Salt Air, Strong Roots: Connecting with Conservation on the Treasure Coast

Summer is a great time for nature-loving newcomers to find their own special place and purpose on the Treasure Coast. For the recently arrived who find themselves in awe of Florida's wild and natural landscapes, there are many ways not only to passively observe its beautiful environment but to become an active participant in helping to preserve, shape, and, in many cases, help rebuild what is uniquely and naturally Florida.

During the summer months, many local organizations lose a lot of helping hands to the annual northern migration of human snowbirds. But local non-profit environmental organizations don't stop working. This is the perfect time to step up and get involved.

The following organizations are actively working to protect and restore Treasure Coast coastal ecosystems and all of them welcome community involvement.

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Coastal Connections, Inc.

Headquartered in Vero Beach, Coastal Connections focuses on sea turtle conservation across Indian River County and beyond. Volunteer opportunities include joining the turtle monitoring team, participating in nest excavations, responding to strandings, and taking part in coastal cleanups. An onboarding session is required for program volunteers; check their event calendar for upcoming sessions.

Website: coastal-connections.org 

Phone: (772) 226-0133 Address: 1790 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960

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Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA)

Founded by marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder, ORCA pioneered a technology-based approach to aquatic conservation, focusing on identifying and reducing pollution sources in the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding waters. Volunteer opportunities include citizen science water quality monitoring, restoration events, and community education initiatives.

Website: teamorca.org

Phone: (772) 562-9052 Email: inquiries@teamorca.org Address: 1235 16th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960

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Florida Oceanographic Society

Founded in 1964, the Florida Oceanographic Society is based on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, situated between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean, where its Coastal Center serves as a hub for environmental education, research, and restoration. Volunteer programs include exhibit guiding, the FOSTER seagrass restoration program, citizen science water quality monitoring, and beach cleanups at adopted sites including Stuart Beach, Jensen Beach, and Waveland Beach.

Website: floridaocean.org Phone: (772) 225-0505  Address: 890 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996

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FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

One of the nation's leading marine research institutions, FAU Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce conducts cutting-edge ocean science and offers public programs, lecture series, and educational outreach connecting the community to ongoing coastal research. While primarily a research institution, their public programs are an excellent way for newcomers to deepen their understanding of the marine environment they now call home.

Website: fau.edu/hboi Phone: (772) 465-2400 Address: 5600 US-1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946

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Pelican Island Audubon Society

One of Florida's most storied local conservation chapters, Pelican Island Audubon Society has been serving Indian River County since the early 1960s, when it mobilized to stop a dredge-and-fill project threatening the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge — the nation's first federal wildlife refuge. Today the chapter operates Audubon House in Vero Beach and hosts a full calendar of field trips, lagoon science programs, native plant sales, summer camps, and advocacy work.

Website: pelicanislandaudubon.org Phone: (772) 567-3520

Address: Audubon House, 195 9th Street SE (Oslo Road), Vero Beach, FL 32962