Home News 12 Days of Christmas wish list: How to help Indian Riverkeeper help Indian River Lagoon

12 Days of Christmas wish list: How to help Indian Riverkeeper help Indian River Lagoon

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12 Days of Christmas wish list: How to help Indian Riverkeeper help Indian River Lagoon

Since 2002, the Indispann Riverkeeper has been a vocal advocate for clean water and an avid protector of the 156-mile-long Indispann River Lspangoon that runs through five counties.

For the organization’s 12 Days of Christmas wish, a cash donation to help produce educational materials would be appreciated, Vice President Merritt Matheson said.

“We are seeking $750 to cover costs of informational material including trifold brochures, banners, posters and cards,” Matheson said.   

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Indian Riverkeeper Jim Moir (left) takes a sample of the sediment on the floor of the St. Lucie River while taking a tour with Gen. Jason Kelly, of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Division, Col. James Booth, of the Jacksonville District, Stuart Mayor Merritt Matheson, environmental groups and county representatives Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Martin County. "The main reason for this is to get the Army Corps out on the water," said Matheson. "Showing someone physically what they are trying to fix, what they're striving to keep, improve or showing them the problems that have occurred has a real impact."

The lagoon is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the United States. Economic studies have shown it generates an estimated $3.7 billion in revenue for Florida, especially Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.

The Indian Riverkeeper works to help protect:

  • Manatees, of which approximately one-third in Florida call the lagoon home
  • Dolphins
  • Seabirds
  • Fish
  • Seagrass habitat
  • Mangrove habitat
  • 2,200 species of plants
  • 2,100 species of animals

The Indian Riverkeeper, its board and members spend time advocating for improved water quality in the Indian River Lagoon, educating the public on ways they can help keep waters clean and participate in events such as waterway cleanups, he said.

Since it was formed, the Indian Riverkeeper has taken formal stances opposing harmful legislation, advocated for the lagoon to state and federal agencies in person, while on the water and in open meetings. The organization also facilitates and promotes action inspiring discussion between decision makers, nonprofit organizations and the public.

“Having the proper informational tools helps to further our messages,” Matheson said.

Scroll below the photo for information on how to help

Indian Riverkeeper Jim Moir (right) shows the black sediment on the floor of the St. Lucie River while taking a tour with Gen. Jason Kelly, of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Division, Col. James Booth, of the Jacksonville District and Stuart Mayor Merritt Matheson on Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Martin County.  The floor of this area of the river was once an expansive oyster reef, but years of Lake Okeechobee discharges changed the floor of the river from sand to black muck. "The main reason for this is to get the Army Corps out on the water," said Matheson. "Showing someone physically what they are trying to fix, what they're striving to keep, improve or showing them the problems that have occurred has a real impact."

How to help

  • Who: Indian Riverkeeper
  • Wish: Funds to help produce printed materials
  • Cost: $750
  • How to donate: Contact Indian Riverkeeper Jim Moir at [email protected] or 772-341-4953

About this series

​Treasure Coast nonprofits that research, protect, restore and advocate for clean water, especially the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, need more than holiday cheer to continue their mission. Find out what they need — and how you can help them — to continue their work, as TCPalm.com highlights a different organization each day from Dec. 25 to Jan. 5, the traditional 12 Days of Christmas.

  • Dec. 25: Floridspan Ocespannogrspanphic Society