019-02-20 16:30 - 18:00 | FL, United States
Join us on February 20 at 4:30pm for the Marine Resourses Council’s lecture on “Day in the Life of the Lagoon” school citizen science opportunities for 2019. More info will be posted soon. MRC 321-725-7775.

C1 CANAL UPDATES AND ITS EFFECTS ON TURKEY CREEK AND THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
2019-02-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Brevard County Government, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL, 32940, United States
The Brevard Marine Advisory Council (BMAC) will be hosting an informational presentation by the St. John’s River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and the Melbourne Tillman Water Control District (MTWCD) on the topic of recent nutrient reduction measures associated with Turkey Creek and the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). The presentation will be during the regularly scheduled BMAC meeting on February 21st, starting at 6:00 pm.

Date/Time: February 21, 2019, 6 PM
Location: Viera Government Center, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Building C, Second Floor, Space Coast Conference Room

Bill Tredik, Initiative Leader with the SJRWMD, will give an update on the completion of Phase I of the CI Canal Rediversion Program and how it is helping reduce the nutrients being discharged into Turkey Creek and the IRL. Mr. Tredik will also talk about SJRWMD’s plans for Phase II of the C1 Rediversion Program.

District Engineer at the MTWCD, Mike McCabe, P.E., will give us updates on their new equipment and procedures for controlling aquatic weeds in the major C1 Canal and its contributing canals. Mr. McCabe will have videos of the new mechanical harvester in action.

These presentations will show the progress being made to reduce the nutrient load and accumulations of muck that are potentially associated with the C1 canal and nutrient loading to the IRL and Turkey Creek.

Straight Talk: Sewage Systems, Septics and Muck in Our Lagoon
2019-02-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Gleason Performing Arts Center, 150 W. University Blvd Melbourne, FL, Melbourne, FL, 32901, United States
Concerns are frequently expressed by area residents who are unaware of the many projects underway to restore and protect Our Lagoon. This FREE FORUM is intended to provide an overview of the current and planned projects and to provide answers to the concerned public. Click here for more details.

Plant Parents Unite
2019-02-27 10:30 - 23:30 | Eau Gallie Library, Pineapple Ave, Melbourne, FL, United States
Ever wanted to adopt your own mangrove? Now’s your chance as ROS and the Melbourne Garden Club host an Adopt-a-Mangrove event at the Eau Gallic Library.

Recycling: Changes to know about!
2019-02-28 18:30 - 20:30 | Unitarian Universalist of the Space Coast – Friendship Fellowship at Pineda, 3115 Friendship Pl, Rockledge, FL, 32955, United States
The recycling industry is changing. We will explore what is recyclable and why we need to put only what is accepted in the residential curbside carts.
Andrea Bolitho is the Recycling Coordinator for Brevard County Solid Waste. She has worked for the county for two and a half years. She has degrees in Biology and Environmental Science. She provides informal educational programs for school aged children and community groups to enhance knowledge of Recycling Right.
Free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 pm, program is from 7pm – 8:30pm.

Space Coast Seafood and Music Festival
2019-03-07 17:00 - 2019-03-10 18:00 | Space Coast Daily Park, 6091 Stadium Parkway, Viera, FL, 32940, United States
The Space Coast Seafood and Music Festival will take place March 7-10, at Space Coast Daily Park. Tickets start at $8. Times vary per day, please check the website for details!

Save Our Indian River Lagoon Citizen Oversight Committee Meeting
2019-03-15 08:30 - 17:00, 2019-04-19 08:30 - 17:00 | Brevard County Government, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL, 32940, United States
Save Our Indian River Lagoon Citizen Oversight Meetings are in the Government Center, Building C, 3rd Floor, Florida Room, unless otherwise posted.
The role of the Oversight Committee is to review monitoring data on timeliness of project delivery, actual and updated project costs, and actual nutrient removal effectiveness, review new literature and local studies on the types of projects included in the plan and potential alternative project types, evaluate alternative project proposals received from the community, and recommend annual adjustments to the plan. The agendas for the meetings are posted on the Save Our Lagoon website under the Citizen Oversight Committee section http://www.brevardfl.gov/SaveOurLagoon/CitizenOversightCommittee. Each agenda has a Financial Statement that lists all the projects budgeted for the current fiscal year, the status of contracting and the percentage spent so far on each project.
Time is given at the end of the meeting for public comment. Meetings are also streamable live at http://www.brevardfl.gov/SCGTV/Home or aired on Channel 499 on Spectrum (formerly Brighthouse) networks; Channel 99 for AT&T U-verse customers; and on Comcast (North Brevard) Channel 51 and (South Brevard) Channel 13. There are archive videos of the previous meetings on SCGTV under the Video on Demand button at the top of the page or on the Brevard County Government Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pg/BrevardCountyGovt/videos/

Bula Beach Clean Up Day
2019-04-09 17:30 - 18:30 | Bula Cocoa Beach Kava Bar, 124 N. Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL, 32931, United States
Bula Beach Clean Up April 9 at 5:30pm.
Pick up your bucket and grabber at Bula Kava Bar Cocoa Beach and then they will head over to 2nd St. North

