VERO BEACH — A county environmental specialist was honored by local officials for her work protecting Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, highlighting ongoing efforts to restore one of the state’s vital waterways.
Melissa Meisenburg, a senior environmental specialist in Indian River County’s Natural Resources-Lagoon Division, received the Lagoon Champion Award from the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County during a county commissioners meeting Tuesday.
The award, presented publicly by coalition president Judy Orcutt, recognizes individuals for conservation, advocacy, and education tied to the lagoon’s health. Meisenburg first got the honor at a coalition event Aug. 17.
“We are delighted Melissa Meisenburg has been chosen as our newest Lagoon Champion,” Orcutt told commissioners, noting Meisenburg’s focus on issues like derelict vessels since joining the county in 2022.
A native Floridian with a master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology, Meisenburg has spearheaded projects blending science and community involvement, said Kylie Yanchula, director of the county’s natural resources department.
Meisenburg, in accepting the award, credited her colleagues across county departments, including utilities, parks and conservation.
“I am extremely honored to be chosen as a Lagoon Champion by the Clean Water Coalition. I take pride in my position and the efforts we are making as a County and community to protect the Indian River Lagoon. Being selected as a Lagoon Champion by the CWC is a sign of support and praise for the work we are doing, which is important,” she said.
The recognition comes amid Meisenburg’s leadership on the county’s Lagoon Management Plan, launched in September 2023. The plan targets 17 factors affecting the lagoon’s health, with recent projects drawing community support.
Among them: a “living docks” program partnering with the Florida Institute of Technology and volunteers to create oyster habitats on pilings; removal of abandoned vessels to cut pollution and improve navigation; and a seagrass restoration effort covering 22.8 acres, one of the lagoon’s largest such projects.
County Administrator John Titkanich praised Meisenburg’s community focus.
“Melissa’s work is about more than science, it’s about community,” he said. “She brings people together to protect and restore one of Florida’s greatest treasures.”
The Clean Water Coalition, a nonprofit, works with government and private groups on water protection and restoration. It previously honored Duane DeFreese, executive director of the Indian River Lagoon Council and National Estuary Program.
Residents can join lagoon efforts through volunteer programs, citizen science projects or workshops. More details are available on the county website at indianriver.gov or the coalition’s site at cwcirc.org.
