The 2024 Summer Protect Our Lagoon Academy (POLA) has concluded. Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on when the next academy will be held.

When: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm 

June 13, 2024
June 20, 2024
June 27, 2024
July 11, 2024

Where:  Riverside Conservancy Center, Edgewater, FL

The four-day course will focus on Indian River Lagoon habitats, water quality, wildlife, restoration, and advocacy. Not limited to classroom lectures, the Academy will include field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on, feet-wet opportunities to help the lagoon. 

The class will be held at the Riverside Conservancy Center. A major focus of the course will be the restoration of Veterans’ Memorial Park in Edgewater. POLA partners include Marine Discovery Center, Volusia County Environmental Management, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, Bethune-Cookman University, Stetson University’s Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which will provide speakers and field excursions.  

Those participating in the four-week course will gain valuable knowledge about the Indian River Lagoon, nonpoint source pollution, green infrastructure, and the benefits of a healthy lagoon. Graduates will become lagoon ambassadors and be asked to volunteer 10 hours over the coming year by attending community meetings, habitat restoration projects, and/or events that promote a healthy lagoon. 

The cost is $100.00. There is a 100% scholarship offered for students and teachers and 50% discount for Riverside Conservancy members, previous graduates of a POLA or Save Our Springs and Rivers Academy, veterans, and senior citizens. 

For more information please email Kelli McGee at kelli@riversideconservancy.org