Indian River Lagoon Day Celebrates Ecology
By Space Coast Daily // November 10, 2012
Highlights Area's Natural Resources
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Musical entertainment, activities for children and discussions to learn more about the Indian River Lagoon are just some of the events that will be offered free to the public during Indian River Lagoon Day on Saturday, Nov. 10, in Melbourne.
Dozens of community organizations, school groups and vendors will be on hand to celebrate the lagoon.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Front Street Park, 2210 Front St. in Melbourne. Admission is free and food and beverages will be available.
The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office and the cities of Melbourne and Palm Bay will be among the agencies and local governments working together to highlight the lagoon’s importance to the region’s ecological health, economy and quality of life.
Activities for children will include bounce houses, face painting, a sea turtle obstacle course designed by Brevard County Parks and Recreation staff and other games and crafts.
The staff of AERC Recycling Solutions will be on hand to assist with free electronics recycling of used batteries, televisions, radios, small appliances and other items.
Entertainment will feature a variety of singer-songwriters from the lagoon region who will perform original music.
The day’s lineup is scheduled to include performances from Megan Hazlett, Kevin Browne, Everette Stephens, Bob and Patty Tatum, Sheryl Paige, Sam Tritico, Mark Steven, Randy Moore and Dave Petit.
Also planned throughout the day’s activities are a “Meet the Experts” tent and a series of brief, informative presentations focused on the lagoon and the many projects and programs that are under way to improve its health.
Those planned presentations include:
• Discussion about the recent algal blooms that have impacted the lagoon’s seagrasses
• An overview of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program and the projects that it funds
• A talk about storm water and the ways it harms the lagoon ecosystem
• An explanation of the Basin Management Action Plan for the lagoon from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
• An update on the lionfish invasion of the lagoon
• Several other talks from local agencies and organizations about their programs and available volunteer opportunities that help improve the lagoon’s water quality and habitats
For additional information or to join the celebration as an exhibitor or vendor, please call Kathy Hill, education coordinator with the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program at 321-722-5363.
