In the unique City of Vero Beach as well as all of Indian River County, the locals have a saying: “sunrises, not high rises.” It means that the residents work to preserve local wildlife through extensive and intricate means and they care about the environment. People travel from all over to experience Vero Beach’s uncluttered beaches, bright blue waters, detailed mangrove paths through the rivers and waterfronts, and collection of flora and fauna. For members of Orchid Island, a private oceanfront golf and beach club community just comes naturally. Honestly, what’s more special than that?

With the rise of ecotourism, Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast have begun to appear on a many travelers’ short lists. Who can resist having nearly 26 miles of beach to explore? The secluded and exclusive area’s way of life serves as more than just a draw to those seeking to get away from it all. It attracts residents who appreciate the unique opportunity to live and grow side-by-side with nature.

The area has a few rules in place to protect the surrounding wildlife and its history. The city of Vero Beach recognizes that its future lies in the past as much as it does in the present, and they work to preserve all three through their actions. The end result is everything from beautiful works of architecture, to now historical roads have had an effect on the area’s past. Stop by Gloria Estefan’s renowned hotel, Costa d’Este, for a taste of today’s vibrant energy. Or, while you’re here, take some time to jog or stroll down the Historic Jungle Trail. More than just a dirt road, it was the original A1A and the key to how the city dominated the fruit juice industry for years.

Vero Beach’s carefully forged balance between man, nature, and history is one of the few ways that makes this coastal region so desirable. It’s how venues such as the Orchid Island Brewery can coexist alongside the Atlantic Ocean, or how the McKee Botanical Garden has evolved into one of the top botanical destinations in the state, as well as an important entry on the National Register of Historic Places.

For a community like Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club, it’s more than just trading in skyscrapers for sunsets. When you’re located just a short distance from Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, seeing white pelicans along the lakes and on the golf course is common. When loggerhead sea turtles and slow-moving manatees make their homes in the waterways and when your golf course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary–you’re well versed in tending to nature. What’s really special is how Orchid Island has fostered an environment for families to establish their own traditions, and leave something to pass down to future generations.

For those who want to get close to nature, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none. Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy the convenience of a golf cart lifestyle. Traveling the community via golf cart makes getting to any of the amenities a fun and enjoyable experience, including the West Indies styled private Beach Club, which overlooks a private beach just for residents and their families to take pleasure in.

This private community is committed to providing an extraordinary level of service. Golf here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer designed; 18-hole course is not only revered as one of the best in the region, but considered a picturesque nature walk throughout this unique habitat. Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit OrchidIslandRealty.com

Intrigued by this one-of-a-kind destination? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about this amazing community and how the Vero Beach area embraces its natural wonderland.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Realty office and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 to schedule a private appointment.

How does where you come from change who you are? Science has sought to answer this question for years, analyzing the working and playing habits of those who live in the city versus those who live in the country versus those who live anywhere else. They’ve never really been able to find a connection to where someone lives and the level of success that someone enjoys, but they have to agree that some places just seem to make great people. Everyone from Tom Fadden to Alison Mosshart to Jake Owen has claimed residency in Vero Beach, or at least have stayed for a while. How did greatness come upon this small town?

Some were born here. Country singer Jake Owen is proud to call Vero Beach his hometown, having skated its roads, played on its beaches, and attended its school (Vero Beach High, Class of ’99, to be exact). The “Good Company” singer always refers to his hometown with a wistful smile and a memory of some fun thing that he would do with his friends here-his performance at the Beach Town Music Festival in 2017 was full of these. Even today, you’ll find him giving back in a variety of ways, such as the Jake Owen Foundation. It seeks to fund youth organizations and charity programs in Owen’s hometown of Vero Beach, while also granting financial aid to families affected by childhood cancer. Guess not even star power can take the hometown values out of a Vero Beach guy.

