04/09/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA INFORMATION ITEM Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department Conservation Lands Division Date: March 14, 2024 To: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners Thru: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator Beth Powell, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director From: Wendy Swindell, Conservation Lands Manager Subject: Celebration of Earth Week in Indian River County BACKGROUND: Earth Day is the annual worldwide celebration to raise awareness of environmental 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 have been a catalyst for the development and implementation of the Clean Water Act (1972) and the Endangered Species Act (1973). As young people often are 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. Indian River County Conservation Lands Division plans to celebrate Earth Day through a series of events planned for the week of April 22nd through April 26th- Community members will be encouraged to participate in these events with the goal of providing educational opportunities that foster responsible stewardship of the natural resources within our County and beyond. Below is a summary of the week's planned events: Monday April 22nd — Hallstrom Farmstead Volunteer Day (9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.) The County plans to have a Grand Opening ceremony for the Hallstrom Farmstead in May 2024. On April 22nd the public will be invited to further our habitat restoration activities on the Hallstrom site by removing debris from natural areas and installing native plants along the trails. The event will include a walking tour of the new improvements on the Hallstrom site, which include a parking area, restroom, picnic pavilions, nature trails and a wetland boardwalk. Please register by clicking the GO! Button at www.indianriver.gov/parksandrecreation. The conservation area is located at 1723 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach. Tuesday April 23`d — Powerful Pollinators (10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.) Come join County staff at the Intergenerational Recreation Center at 1590 9t' Street SW (Oslo Road) to learn about the powerful pollinators that live in Indian River County, and why they are so important to maintain biodiversity and sustainable habitat. There will be a story time, singing and dancing, and a pollinator craft activity. This event is open to anyone but is geared towards preschool and elementary age children and their parents. Please register by clicking the GO! Button at www.indianriver.gov/parksandrecreation. 15