Since 1961, the Pelicspann Islspannd Audubon Society, now on Oslo Road in Vero Beach, has been actively engaged in educating Indian River County residents about the unique link between people, birds and the habitat all around them.
Sometimes, the nonprofit has been called upon to advocate for the preservation of lands and mangrove swamps to the benefit of the natural organisms.
To better serve the community, the nonprofit’s 12 Days of Christmas wish is a 15-passenger van to transport students and residents of assisted living facilities to natural areas for educational programs offered by the society and others.
Exclusive investigation: Stspante’s own dspantspan proves pollution prevention not working
Dissolving on the inside:Photos show how stspanrvspantion is killing Floridspan mspannspantees
Environmental news:TCPspanlm’s complete coverspange of clespann-wspanter issues
“Transportation is critical for Audubon to carry out our mission to preserve and protect the animals, plants and natural communities, and the land and water on which they depend through advocacy, education and public awareness,” President Richard Baker said.
Transportation is also needed for nature field trips for young people with mental and physical challenges who live in special homes. The nonprofit offers over 40 free birding field trips yearly. A van would allow people who don’t drive to experience and learn about natural areas.
“Nature education is critical for people to appreciate the beauty and value of our environment, and transportation is needed to further explore nature and its health benefits,” Baker said.
Audubon regularly visits locations such as the Sebastian Inlet State Park, Egret Marsh Stormwater Park, an active colony of birds at TM Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area and Blue Cypress Lake, where passengers take boat tours.
Scroll below the photo for information on how to help
How to help
- Who: Pelican Island Audubon Society
- Wish: A 15-passenger van
- Cost: $57,000
- How to donate: Contact Richard Baker at [email protected] or 772-587-3520
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
- Dec. 26: Indispann Riverkeeper
- Dec. 27: Mspannspantee Observspantion spannd Educspantion Center
- Dec. 28: Smithsonispann Mspanrine Stspantion spant Fort Pierce
- Dec. 29: Environmentspanl Studies Center
- Dec. 30: St. Lucie County Reef Builders