Florida - [test] A Rocha USA

Florida Conservation Project

Our vision for Florida is that the irreplaceable and threatened Northern Indian River Lagoon watershed and its surrounding communities flourish as Christians and churches actively and effectively engage in conservation.

Titusville, Florida

Our Challenges

Florida is the fastest-growing state in the US and is predicted to add an additional 15 million more residents by 2070. This unprecedented development already strains land and water conservation. The Indian River Lagoon suffers from ecosystem degradation in the forms of water pollution and nutrient runoff, algal blooms, shoreline erosion, overharvest, plastic pollution, invasive species, and climate change. These issues will only get more urgent as Florida’s population booms, especially for threatened and endangered species.

Our Focus Areas

Biodiversity and Microplastics Research

We will contribute to more data and a deeper understanding of the wildlife that call the Indian River Lagoon home, in addition to adding to the studies looking at plastic pollution on the Atlantic coast. Our focus is on mole crabs, pipefish and seahorses, and horseshoe crabs.

Habitat Restoration

Tituvsille sits at a unique zone where temperate species and subtropical species overlap. We are collaborating with many local partners to restore critical habitats that provide food, shelter, and protection to threatened and endangered species. This includes seagrass monitoring, oyster reef rebuilding, and stormwater monitoring.

Train and mentor young professionals

In Florida we host full-time interns from our Conservation Internship Program who contribute to the restoration efforts of the Indian River Lagoon while receiving training and mentorship on integrating their faith with science and career goals.

Our Results

Research for threatened species

Our research results in greater knowledge of how habitat decline and microplastic pollution impact mole crabs and chain pipefish, ultimately leading to better-informed conservation of these species.

Habitat restored and blue carbon stored

Our participation with the Brevard Zoo in their oyster and seagrass restoration projects results in stronger collaborative ties with conservation groups and organizations within our area, more acres of shoreline habitat restored, and increased amounts of blue carbon stored in the lagoon.

Invasive trees removed

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m2 of meadow restored

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volunteers

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Relationships healed

We experience greater wellbeing and healed relationships with self, God, and creation through time spent in the Indian River Lagoon watershed, and we develop “blue mind” activities for others in the Titusville area that also result in healed relationships.

Young leaders developed

A Rocha USA has been a safe haven for young Christians who have often not found supportive spaces to integrate their environmental passions with their faith convictions. In Florida, young Christian college graduates will be equipped to lead in their chosen vocational path.

Picnics en el Arroyo events

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unique participants

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young leaders