Do You Live on a Lagoon Tributary?
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Join our LagoonWatch Monitors!
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If you live on any of the many tributaries that feed into the Indian River Lagoon such as Turkey Creek, Crane Creek, Horse Creek, or the Eau Gallie River; MRC’s LagoonWatch program could use your help! We are looking to expand our monitoring coverage up into these tributaries to gather data on their water quality before they reach the lagoon. Our volunteer citizen scientists,
LagoonWatch monitors,
have been monitoring the lagoon since 1991. They go out weekly and test for a variety of parameters.
If you are interested in getting involved and would like to learn more about the program, please email Kara Woods at
kara@mrcirl.org
!
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National Estuaries Day Celebration!
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Ted Moorhead Lagoon House
Saturday, September 14th, 2019
10am-3pm
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Join us in celebrating National Estuaries Day at our annual event! This year we are pleased to have experts from with the IRL National Estuaries Program, The Nature Conservancy Florida Chapter, Act 2 Technologies, and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program in celebration of our coastal community and waterways.
This event will begin with a Rain Barrel Workshop followed by a Lunch Meet & Greet Social Hour. Starting at noon, we will hear presentations from Dr, Duane De Freese of the IRL National Estuary Program, Anne Birch of The Nature Conservancy Florida Chapter, Craig Tafoya of Act 2 Technologies and Ed Sherwood of Tampa Bay Estuary Program.
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Please Help Us Keep Our Lionfish Aquarium Healthy!
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We are in urgent need of a protein skimmer!
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What is a Protein Skimmer?
A protein skimmer is an aquarium apparatus that removes organic waste that breaks down into nitrates. The skimmer creates a continuous flow of small bubbles that strip waste particles from the water. The bubbles eventually pop at the top of the skimmer, which causes the whipped waste to be deposited into the collection cup. The cup is then cleaned out to remove the wastes completely. Think of it like making meringue from egg whites and sugar!
Our 180 gallon Lionfish Aquarium needs a protein skimmer to help manage the nitrates in our water! Please click the link below if you would like to give a monetary donation towards the protein skimmer, just indicate that you would like to support the Lionfish Aquarium in the donation comment box! Or contact our Environmental Education Coordinator, Nicole Broquet, at
nicole@mrcirl.org if you know anyone who has an extra skimmer!
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Flock to Martin County for some fun!
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Want the prettiest lawn flamingo on the block?
Join MRC for our first painted lawn flamingo auction & fundraiser!
Twisted Craft and Creamery - 4745 SE Desoto Avenue, Stuart, FL
September 18th, 2019
6pm-8pm
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Please join us on Wednesday, September 18th for a flamingo fundraiser at the Twisted Craft and Creamery where we will be auctioning off beautiful lawn flamingos painted by Martin County's talented artists! This fundraiser, hosted by the Martin County Ecosystem Restoration Division, will include live music, dinner and drink specials, and best of all... an auction of our Flamboyant Flamingo Flock! The flamingo flamboyance has been traveling around Martin County to raise awareness of fertilizer impact on water quality. Don't miss this opportunity to take home your favorite flamingo in the flock!
Check out the flock here.
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Just a Florida Friendly Reminder About the Fertilizer Ordinance!
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We are two months into the Fertilizer Ban and in full swing of the rainy season! That means
JUST SAY NO to lawn fertilizer, and remember these key fertilizing tips for the rest of the year:
- Do not apply Phosphorus (P) unless a soil test confirms it is needed.
- Do not apply ANY Nitrogen (N) to your lawn between June 1st and September 30th.
- The rest of the year, be sure your fertilizer has at least 50% slow release Nitrogen (N).
- Create a "no fertilizer" buffer area setback from the water. Plant it with mangroves and other native plants!
For a refresher on these regulations, check out these videos:
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Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
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Thank you for protecting our sea turtles!!
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A big "Thank you!" to all who sent letters to encourage Brevard County Commissioners to consider an alternative to allowing dogs within the Archie Carr Preserve. All five commissioners voted unanimously against it, protecting one of our community's greatest treasures and one of the world's most important sea turtle nesting beaches!
photo credit:
https://www.visitspacecoast.com/melbourne
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International Coastal Cleanup
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Geiger Point and Pineda Landing Park
Saturday, September 21st, 2019
8am-12pm
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Join us for International Coastal Cleanup! This event began more than 30 years ago, when communities rallied together with the common goal of collecting and documenting the trash littering their coastlines. The Marine Resources Council in collaboration with Keep Brevard Beautiful and the Ocean Conservancy cordially invites you to join us for this year's cleanup!
MRC Cleanup Site 1: Cleanup will take place along the shores of the 192 Melbourne Causeway and Kiwanis Park at Geiger Point.
Day of Event Check-in Site Location:
Participants can check-in between 8 a.m. & 10 a.m. at Kiwanis Park, at the Geiger Point Parking Lot located at 1313 Melbourne Causeway, Melbourne, FL 32901.
MRC Cleanup Site 2: Cleanup will take place along the shores of the Pineda Causeway & POW / MIA Park (formerly Pineda Landing Park).
Day of Event Check-in Site Location: Participants can check-in between 8 a.m. & 10 a.m. at POW / MIA Park located at 5995 N US Hwy 1. Melbourne, Florida 32940.
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Are you a teacher, club leader, or summer camp counselor that is passionate about the Indian River Lagoon (IRL)? Let MRC introduce you to Lagoonology! This brand-new board game designed by Florida local, John Buck, teaches players aged 10-100 about the challenges of managing common resources and the affects of our actions.
Email
our Environmental Education Coordinator, Nicole Broquet, for more information!
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Technical Showcase and Conference on Coastal Water Quality
Call for Abstracts!
IRL Research Institute 5th Annual TechCon 2019
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Abstract Deadline: August 31st
Conference: Friday, September 27th
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The IRLRI TechCon 2019 conference allows the opportunity to connect with peers whose research focuses on improving water quality of coastal regions. Join the community developing new and innovative solutions in the science and engineering field which will lead the way to healthier ecosystems.
The IRLRI TechCon 2019 committee seeks Engineers, Scientists, Contractors, and Students who are actively working and researching in the field of coastal water quality remediation and restoration to submit an abstract for a presentation. Abstracts of interest should be focused on the development of solutions aimed at improving coastal water quality, and adapting and applying science to guide management decisions. The conference is open to everyone, we request that all participants register.
For more information, click
here!
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If you spot American oystercatchers in Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, or Martin Counties, please email
IRLAP@FloridaDEP.gov
!
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August 24th: Litter Control Workshop - 9:30am at the Lagoon House
September 3rd: Brown Bag Leave No Trace - 12:00-1:00pm at the Lagoon House
September 7th: Mangrove Workshop - 9:30am at the Lagoon House
September 13th: Volunteer Appreciation Party - 7:30pm at the Lagoon House (Potluck style)
September 14th: National Estuaries Day Celebration - 10:00am-3:00pm at the Lagoon House
September 18th: Flamingo Fundraiser - 6:00-8:00pm at Twisted Craft & Creamery
September 21st: International Coastal Cleanup - 8:00am-12:00pm at the Lagoon House
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