VERO BEACH — Middle and high school students who live, study, or spend time along the Indian River Lagoon are invited to a free, full-day Youth Action Assembly on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC).
The event is designed for students in grades 7-12. Organizers say participants will examine problems facing the lagoon — including water quality, pollution and habitat loss — then leave with concrete plans they can carry out in their schools, neighborhoods and online communities.
The Marine Resources Council is coordinating the assembly with the Environmental Learning Center and the Indian River Neighborhood Association as part of the 22nd Indian River Lagoon Steering Committee.
Students do not need a science background or prior activism experience. They need to care about the lagoon and be willing to work with others. The watershed covers 156 miles of Florida’s Atlantic coast through Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties.
The day is structured around five parts: orientation with maps and data on lagoon challenges; sessions with scientists, conservationists and local advocates; small-group work on topics such as pollution reduction, habitat restoration, community education or policy engagement; development of specific, achievable action plans; and presentations of those plans to the full group.
Attendance is free. All materials and facilitation are provided. Participants must commit to the full day and to following through on at least one action item afterward. A letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, volunteer supervisor, or other adult is required. Grades are not considered.
Key organizers include Dr. Laura Wilson and Brooke Blosser of the Marine Resources Council, Barbara Ford and Jessica Hernandez of the Environmental Learning Center, Missy Weiss of the Indian River Neighborhood Association, and Julie Schmidt of Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School.
Registration is open on the Marine Resources Council website. Sponsorships and donations are being accepted to keep the program free.
The Marine Resources Council, a nonprofit based in Palm Bay, has worked on issues affecting the Indian River Lagoon since 1983. The Environmental Learning Center sits on a 64-acre lagoon island campus in Vero Beach.