Sandy Paws Beach Cleanup Canova Park
2019-04-13 09:30 - 23:30 | Canova Beach Park, 3299 Highway A1A, Indian Harbour Beach, 32937
Join us at the Canova Beach Cleanup in Melbourne. The event is hosted by Sandy Paws Brevard and takes place the 2nd Saturday of each month from 930am – 1130am. Contact: hfsteinberger@yahoo.com

Earth Day Expo
2019-04-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Unity Of Melbourne, 2401 N Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL, 32935, United States

Karma Beach Yoga and Keep Brevard Beautiful Beach Cleanup
2019-04-20 07:00 - 08:00 | Cherie Down Park, 8330 Ridgewood Ave, Cape Canaveral, 32920, United States
Come give yourself and our beautiful beaches some LOVE with early morning beach yoga and clean-up. HOTY Karma Yoga & KBB Clean-Up are held on our Adopted Shore at Cherie Down Park in Cape Canaveral, that we’ve sponsored over 16 years. It’s more than ever time to “Live More Green and Live More Lean” with Suzanne & Joe Elliott, Founders and Directors from HOTY on the Island. KBB will provide grabbers, buckets, latex gloves, and trash bags. HOTY Team will provide table, sign-in, free yoga and accept donations for KBB.

Clean the Carr (Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge)
2019-04-20 08:00 - 11:30 | Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL, 32951, United States
Join us at the old Sebastian Beach Inn for this year’s beach cleanup. Specific location to be determined.
2019 sea turtle nesting has already started with the Leatherbacks on Florida’s East Coast. This event is planned to clean the beach in advance of the Loggerhead season that starts around May 1. The Greens begin nesting in June with a season that can extend to November. The Carr Refuge is one of the most important beaches for sea turtles worldwide, so let’s do our best to clean it including the small pieces of plastic that the hatchlings ingest.
Please bring the sunscreen and insect repellent of your choice. Bring a reusable water bottle. We will have water at the beach access points to fill your bottles.

Stop The John's Island Wastewater Effluent Pipeline!
2019-04-23 09:00 - 11:00 | indian River County Administration Complex – Commission Chambers, 1801 27th Street, Bldg A, Vero Beach, FL, 32960, United States
Call to Action! All Friends of the Indian River Lagoon!
Need: Stop the John’s Island wastewater effluent pipeline from being drilled and constructed under and across the Indian River Lagoon!
Day/Date/Time: Tuesday, April 23, 9 a.m.
Location: Indian River County Administration Complex – Commission Chambers at 1801 27th Street, Building A, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960.
Actions:
1. Attend public meeting Tuesday, April 23, at 9 a.m. (The Commission chambers holds 200 people. We’ll need these chambers at standing room only in opposition to this pipeline. Note: this is a lagoon health issue affecting all counties the estuary comprises.)
2. Send a letter/email to the Indian River County Commissioners telling them your concerns and asking them to reject this highly controversial easement for the misguided construction of the John’s Island wastewater effluent pipeline.
Contact Information: Susan Adams (sadams@ircgov.com), Joe Flescher (jflescher@ircgov.com), Tim Zorc (tzorc@ircgov.com), Peter O’Bryan (pobryan@ircgov.com), and Bob Solari (bsolari@ircgov.com). For more contact information please visit http://www.ircgov.com/boards/bcc/.
3. Want to help more? Please forward this information on to your lagoon loving friends, family, work groups, government leaders, local business partners, and non-profit organizations. The more community involvement we have the louder our voice is for the well-being of the Indian River Lagoon. Together we can bring this estuary of national significance back to health! https://savetheirl.org
Many organizations are working very hard to restore the health of this estuary. There could not be a worse time or project to create additional and unnecessary risks to our Lagoon’s health. (To view the current Indian River Lagoon Health Update Report please visit https://savetheirl.org/wp-content/uploads/mrc-report-card-2018-min.pdf.)
John’s Island Water Management (a private company in operation solely for the John’s Island community and its golf courses) is pressing Indian River County for a highly controversial easement over Hole-in-the-Wall Island despite the easement having been flatly rejected by the island’s owner.
Unfortunately, the Indian River County attorney now plans to take this highly controversial easement to the Indian River Board of County Commissioners for approval during an upcoming meeting still to be determined. (The county taking an action like this for the use of a private entity is unprecedented.)
The proposal of the John’s Island wastewater effluent pipeline to be constructed under and across the Lagoon is an environmental risk to the estuary both in its construction and operation. This risk can be easily be avoided by connecting to infrastructure that is already in place.
Please Help Stop This Pipeline From Being Drilled Under & Across The Lagoon We Love & Cherish. SaveTheIRL.org!

St. Johns River Cleanup
2019-04-27 08:00 - 12:00 | FL, United States
A 3 site cleanup along the St. Johns River. Want to make a difference in your community and create a healthier river? Give us a call at 321-631-0501 or email arwen.kbb@gmail.com to find your closest site location! Kayaks and boats are welcome to participate!