Some are the witnesses to its history, as writer and resident Carl Hiaasen is. Hiaasen has populated his columns in the Miami Herald and his own novels with a warm wit and analytical eye to the Broward-Palm Beach area and its residents. Always topical, his writing covers ideas that are relevant to Florida’s society and offers deference to the area’s natural beauty. There’s no better example of this than in his Newbery Award-nominated book, Hoot, in which a group of children feel such a strong connection to Florida and it’s landscape that they take incredible measures to protect it. On the book’s setting, Hiaasen told an interviewer that “None of the characters in HOOT are based on real people, but the setting is very much borrowed from own childhood.” Indeed, eagle-eyed readers might note that the sunny shores, quiet waterfronts, and natural areas of the hometown that the characters aim to protect sounds a lot like Vero Beach…

Some are drawn here, such as Gloria Estefan was. When she first visited Vero Beach, she saw its potential within its white sands and blue waters. To Mosaic Traveler, she explained, “Nature and animals are very close to my heart. I wanted to share this experience with people from all over the world, which is why we decided to buy the hotel and create its unique environment.”

Following that instinct, she purchased an older hotel and rebuilt it as the Costa d’Este Beach Resort. Lying on Vero Beach’s shores, Estefan has established it as it as the premier vacation spot for the luxury travelers and the world’s elite. Residents of Vero Beach can even claim Estefan as a neighbor too. Her house is located on the secluded side of town, far away from the world’s rush, but very close to the waterfront. After all, if Vero Beach is good enough for her hotel, it very well should be perfect for her.

Vero Beach has a way of shaping the people who get close to it, no matter how they manage to get here. Some worked here, some played here, many were made here, a few even came here accidentally, but Vero Beach has left its mark on everyone who has come through its city limits, whether guest or resident, superstar or everyday person. Whether it’s the flora and fauna, some native only to this area, all maintained for by the residents of the town, or the small town way of life, cared for and curated by local governments, or even the ability to just kick back and relax on a beach with no one for miles around, residents all agree that Vero Beach brings out everyone’s personal greatness.

With an amazing history of its own, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club has been proudly serving members for over twenty-five years. Members here are even luckier still to call this amazing place home. The West-Indies style Beach Club serves as a gathering place for families and friends to reunite. Private club events and holidays are held in the dining room, and families enjoy fun in the sun along the Atlantic Ocean. Not to mention the resort style pool and amenities such as tennis, pickleball, and a fitness center available to members.

Even better, Orchid Island is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River.

This private community is committed to providing an unparalleled level of service. Golf is an experience, as the Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole course is renowned as an Audubon Certified Cooperative Sanctuary or its commitment to natural preservation. Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was also the proud host of 2018’s 57^th Annual U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.

Love the Vero Beach location and thinking of making it your home? Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit OrchidIslandRealty.com.

If you’re just getting started, request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and the Town of Orchid Island.

If you’re in the area, stop by the oceanfront Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 to schedule an appointment.

If you are looking for a true adventure right here on Orchid Island, head to the historic Jungle Trail, an eight-mile sandy road built in the 1920s along the banks of the Indian River. Originally constructed so that the citrus growers could transport their fruit, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as it was the original A1A. Whether you choose to bike or hike, you’ll enjoy the scenery along the way, including palm tree hammocks and coastal wetland areas. You’ll also get to see some of the area’s magnificent homes. At the end of the trail, you’ll come to the Pelican Island Sanctuary, the first wildlife refuge in the U.S. National Park Registry.

The Historic Jungle Trail is also one of the best places to see the island’s flora and fauna. When you’re so close to the country’s oldest bird sanctuary, you’re sure to see some great things. Take a look in the sky every once in a while – you might catch an osprey or a rare white pelican. Pay attention to the grasses – you might find some unique plants. When you ride by the ocean, keep your eye out on the water – there may be a dolphin or a manatee swimming by.

If you can learn a lot about a town from what it saves for future generations, then there’s tons that a place like this one could say. Residents here work to save things not just for themselves, but for their families. Things like the knowledge of swinging a golf club, or the memory of playing on the beach. For those who want to get close to nature and enjoy the creature comforts of home, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none. Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy the one-mile of private beach access and what’s even better, Orchid Island spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums.

