The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Helps Orca to Expand ‘Living Lagoon’ Program to St. Lucie County to Promote Water Improvement in the Indian River Lagoon

Marysville, OH, October 30, 2018 /3BL Media/ — The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) today announced a new Living Lagoon School Program partnership. The partnership will expand access to hands-on programs for middle-school students living near the Indian River Lagoon in Florida’s Treasure Coast region. The Living Lagoon program engages students with hands-on environmental education that helps address impairment issues along the lagoon while inspiring the next generation of stewards for Florida's waterways.

Program participants benefit from in-class STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities and lessons throughout the school year. They also gain exposure to the world of conservation and living shorelines through onsite school nurseries where they grow native vegetation to be planted along impaired areas of the Indian River Lagoon. Living Lagoon is the evolution and expansion of ORCA’s established technology, research and education programs.

 “Our local community relies heavily on the environmental and economic benefits provided by the Indian River Lagoon. What better way to preserve it than by involving students directly in its restoration?” said Dr. Edith Widder, ORCA CEO and Senior Scientist. “With this continued multi-year funding from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, we will extend the Living Lagoon program to two additional classrooms at Forest Grove Middle School in St. Lucie County.”

Since 2014 ScottsMiracle-Gro and its Foundation also have supported ORCA’s independent research to map and monitor the sources of nutrients flowing into the Indian River Lagoon. This research aims to focus public and private investments on the highest priority actions that might improve and protect water and wildlife in the lagoon.

“With this partnership, we continue our strong commitment to enhancing Florida’s environment, especially the Treasure Coast and its water resources,” said Jim King, President of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. “Through the Living Lagoon program, ORCA is implementing effective water protection projects while engaging the next generation with hands-on learning and stewardship.”

To learn more about the Living Lagoon School Program, visit www.teamorca.org.

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About the Ocean Research & Conservation Association

The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) endeavors to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies, science-based conservation action and community education and outreach.

About The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation

The mission of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is to inspire, connect and cultivate a community of purpose. The Foundation is deeply rooted in helping create healthier communities, empower the next generation, and preserve our planet. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that funds non-profit entities that support its core initiatives in the form of grants, endowments and multi-year capital gifts. For more information, visit www.scottsmiraclegrofoundation.org.

Media Contacts

ScottsMiracle-Gro Foundation

Molly Jennings

molly.jennings@scotts.com

937.578.1352

ORCA

Retta Rohm

rrohm@teamorca.org

772.467.1600