TCWC is an annual summer cleanup of the shoreline and waterways of Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties.
SUPPLIES
TCWC will supply us with trash bags and plastic gloves. I will provide a cooler full of bottled water on ice.
You are advised to bring work gloves and grabbers (if you want them), sunscreen, and whatever additional water/sports drinks you might want.
Some areas will be rocky or muddy so please wear closed-toed shoes you don't mind getting dirty. If you have wading boots, please bring them as they will prove useful in mud flats and mangrove areas.
THE INDIAN RIVER
The Indian River is a 120-mile-long is a diverse, shallow estuary separating the mainland and barrier islands of Florida's east coast. The Spanish named it the Rio de Ais after a now extinct Pre-Columbian tribe of Native American. It is also part of the Intracoastal Waterway. Along with the Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River, and Hobe Sound it makes up the most diverse estuary in North America. It is home to over 2000 species of plants and over 2000 species of animals; of these, 35 are threatened or endangered.
THE CAUSEWAY
The first bridge connecting mainland Martin County with Hutchinson Island was a wooden bridge built at this site in 1925. It included a turnbridge in the middle to allow boats to pass. It was replaced in 1965 by a causeway and concrete drawbridge named after county commissioner Frank Wacha. The drawbridge in turn was replaced by a taller fixed span bridge; this current bridge was dedicated in 2005.
FACILITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Paved parking, pavilions, and benches are available on both causeway islands. The western causeway island also includes boat ramps, fishing piers, and restrooms. An additional sand parking lot is located at the NE end of the causeway.
Numerous public beaches are located on Hutchinson Island, the nearest being Jensen Beach Park which is 1 mile east. Downtown Jensen Beach is located a 1/2 mile south of the causeway.