What could manatees, American white pelicans, and loggerhead sea turtles all have in common? At first glance, these animals don’t seem to have many similarities at all. One lays its eggs on the beach, one swims in the water, and one flies in the air. As it turns out, that these animals have much more in common than it seems!

They Love The Water

This is the obvious one. Manatees and loggerheads live their lives in the water. In fact, the turtles don’t really leave the water except to lay their eggs. Did you know that turtles return each year to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs? American white pelicans stick close to brackish water, a mix of fresh and salt water. Places like red mangroves and rivers are popular for them. To catch their meals, they can be seen corralling fish into an area and then plunging their bucket-like bills into the water. The closer that you are to the water, the more likely that you’re able to spot these animals!

They’re Protected

While loggerhead sea turtles, American white pelicans, and manatees are considered beautiful and important parts of Florida’s ecosystem, they’re also ecologically sensitive. Because of this, lawmakers and residents have worked so that certain protections ensure the safety of these animals. At Orchid Island, this can include everything from setting up special lights on the Beach Club so that baby sea turtles can’t see them to let scientists and conservationists know when a rare species has taken up residence in Orchid Island, like the pelicans. This way, we can ensure that these animals come to stay with us for a long time.

They Live at Orchid Island

Orchid Island is designated as a Certified Cooperative Audubon Sanctuary. That means that the staff and residents of the Club work to preserve the natural environment. Because of that, usually rare animals such as American white pelicans are known to migrate here. They are often seen flying over the golf courses from November through March. Manatees float placidly down the river around this area. They’re drawn to the naturally warm waters. Our beaches are some of the best and most popular nesting grounds for the loggerhead sea turtles. During peak season, their nests are marked off to protect the eggs from beachgoers. Next time that you pay a visit to Orchid Island, keep a close lookout-you may never know what you might see!

For those who want to get close to nature and enjoy the creature comforts of home, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none. Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy the one-mile of private beach access and what’s even better, Orchid Island spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums.

Now’s The Time To Buy The Florida Vacation Home You’ve Always Wanted

In Vero Beach, Florida, you’ll discover the best of both worlds. That’s because Vero is at the eastern edge of the demarcation line that separates Florida into two different climate zones. North of Vero is a subtropical climate, and south of it is tropical. That’s why Vero Beach is known as the “Gateway to the Tropics” and is graced with a unique mix of vegetation. Growing here are coconut palms and bright tropical flowers that won’t grow even a few miles north. Alongside these tropical wonders, you’ll find a beautiful, rich landscape made up of ancient oak hammocks and dense pine forests. Add to that the area’s beautiful beaches and the citrus trees that thrive here, giving the area the title of “Citrus Capital of the World.” With all this environmental diversity, it’s easy to see why Vero Beach has so much natural appeal.

For many generations, Vero Beach and its surrounding areas were known as the benchmark for quality citrus production and shipment. People all over the world enjoyed the juicy Indian River citrus grown here. It wasn’t until Edwin Llwyd Ecclestone Sr. purchased the 3000-acre estate on John’s Island that the Vero Beach area began to thrive as a resort destination. Ecclestone and his team recruited Fortune 500 CEOs and entrepreneurs from up north to create a golf community that drew top tier individuals to this area. Ground was broken in 1969, and the first of three golf courses opened the next year.

In 1987, Orchid Island, north of John’s Island, followed suit, when it was sold to Robert Haines III of Avon, Connecticut, and a small group of limited partners. At that time, the town of Orchid had only seven inhabitants. Haines’ vision was to build a few hundred British West Indies–style homes overlooking the ocean, the Indian River and a spectacular golf course. Ground was broken on Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in 1988. Just like on John’s Island, this spectacular community became a draw, attracting high-end individuals to this stunning oasis.

Soon, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was attracting people from every part of the country, as it had quickly become one of the most desirable oceanfront properties on the Treasure Coast, with one of Florida’s few barrier island golf courses. Throughout the generations of settlers in the Vero Beach area, there has always been a common thread—conservation and respect for the land. This long-standing culture began in the early 20th century, when Pelican Island in the Indian River Lagoon was designated as the country’s first wildlife refuge. The area has always been developed thoughtfully and with care. Instead of the urban sprawl that defines other parts of Florida, this area was planned in an organized fashion, taking green spaces into account and preserving beautiful, historic structures, allowing it to retain a charming, small-town flavor.

