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615' �vER�oo INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA AGENDA ITEM Department of General Services / * * Parks & Recreation ORlO�' Date: April 10, 2023 To: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners Through: Michael C. Zito, Interim County Administrator Beth Powell, Director Parks and Recreation/Acting General Services Director From: Wendy Swindell, Conservation Lands Manager Subject: Celebration of Earth Week in Indian River County BACKGROUND: Earth Day is the annual celebration that raises awareness of issues that affect the planet. Initiated in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, this unique annual celebration preceded Congress authorizing the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. The overwhelming support of the Earth Day concept is thought to be a catalyst for the passage of the Clean Water Act (1972) and the Endangered Species Act (1973). As young people are often the group with the enthusiasm to take on challenges, the date of April 22nd was chosen for Earth Day to maximize the participation by students of all ages. As we look to appreciate nature's beauty this month, Indian River County Conservation Lands Program has developed a series of events that are dedicated to this year's theme "Invest in Our Planet." Each day between April 18th and April 22nd, our Program will be holding an event that aligns with investing in the environment. Below is a summary of the week's planned events: Tuesday April 18th —Presentation to the Board of County Commissioners Florida scrub jays are a federally threatened species endemic to our State. For over 23 years, the Conservation Lands Program has been restoring habitat and monitoring the population of scrub - jays guided by the adoption of the Sebastian Area -Wide Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). From dwindling populations in the 1990's, the County now has over 32 scrub jay territories within the HCP lands; these territories are occupied by over 100 scrub jays within 4 of our northern conservation areas. This success is due to the 23 years of habitat enhancement and management work completed by Beth Powell, the County's first Conservation Lands Manager. The scrub jay program is fortunate to have many trained volunteers who monitor the jays year-round. Dr. Monica Folk will provide the Board with an overview of the scrub jay program, which will be followed by an opportunity to thank some of the Program's hard-working volunteers. Wednesday April 19th — Pollinator Plantingat t Captain Forster Hammock Preserve (10:00 — 11a.m.) Learn about pollinators and the importance of landscaping with native plants while we augment the County's pollinator garden located at the entrance to the Captain Forster Hammock Preserve on Jungle Trail. C:\Granicus\Legistar5\L5\Temp\73975040-d65e-4ba7-9bc3-d336d232469f.doc 6