With no money out of your pocket, the State of Florida wants to literally put your name on one of the 137 spoil islands that grace the Indian River Lagoon. All you have to do is agree to clean up the place a minimum of four times a year.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Adopt an Island program is an outgrowth of the Spoil Island Enhancement Project (www.spoilislandproject.org). Volunteers meet the third Saturday each month from September through May to clear exotic vegetation and litter, plant mangroves and build campsites.

To become an island caretaker, contact the FDEP at (772) 429-2995. The state install a sign on the island recognizing the volunteers, provide trash bags and pick up the full bags of litter if necessary.

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