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Florida Tech Fraternity Conducts Clean-Up for IRLT

Making the hour long road trip from the Florida Institute of Technology, over 30 members of the Iota Xi Chapter of Delta Tau Delta conducted a property clean-up of the Indian River Land Trust's South Vero Conservation Land. Though dealing with tangled mangroves, banana spiders, and fire ant piles, the fraternity filled over 50 contractor garbage bags with bottles, cans, styrofoam, plastic bags, and other floating debris.

Florida Tech Fraternity Conducts Clean-Up for IRLT

IRLT Board Members Britain Hogan and Kelly Kite, Chapter President Patrick Hammond, Vice President Michael Jarnot, IRLT Board Members Bill Beardslee and Grant Withers. Photo Credit: John Ward

The enthusiasm of the fraternity members met with challenges as to "who could fill bags the fastest" helped accomplish the clean-up in as little as 45 minutes. With time to spare, the group journeyed deeper into the dense swamp to find more litter. The fraternity, board members, and staff capped the event with 20 pizzas.

The fraternity saw the clean-up as an opportunity to not only keep lagoon waterfront pristine, but to take the initiative and support a good cause. Chapter President Patrick Hammond expressed that, "We, the brothers of Delta Tau Delta, greatly appreciate the Indian River Land Trust for allowing us the opportunity to come and participate in this great community service project. We were able to give our time to help preserve the area's beautiful natural habitat."

As the fraternity's first major community service event of the academic semester, the Land Trust welcomed the group and appreciated their support. IRLT Executive Director Ken Grudens remarked, "It is exciting to involve the younger generation in the work of the Land Trust to preserve our natural resources and provide access to the Lagoon in Indian River County."

Purchased in September of 2011, the 185 acre South Vero Conservation Land complements four miles of lagoon shoreline protected by the Indian River Land Trust.