ST. LUCIE VILLAGE — Residents can learn more about the Indian River Lagoon and ways to help protect it during ‘Our Lagoon — Our Legacy,’ a community program and environmental showcase at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at St. Lucie Village School.

The event will explore the importance of the Indian River Lagoon, North America’s largest biodiverse estuary, which stretches 156 miles and is home to more than 4,000 species of animals and plants.

The 2 p.m. program will be followed by workshops, exhibits and hands-on activities presented by local environmental and educational organizations. Attendees will learn about individual actions that can improve lagoon health, vertical oyster gardens, living shorelines and shoreline restoration and protection.

Scheduled speakers include:

• 2 p.m. — Caleta Scott, One Lagoon

• 2:15 p.m. — Dr. Vincent Encomio, University of Florida/IFAS Florida Sea Grant

• 2:45 p.m. — Elyse Geraghty, Manatee Center

• 3 p.m. — Barbara Brown, Docks for a Clean Lagoon

The Manatee Center and Fort Pierce Utilities Authority will host a Vertical Oyster Garden workshop, demonstrating how oyster gardens can help improve water quality and provide habitat for aquatic life.

Other participating organizations include Docks for a Clean Lagoon, University of Florida/IFAS Florida Sea Grant, One Lagoon, the Manatee Center and the Florida Remembered Society.

“The Lagoon has been central to our culture, lifestyles, livelihood, and lovely surroundings since before recorded history,” said Anne Sinnott of the Florida Remembered Society. “But today, the Lagoon is stressed and susceptible due to overdevelopment, population growth, stormwater runoff, and loss of seagrasses.”

“Making meaningful efforts to restore the health of the lagoon for today and tomorrow is essential,” she said.

The event will also examine ways residents can support efforts to restore and protect the lagoon for future generations.

“Our Lagoon — Our Legacy” is funded in part by the Florida Remembered Society through an America250/Florida250 public programs grant from Florida Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Jacarlene Foundation.

The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program is providing funding for the oyster workshops.

The event will be held at St. Lucie Village School, 2501 N. Old Dixie Highway, Fort Pierce. Seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early.

Reservations are required. Call 772-267-4873.