For those who want to get close to nature and enjoy the creature comforts of home, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none. Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy the one-mile of private beach access and what are even better, Orchid Island spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit our real estate page.

Remember how refreshed you felt after your last trip to the beach? Turns out that that’s not all just in your mind! Science has pointed out studies and examples of how living near the water is good for your health. “The members of Orchid Island absolutely love the private beach and access to the water. It’s something that really sets our lifestyle apart,” said Rob Tench, General Manager of Orchid Island. “The Beach Club is a great place to enjoy the natural surroundings, soak up the sun and get some fresh air, right here in their own backyard.” The waterfront energizes people in many ways – see some of them below.

Calm and Clear

Many people report that they feel more relaxed when they’re near the water, and there’s some science to back that. Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., marine biologist, and author of the book Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do discusses how the brain can “switch” into a different mode when it sees water, becoming calmer and more creative. While many reasons for this can be surmised, one thing to note is that the waves have a calm, repetitive sound and motion, and the ocean hosts a relaxing color scheme of blues and greens. We see the correlation here. The beach has been proved to increase calm and bring clarity to the mind.

Fresh Air and Sunshine

This may seem so obvious that it’s easy to pass over, but it makes sense. The waterfront, and the beach provide some always-needed fresh air and sunshine. It’s hard to pass up a day, or even just an hour or two, of relaxing on the beach. Soak up the sun (with sunscreen, of course), hunt for seashells, scout for wildlife or dive into a good book. The beach is the perfect place to get outside. Residents at Orchid Island have it right in their own backyard.

Members of Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club are even luckier still to call this amazing place home. The West-Indies style Beach Club serves as a gathering place for families and friends to reunite. Private club events and holidays are held in the dining room, and families enjoy fun in the sun along the Atlantic Ocean. Not to mention the resort style pool and amenities such as tennis, pickleball, and a fitness center available to members. Even better, Orchid Island spans from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Indian River.

This private community is committed to providing a level of service that stands out from the rest. Golfing here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole course is not only renowned among courses but also holds an Audubon Certified Cooperative Sanctuary status for its commitment to natural preservation. Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is also the proud host of this year’s 57^th Annual U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship which will be held October 6-11, 2018.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island LifestylesMagazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and the Town of Orchid and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information.

Vero Beach has an extensive and storied history on Florida’s Treasure Coast. From its role as the home to many orange orchards to its current status as an island vacation destination, this city has had a busy past 100 years for this city have been busy! Residents at Orchid Island are lucky enough to call this place home. To celebrate, the month of October 2018 is dedicated to honoring the Vero Beach Centennial. Everything from fun festivals to celebratory centennial beer will be here—the only question is, will you?

Centennial Chili Challenge

Do you have what it takes to make up the best bowl of chili—or better yet, eat all of it? Find out at the Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach Centennial Chili Challenge! On October 27, 2018 over 30 competitors will cook up their special renditions of this classic dish in an attempt to win the challenge. Beer trucks and food vendors will be there, so make sure to sample everything!

Time Capsule Burial

One of the most exciting things that we can do as a society is to show the people of the future what the past was like through a time capsule. Be a part of it on October 27, 2018, when a horse drawn carriage will carry a time capsule full of things that represent Vero Beach best to its burial place under the flagpole in front of Waldo’s Restaurant. An antique car show and musical accompaniment by the Indian River Charter High School Band will follow.

Countryside Centennial Corn Maze

The famed Countryside Corn Maze is teaming up with Vero Beach to bring everyone a fantastic fall festival! You can expect the titular corn maze to be there, alongside kiddie train rides, a nature trail to hike, hayrides and even a corn cannon! Food and drink vendors will be there, so come by with family members and welcome in the fall season while celebrating Vero Beach’s 100 years! Partial proceeds will go toward renovations for McWilliams Park, so help support your community and come on by!

