Grab a Pint, Build an Oyster Mat, and Save the Lagoon This Saturday at Walking Tree

Don’t forget to raise a glass to the staff at Walking Tree Brewery – may their passion for the lagoon continue to rival their passion for making great beer!

The Indian River Lagoon is vital to our community and economy, yet we’ve lost 63% of its oyster reefs since 1943. This decline harms water quality, recreation, fishing jobs, property values, and local businesses.

Oysters naturally filter 20 to 50 gallons of water daily. Restoring just an acre of reefs can clean up to 50 million gallons annually, supporting clearer water, healthier seagrass, and thriving fish populations—boosting millions in fishing and tourism.

This event, led by Indian River County Resources staffer and marine conservationist Sara Wappes, is part of the Living Docks program, which invites homeowners to volunteer their docks for oyster mat installation—a free, simple way to help rebuild our reefs.

Nine docks here have already been wrapped with oyster mats, and over 50 more are waiting. Click the link below to learn more about how to build more mats and offer more docks.

Date: This Saturday, August 23, from 12:00PM to 3:00PM, gather at Walking Tree Brewery to grab a pint and build oyster mats to restore oysters in the Indian River Lagoon.

Location: Walking Tree Brewery, 3209 Dodger Rd, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

ABOUT INDIAN RIVER COUNTY NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION

Indian River County’s Natural Resources Division works to preserve and protect the county’s unique natural environment for the benefit of residents, visitors, and wildlife. The division integrates expertise in areas like coastal engineering, lagoon management, soil and water conservation, and stormwater management to address complex environmental challenges. Through proactive and comprehensive solutions, it safeguards water quality, natural habitats, and overall ecosystem health in the county, including critical efforts to restore the Indian River Lagoon. The division also promotes community engagement and education, encouraging citizens to participate in conservation programs and stewardship initiatives.

To learn more or offer your dock to be wrapped, click here