Florida - A Rocha USA

Florida Conservation Project

We are working with Christians, churches, and other stakeholders in this key region to promote the flourishing of the highly biodiverse and threatened Indian River Lagoon estuary and its surrounding communities.

Titusville, Florida

Our Challenges

Florida is the fastest-growing state in the U.S. and is predicted to add an additional 15 million more residents by 2070 [1]. 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, overharvesting, 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

Researching Biodiversity and Microplastics

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.

Restoring Habitats

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.

Training and mentoring young professionals

In Florida we host 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

We participate with the Brevard Zoo in their oyster and seagrass restoration projects, leading to stronger collaborative ties with conservation groups in our area, more acres of shoreline habitat restored, and increased amounts of blue carbon stored in the lagoon.

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.

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Our Partners

We collaborate with local groups and organizations to accomplish our shared vision of a healthy Florida and surrounding communities, including Bethune Cookman University, A Day Away Kayaks, Horseshoe Crab Watch, Brevard Zoo, Eastern Florida State College, Indian River Lagoon Roundtable, and Global Network for Geoscience and Society.

Get Connected

Join the Florida group in Love Your Place to find out about volunteer opportunities and events.