With an amazing history of its own, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club has been proudly serving members for over 25 years. Members here are even luckier still to call this amazing place home. The West-Indies style Beach Club serves as a gathering place for families and friends to reunite. Private club events and holiday gatherings are held in the dining room, and families enjoy fun in the sun along the Atlantic Ocean. Not to mention the resort-style pool and amenities such as tennis, pickleball, and a fitness center available to members.

Even better, Orchid Island stretches from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Indian River.

This private community is committed to providing a level of service that stands out from the rest. Golfing here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer-designed, 18-hole course not only is renowned among courses but also holds Audubon Certified Cooperative Sanctuary status for its commitment to natural preservation. Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was also the proud host of the 57^th Annual U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, October 6-11, 2018.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and the Town of Orchid and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottages and oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit our Real Estate Page.

It’s hard to believe all of the fun that awaits you at Orchid Island. Between the championship golf, private beach and island lifestyle, there’s something for everyone. We’re happy to share some secrets with a fun game of “Three Truths and a Myth”—see if you can guess them!

You can get anywhere within Orchid Island by golf cart

It’s true! Golf carts are the preferred method of travel within the neighborhood—even though the community is big enough to grant residents the space that they want, all of its amenities can be reached within golf cart driving distance. Whether you want to enjoy some fun in the sun at the beach or pool, dine out or go for a workout at the Tennis & Fitness Center, you simply get in your own golf cart and you’re where you want to be in a matter of five minutes or less. And that also means you can keep your set of golf clubs in your cart so when you’re ready to hit a ball or two, you can just hop in and head on over to the putting green, driving range or 1st tee!

Orchid Island has over a mile of its own private beach

It’s not hard to appreciate Florida’s natural beauty when you have over a mile of secluded beach to enjoy. Orchid Island residents can swim, sunbathe and surf the day away at the private oceanfront overlooks by the Beach Club and just on the other side of our oceanfront residents’ backyards. Lucky visitors have even caught sight of dolphins, sea turtles and white pelicans!

Residents enjoy a golf course designed by Arnold Palmer.

Residents and their guests can enjoy playing on a golf course that was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. He designed the unique course so that players of all skill sets can find their difficulty curve. Fun fact—the course is also part of Orchid Island’s Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program. Keep your eye on the ball—and out for wildlife!

Orchid Island’s signature drink is the White Orchid

When residents are looking to cool off from playing in the sun all day, they head to the Turtle Bar located poolside at the Beach Club and order a freshly shaken cocktail of their liking. Bartenders might not recognize a White Orchid, but they love to mix up the signature drink of the Club, which is the very yummy and refreshing Thirsty Turtle! Mixing in sweet and tangy, this drink highlights the flavors of Florida!

For those who want to get close to nature and still enjoy the creature comforts of home, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club’s amenities are second to none. Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only for the natural neighbors who live on the island, but for the residents as well. Members enjoy a mile of private beach access and what’s even better, Orchid Island sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River

This private community is committed to providing a level of service that stands out from the rest. Golfing here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer-designed, 18-hole course not only is renowned among courses, but also holds a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status for its commitment to natural preservation. Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was also the proud host of the year’s 57^th Annual U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, October 6-11, 2018.

Love the Vero Beach location? Then you’ll love Orchid Island. Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles magazine here to learn more about the Town of Orchid and nearby Vero Beach area, and how nature coexists with its residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information or visit OrchidIslandRealty.com and check out the Featured Properties page.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800’s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottages and oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit our Real Estate page.

When people want to get away from it all, they head to Florida. And it’s no wonder—with fantastic weather and year-round fun, this place has it all. Vero Beach is a special hidden gem. The idyllic nature is hard to turn down, and the area gets a lot of repeat visitors. Indeed, once guests leave, they’re already planning their return trip. Orchid Island especially has a way of casting its spell.

The quaint seaside area is charming and eclectic. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the peace and nature here. Orchid Island residents know this state of relaxation well, whether they’re enjoying an afternoon with friends at the Beach Club pool or playing a round of golf on the Arnold Palmer—designed course.

