Treasure Coast nonprofits that research, protect, restore and advocate for clean water, especially the Indian River Lagoon, need more than holiday cheer to continue their missions.
TCPalm’s annual Giving Days fundraiser highlights how you can help these nonprofit organizations continue their important environmental work. Today, we feature the:
Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA)
The Ocean Research & Conservation Association is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies, science-based conservation action and community education and outreach. ORCA collects consistent, trustworthy data from monitoring sites across the region to guide conservation efforts and uncover solutions water issues.
Wish: 2 sensor sets for multiparameter water-quality meters used in ongoing monitoring and mapping of the Indian River Lagoon. They’ll measure temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity and turbidity — essential indicators of the lagoon’s health. They’ll integrate with existing meters, which consistently need to be replaced to properly maintain the equipment.
How it will help: Restoring the lagoon starts with understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. The information the sensors collect help ORCA identify pollution hotspots, monitor changes in water quality over time, and target restoration efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact.
Cost: $1,400 each or $2,800 for the requested set
How to donate: Contact Lauren Tracy at Ltracy@teamorca.org or 772-562-9052 or teamorca.org/donate.
GIVING DAYS: Read each Indian River Lagoon nonprofit’s article
Environmental Learning Center
St. Lucie County Reef Builders
Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County
Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA)
Friends of the Everglades
Environmental Studies Council
Indian Riverkeeper
Pelican Island Audubon Society
Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium
Manatee Observation and Education Center
River Kidz
Florida Oceanographic Society
Dolphin Ecology Project
