Land Trust donors hear ‘a lot of good news’ on conservation front
May 14 2026
Indian River County is distinguished by its commitment to environmental conservation, largely thanks to the contributions made by Indian River Land Trust donors, who were honored at a Conservators Reception held at the Quail Valley River Club. The event was co-hosted by Dick and Sally Brickman and Ned and Sherry Ann Dayton.
“You’re going to hear a lot of good news. It’s exciting to see what’s continuing to happen here with the protection of the river and the environment,” said Dick Brickman.
Board chairman Scott Alexander commended the longevity of IRLT supporters, including a long line of former chairs, before turning the floor over to Ken Grudens, executive director, who gave an update on their various projects.
To date, Grudens said that the Land Trust has protected 1,300 acres and 12 miles of lagoon shoreline, purchasing some 50 different acquisitions to compile the lands that make up the preserves and conservation areas.
Giving as an example the safeguarding of 2 miles of shoreline in the 300-acre property north of the Barber Bridge, he showed an illustration of the sort of development it was protected from becoming.
A new strategic plan is looking into land and conservation projects countywide. The goal is to ensure that our waterways and drinking water are clean, that fish and wildlife can thrive, that the beauty of the land is maintained and that people can experience nature at its best.
“And that’s really at the crux of what we’re about,” said Grudens, highlighting the Land Trust’s careful, deliberate land acquisition, restoration and management.
“I always go back to what I call the three P’s. We preserve habitat. We protect the natural waterways. We provide access for recreation, education and research.”
Grudens said they have finalized the acquisition of two pieces adjacent to the original 50-acre Tony Robinson Waterfront Trail which will enable a 157-acre contiguous block of land along the Indian River Lagoon. An agreement with the State Florida Communities Trust for a $2.5 million grant will primarily be used to restore habitats, extend the lagoon-front trail, install a picnic pavilion, trailhead and possibly a kayak landing.
They are also looking to protect the St. Sebastian River Corridor, an “absolutely magnificent stretch” with massive century-old cypress trees along an area of rampant development.
The IRLT has acquired two key pieces of riverfront property there and are discussing the purchase of others to buffer the river, which flows into the lagoon, and provide a system of greenway trails for the public to enjoy.
Grudens said the western regions of the county are also important as they’re part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The Land Trust has nominated three properties to the county’s Environmental Lands Program for consideration of conservation easements in the Blue Cypress Lake area. Included properties connect a wildlife crossing that goes under the four-lane divided highway of Route 60.
“There really is no place that better embraces the three P’s than our 226-acre Coastal Oaks Preserve,” said Grudens. The preserve required six acquisitions assembled over 10 years and includes nearly every type of habitat found in the region on one property.
“It’s just absolutely amazing,” said Grudens.
The property will feature a living classroom and rustic pavilion for educational purposes, such as the Junior Scientist Fellows program in partnership with FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and others to promote environmental science and conservation.
“All told, the Land Trust is working as hard as it can with your support, and we are truly making a difference.”
For more information, visit IRLT.org.