Emerging Leaders Amplifying Lagoon Conservation Efforts -- Amy Saville and Gian Cetrulo

We met two very inspiring and key emerging figures who are energizing local environmental volunteer efforts in distinctly different, but complementary ways. Over 100 people came out for oyster mat making and a beer and lunch at Walking Tree Brewery and Salvador Deli this past Saturday. The energy in the room was amazing -- families, groups of friends and even company teams came out in force!

ELC's EcoAction Launches

The event brought out half a dozen volunteers from the brand-new EcoAction initiative, spearheaded by the Environmental Learning Center.

Brainchild of Barb Ford and headed up by Gian Cetrulo, EcoAction is a volunteer-powered initiative that connects its stable of volunteers with partner organizations to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon through hands-on citizen science and conservation activities.

Rather than having organizations compete for volunteers, EcoAction serves as a central hub that identifies priority needs and channels community enthusiasm efficiently across various restoration efforts. The initiative represents a strategic shift toward collaborative conservation work in Indian River County.

Social Media Meets Conservation

Photographer and social media influencer Amy Saville (aka Florida Woman) added a different dimension to the occasion, documenting the effort through video and photography while selling merchandise from her Florida Woman lifestyle brand. Her platform aims to inspire more women (and men who love Florida women!) to leave their comfort zones and volunteer with local organizations protecting Florida's environmental assets.

Florida Woman's documentation of the volunteer work extends the impact beyond those physically present, inspiring her followers to engage in similar conservation efforts.

Together, these approaches—systematic volunteer coordination through EcoAction and social media-driven community building through Florida Woman— powerfully demonstrate how lagoon restoration efforts are adapting to engage diverse segments of the community in meaningful environmental action.

Certainly, two people to watch! And they'd love to connect with you. Reach Gian at (772-589-5050 and connect with Amy via Instagram: @floridawoman.lifestyle). To learn more about Environmental Learning Center's efforts to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon, visit www.DiscoverELC.org.