Spoil Island Island Volunteer Opportunities

Hello Volunteers,  December brought us some much needed rain but unfortunately forced us to scrub our Spoil Island Enhancement Days. We still have plenty of volunteer events planned for the upcoming months so stay tuned to www.spoilislandproject.org.  Spoil Island Bird Monitoring, monthly based on volunteer availability: For those who have been getting out on the water recently, you may have noticed Brown Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, Double Crested Cormorants, and other coastal birds starting to roost on spoil islands. Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve staff will begin monitoring nesting populations in January and throughout their nesting season.  We will need 2-3 volunteers a month per region to assist in counts, knowledge of common coastal birds is preferable.  IRL Merritt Island – Vero Beach Contact Marc Virgilio at Marc.Virgilio@dep.state.fl.us, or (321) 953-5008.  IRL Vero Beach - Jupiter Inlet Contact Mark McGee at Mark.McGee@dep.state.fl.us or (772) 429-2995. January 9th (8:30am-12pm) BC48 Cleanup and Recreational Enhancement: Meet at John Jorgenson Boat Ramp boat ramp to depart for BC47 at 8:30am. BC47 was recently adopted by Dr. Elizabeth Irlandi of Florida Institute of Technology. With assistance from FIT students, we will be installing picnic tables, firepits, and an educational sign and kiosk. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes and clothes that can get wet. Gloves, bug spray, sunscreen, and drinks will be provided.  The Grant-Valkaria Town Hall has graciously agreed to let us use their lot as overflow parking. You can view its location on the map below. Please call Marc Virgilio at (321) 243-5419 if you need a ride to the boat ramp from the town hall. Please try to arrive before 8:30 if you will need a ride to the boat ramp.  If you plan to attend or would like further information, please contact Marc Virgilio at (321) 953-5008 or E-mail Marc.Virgilio@dep.state.fl.us If you need to speak to someone the day of the event, call (321) 243-5419.  January 16th (8:30-12pm) SL3 Enhancement: Meet at Round Island Park to depart at 8:30am for SL3. We will be cleaning the island as well as removing exotic vegetation in preparation for more large scale enhancement events throughout the year. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes and clothes that can get wet. Gloves, bug spray, sunscreen, and drinks will be provided. If you plan to attend or would like further information, please contact Mark McGee at (772) 429-2995 or Mark.McGee@dep.state.fl.us. If you need to speak to someone the day of the event, call (772) 579-0446.