Treasure Coast Almanac

31/05/2025

Did you catch our story about single stream recycling and the inner workings of the only MRF on the Treasure Coast? Here's an opportunity to learn more about how you can make simple practical changes in your everyday consumption habits to reduce your plastic footprint. You can check out our companion story (link in replies) "My Plastic Diet" and then join Heather Stapleton this coming week for a deeper dive that will include a live Q&A! It's free to attend though registration is required. Sign up soon- our choices matter.

Join Heather Stapleton on an eye-opening journey as she uncovers the surprising realities of single-stream recycling. Initially designed to simplify recycling and increase participation, this system has unfortunately led to a decrease in actual recycling rates. Most plastics are either downcycled or not recycled at all. Heather will share her inspiring story of drastically cutting down her plastic use. Through each successful change, she found a sense of empowerment and a deeper connection to the environment. Learn practical tips and strategies to reduce your plastic footprint and join a community of like-minded individuals committed to making a positive impact. Don't miss this chance to transform your habits and contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet. Your choices matter, and together, we can inspire change!

Get registered: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BlGggSyiTDGcQFHj-Z685A

30/05/2025

Do you know what happens to your curbside recycling on the Treasure Coast? Take a look behind the curtain with Heather Stapleton as she shares a fascinating and revealing look at the Treasure Coast's only Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Learn all about the hope, chaos and hard truths about recycling. Link in replies.

19/05/2025

In Florida, everything grows like weeds—until it doesn’t! Are some of your plants looking a little weak and damaged? Before you reach for the pesticides, consider some more adventurous options for taming your jungle. Check out our latest Discover Native Gardening article from the Spring 2025 issue of Treasure Coast Almanac. Link below.

19/05/2025

Florida lawmakers are still trying to change the state bird. Spoiler alert: the bill has been indefinitely postponed again but here is some of the "colorful" background. Link in replies.

22/04/2025

Have you picked up your copy of the Spring issue? Learn the realities behind recycling in our area, check out our fishing guide, take the Treasure Coast Trivia Quiz and more! Our comprehensive guide to Florida's Treasure Coast has something for everyone. Best of all? It's FREE! Grab one before they're gone.

22/04/2025

💙Happy Earth Day Treasure Coast!
Today, we celebrate the natural beauty that makes our region so special—like our vibrant Indian River Lagoon, home to manatees, dolphins, seagrass beds, and over 4,000 species of plants and animals.
But this incredible ecosystem needs our help. Stormwater runoff, pollution, and habitat loss threaten the lagoon’s health. This Earth Day, and every day, let’s work together to make a difference right here at home.
• Choose native plants that reduce the need for fertilizer
• Use natural forms of pest control instead of pesticides
• Adhere to fertilizer bans during certain months
• Keep grass clippings out of storm drains and retention ponds
• Spread the word about lagoon-friendly living
Every action counts when it comes to protecting the place we call home. Let’s keep the Treasure Coast shining for generations to come. 💙

11/04/2025

This weekend the Vero Beach Museum of Art welcomes the entire family to enjoy its Children's Art Festival. This free event is an annual celebration featuring art-making activities, music and dance performances, food trucks, art hunts, and docent-led tours of the galleries.

The entire family is welcome at the Vero Beach Museum of Art on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Children’s Art Festival. The free, all-ages event is the museum’s annual celebration of the arts and art making. Attendees will enjoy art-making activities, music and dance performa...

11/04/2025

Our Favorite Full Moon of the Year

Heads up, moon lovers! Saturday night, April 12, the sky will be lit with the Full Pink Moon. The moon won’t actually be pink, but it will be still be the best show in town and marks a rosy return to the some of the best weather of the year.

Why “Pink”? This moon is named after the wild ground phlox, one of the first spring flowers to bloom in North America. It’s a seasonal nod to nature’s fresh start, and and is always the first full moon following the vernal equinox.

Did You know?
The full moon also sets the date for Easter. In 2025, April's full moon occurs after the spring equinox, making it a Paschal Moon (It's a Lenten Moon if it occurs before the spring equinox). This is also why Easter is particularly late this year - the holiday is always celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox, which was March 20 of this year.

Moonrise time: Around 7:45 PM (check your local horizon)
Peak fullness: Just before midnight

Tips for enjoying the show:

Head to the beach if you can- no shortages of those around these parts! Or chill out on a lounge chair by the pool.

Pair it with a picnic dinner or beach walk. Nature’s nightlight has you covered!

So grab your friends, your favorite snack or beverage, and make a date with April's Pink Moon.

27/03/2025

Vero Beach Museum of Art (VBMA) members and guests looking to enhance their appreciation of the visiting French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950 exhibition should mark their calendars for spring Art Talk programs. Offered at noon on the third Wednesday of each month, Art Talk focuses on select artworks from special museum exhibitions and the permanent collection.
Learn more: link in comments

27/03/2025

Save the Date! Art at the The Emerson Center's Emerson Gallery is pleased to present The Indian River Lagoon By Brush and Lens, an Earth Day-inspired exhibition celebrating the natural beauty and ecological significance of the Indian River Lagoon through art and photography. A special Meet the Artists Reception will be held on April 23, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, including an informative talk by Heather Stapleton.
Learn more: link in comments.

13/03/2025

Tonight! And it's going to be AWESOME!
Residents of Florida's Treasure Coast are in for a celestial treat in the next 24 hours: a total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a "Blood Moon," will occur tonight and through the early hours of March 14, 2025. This phenomenon happens when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting Earth's shadow over the Moon and giving it a reddish hue.

Eclipse Timing for Our Area:
On the Treasure Coast, the eclipse will unfold as follows:
Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 11:57 p.m. on March 13
Partial Eclipse Starts: 1:09 a.m. on March 14
Totality Begins: 2:26 a.m.
Maximum Eclipse: 2:58 a.m.
Totality Ends: 3:31 a.m.
Partial Eclipse Ends: 4:47 a.m.
Penumbral Eclipse Concludes: 6:00 a.m.

The total duration of the eclipse will be approximately six hours and three minutes, with the totality phase—when the Moon is entirely within Earth's shadow and appears red—lasting about 65 minutes.

Viewing Tips:
No Special Equipment Needed: The eclipse is safe to observe with the naked eye. However, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience.

Optimal Viewing Conditions: Find a location away from city lights to minimize light pollution.

Weather Forecast for Vero Beach:
As of now, the forecast for March 13 indicates mostly sunny and pleasant conditions during the day, with a high of 80°F (27°C) and a low of 57°F (14°C) at night.

What is the Blood Moon?
The term "Blood Moon" arises from the reddish color the Moon takes on during a total lunar eclipse. This occurs because Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter-wavelength blue light, allowing the longer-wavelength red and orange light to pass through and illuminate the Moon. Essentially, the Moon reflects the combined light of all the sunsets and sunrises happening on Earth at that moment.

This total lunar eclipse is a noteworthy event for skywatchers, as the next one visible from North America won't occur until March 2026.

So, set your alarms and take advantage of this opportunity to witness a spectacular celestial display.

10/03/2025

Gardening season is upon us. Do you know what invaders might be lurking in your yard? Learn more!

Discover Native Gardening with Carla McMahonLet’s talk about the scarier side of gardening in Florida, the dreaded invasive! It’s already a challenge with our vegetation growing season being year-round but we also have to contend with plants that can invade our landscapes. We will learn a bit he...