Step into Summer with June Events

Turtle Walks & Digs

Living in one of the world’s prime loggerhead nesting sites has its perks. Throughout June and July, both Coastal Connections (772-226-0133) and Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park (772-388-2750) offer turtle walks that allow participants to watch unobtrusively as a loggerhead digs a nest, deposits her eggs, covers them, and returns to the sea. CC’s walks take place Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights, beginning at Costa d’Este (3244 Ocean Drive) and Grand Harbor Beach Club (4985 Club Terrace). There is a $20 refundable reservation deposit. FSISP’s start at the Fishing Museum (14251 Hwy. A1A) Wednesday through Friday, and a $15 donation is requested. All walks begin at 9 p.m. and can last several hours, depending on turtle activity. CC also conducts Turtle Digs during July and August. Participants meet at the Ocean Grill (1050 Beachland Blvd.) at 8 a.m. and are asked to make a donation within their means. Digs demonstrate how researchers evaluate a post-hatch nest and record data used in conservation efforts. Since digs take place three days after a nest hatches, they can’t be put on the calendar more than three days in advance. Both CC and FSISP possess the necessary state permits to conduct these walks and digs.

For Gardeners

June 3

Master Gardeners

If you would like to develop a greener thumb, learn more about Florida-Friendly Landscaping, or start growing your own vegetables, you’ll find the UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardeners to be a valuable resource. They are at the North County Library every Wednesday. Also June 10, 17, and 24; 10 a.m.–noon; free

North IRC Library; 1001 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian; 772-400-6360

June 10

Gardening Club

If you’re curious about home gardens or want to share your knowledge with others, head to the Main Library’s meeting room, where you’ll find a friendly group of gardeners who meet on the second Wednesday of each month. No registration required. 10–11 a.m., free

IRC Main Library; 1600 21st St.; 772-400-6310

Treasure Coast Police K-9 Competition

The Treasure Coast Police K-9 Alliance, a nonprofit formed last year to benefit local law enforcement K-9 teams with equipment acquisition, training assistance, and operational program support, presents an exciting event in which professionals will demonstrate the skills employed by military and law enforcement K-9 teams. It will take place June 6 at 6 p.m. on the grounds of Sebastian River High School (9001 Shark Blvd., Sebastian). Attendees will be wowed by timed agility and tactical obstacle challenges, scenario-based deployment exercises, controlled apprehension demonstrations, and more. The evening will also include food trucks, vendors, and family-oriented activities. Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance at treasurecoastk9competition.eventbrite.com or $20 at the door. Admission is free for children under 12. To learn more, visit treasurecoastpolicek9alliance.org or call 772-643-2893.

Art Workshop

Contemporary Impressionist Monique Carr will lead a two-day workshop titled “Abstract Seascapes in Oil and Cold Wax” June 13-14. She will teach the techniques of painting with oil and cold wax, a medium that adds rich texture. This class is ideal for artists new to the medium as well as those looking to elevate their existing skills. Through June 14; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; $395 members, $415 nonmembers

Vero Beach Art Club; 1903 14th Ave.; 772-231-0303

Waterlily Festival

For the 21st year, McKee Botanical Garden will celebrate its amazing collection of more than 100 varieties of water lilies. The festival will take place June 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, as always, will include a photo contest, plein air artists in action, specialty vendors, and plant repotting demonstrations. Here is a fun fact: you may be wondering about the discrepancy between our use of “waterlily” and “water lily.” Well, Vero Beach Magazine follows Merriam-Webster, which still considers “water lily” to be two words, while other entities, such as organizations of water lily enthusiasts, often follow a different convention, preferring to render the name of their favorite plant as one word. So now you know! Connect with McKee at 772-794-0601 or mckeegarden.org.

ShakesPierce

IRSC theater students will present Get Thee to a Nunnery, or Measure for Measure the Musical, Alexander Kanter’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. Rated PG-13. Through June 21; Thursday–Friday 7 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 2 p.m.; $17–$20

McAlpin Fine Arts Center; 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce; 772-462-4750

Offshore Fishing Tournament

The Indian River Firefighters Benevolent Association will hold its fifth annual fundraising fishing tournament June 20, giving anglers a chance to support not only the local first responders who save lives in our community every day, but also the partner organization they have chosen for this event: Coastal Conservation Association Florida. The entry fee per boat is the same as last year, $250, but the purse is up to $20,000! Prizes are as follows: first: $1,750; second: $1,200; third: $825; junior angler (14 and under): $1,000; lady angler: $500; top boat: $2,200; and biggest amberjack: $1,200. The location is the Sebastian Saltwater Marina (1732 Indian River Drive). A mandatory captains’ meeting will take place Friday, June 19 at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, it’s lines in at 6 a.m. and weigh-in from 2 to 5 p.m. Read the rules and register at irffb.com; for questions, call 772-532-2569.

Burgers & Brews

United Against Poverty will hold its 11th annual Burgers & Brews fundraiser June 27 at the Indian River County Fairgrounds (7955 58th Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The community will gather to enjoy live music, sample the food truck fare, visit with vendors, and find refreshment at the booths of multiple craft breweries. Teams from several restaurants will vie for the title of Best Burger in Indian River County, and attendees will be able to taste for themselves and vote. The event will also include a classic car show and a kids’ zone. Admission is free, and several punch-card options are available as well as a VIP pass that brings additional perks, including priceless access to the air-conditioned VIP lounge. See burgersandbrews.org for all the details, or call 772-770-0740, ext. 204.