This project is designed to help students (grades 4-12)  and community members develop an appreciation for, and knowledge of, the Lagoon and the current health issues and stressors facing this estuary.

Each year thousands of teachers, environmental experts, students and community volunteers collect scientific data at various sites along the 156-mile stretch of the Lagoon – all on the same day in October. Volunteer citizen scientists use hands-on field techniques to measure chemical, physical, and biological parameters to determine how their local piece of the estuary fits into the larger ecosystem. Data such as, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and nitrate and phosphate concentrations from all sampling locations are posted on the ADIL website. These data are available to the general public, including Indian River Lagoon decision makers. Teachers are encouraged to integrate ADIL data into school curriculum, science fair projects, and research projects throughout the school year. The results will help students and community volunteers build a better understanding of their local ecosystem’s ecological health and the relationship their site has to the entire watershed; essentially creating an environmental report card of the lagoon.

All schools and scientific organizations along the IRL are encouraged to participate in this hands-on educational opportunity and community collaboration.