This past weekend, the Surfrider Foundation Space Coast Chapter hosted an impactful event at Ballard Park to protect the Indian River Lagoon. Volunteers came together on Saturday morning, November 16, to plant two buffer gardens as part of Surfrider's Ocean Friendly Gardens program.
Ballard Park is located on the Indian River Lagoon in the City of Melbourne. It has a public boat ramp and supports a wide variety of recreational pursuits in and out of the water. On the weekends, this public park is packed with local families with young children, playing games, paddling, fishing, and splashing around in the water. Because of the high public use of this park, the Space Coast Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) program has been monitoring water quality at Ballard Park since 2020.
Unfortunately, their test results show high bacteria levels that frequently exceed the state standard for safe swimming, with nearly half of the water samples collected failing to meet health standards. In fact, Ballard Park has made the Surfrider Foundation’s national list of polluted beaches where safe recreation is at risk for the past three years running.
To reduce polluted runoff that might be contributing to the high bacteria levels measured at Ballard Park, two buffer gardens were designed to slow down and absorb the toxic water. Native plants in these gardens help to filter out contaminants and excess nutrients from the rainwater before it can flow into the lagoon.
Why a Buffer Garden Matters
This innovative project is a step forward in protecting the Indian River Lagoon's health. By preventing erosion and filtering water through the roots of native plants, these buffer gardens will help replenish groundwater and soak up harmful runoff, supporting the lagoon’s long-term well-being.
The event was a hands-on learning experience, teaching participants how they can protect the environment in their own backyards while making a tangible impact on their community. Volunteers not only planted a variety of native flora but also removed invasive species that threatened the local ecosystem.
This milestone for Surfrider’s Space Coast Chapter was made possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, as well as funding from a grant by One Lagoon. A huge thank you to everyone who showed up, got their hands dirty, and made this event a success!
What’s Next?
These buffer gardens are just the beginning of what’s possible through community-driven efforts like Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG) program. As we look to the future, the success of this project inspires hope for more eco-friendly initiatives that will protect our waterways for generations to come.
Thank you to all the volunteers who joined us to plant, rake, and restore. Your passion and energy are vital to our mission of protecting and enjoying the ocean, waves, and beaches!
Inspired to take action? Learn more about Ocean Friendly Gardens, sign up to volunteer with your local Surfrider Chapter, or support our work by becoming a member!
*All Photos courtesy of Zaperzon