This area holds a vast history behind it as well. From its role in Florida’s economy as a fruit grove sanctuary to the historic sites around town, there’s always a story to discover. Make sure to check out the Historic Jungle Trail for a piece of history that you can walk or bike along! There’s an entrance right next to the Orchid Island entry.

Residents of this private community get to be physical as much as they want, whether it’s by enjoying the private beach, working up a sweat at the fitness center or playing a match of tennis or pickleball.

Members of Orchid Island are lucky enough to call this amazing place home. Having served members and their families for over 25 years, this private community is committed to providing a level of service that stands out from the rest. Golfing here is unparalleled, as the 18-hole, Arnold Palmer—designed course not only is renowned among courses but also holds Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status for its commitment to natural preservation. The recently renovated Beach Club serves as a gathering place for families and friends to reunite. Private club events and holiday celebrations are held in the dining room, and families enjoy fun in the sun along the Atlantic Ocean. Not to mention the resort-style pool and amenities such as tennis, pickleball, and a fitness center available to members. Even better, Orchid Island stretches from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Indian River.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area, the Town of Orchid and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club (OIGBC) and the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) have different landscapes when it comes to business, but they have one big thing in common: they care about the environment and its effect on wildlife. With both located between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, there is no denying the beauty that surrounds them. The Indian River Lagoon is known as one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean with all its marine life, including many species of migratory whales, making it an ecologically important area.

The mission of the ELC is “to educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.” This mission ties into OIGBC’s environmental stewardship as part of its commitment as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Since 2005, the Club has achieved and maintained this distinction through a high degree of environmental quality in the following categories: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation and water quality management.

The common thread between OIGBC and the ELC is their connection with nature. Protection and conservation come naturally as they both take extra steps daily to make sure that their green spaces are sensitive to wildlife, so they can thrive. The ELC is a 64-acre lagoon island nature center with a strong focus on connecting people with nature, conservation education and leadership, research and the importance of being outside in nature for human health. The ELC is a sanctuary for the habitat and wildlife of the Indian River Lagoon. As neighbors, OIGBC and the ELC have much in common and are leading the charge to be active leaders, conservation innovators and educational stewards of the lagoon. A portion of the proceeds raised from the 2018
U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship will be directly used to continue to educate children and adults about environmental science and conservation stewardship and to create new nature experiences at the ELC.

The ELC and the OIGBC are also active conservationists, doing innovative programs like water recycling, bird nest monitoring, wildlife education and more. “We’re excited to learn from each other as conservationists of our Indian River Lagoon and as neighbors,” said Molly Steinwald, ELC executive director. “We’re so grateful to have been chosen as the designated charitable beneficiary of the Championship and we truly look forward to more collaborations with such a wonderful like-minded organization.”

As a part of the conservation and lagoon stewardship theme, Orchid Island’s golf superintendent, Matt Boyd, uses “best management practices” that are good for the environment as well as being cost-effective. Matt shared that many golf courses, like Orchid Island, partake in being environmentally conscious, and they’re the green spaces that no one really thinks about. “We’re not just a golf course, we’re a sanctuary, because green spaces are limited and Orchid Island is being very active in the protection and preservation of green spaces,” said Boyd. Wildlife is naturally attracted to areas that provide a healthy habitat and clean water. One way OIGBC keeps its water clean is by using natural methods instead of pesticides and toxic chemicals to treat the golf course. Matt also maintains no-spray buffer zones around all the lakes on the property, with deep-rooted vegetation, 4-5 inches tall. These buffers help with the color of the water, which shades the penetration of light and is beneficial for aquatic vegetation and fish.

Some other innovative projects Orchid Island has done to maintain its Audubon Certification include water recycling, water conservation including reuse of stormwater runoff, a recycling program, a birding trail for education and outreach, a butterfly garden, and fish stocking in the golf course lakes.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the ELC has a big vision for the next 10 years. Already being an Audubon Certified Wildlife Habitat and holding Green Globe certifications for some campus buildings, ELC’s master plan includes adding more visitor experiences, including a new multiuse interpretive center, a butterfly pavilion and pollinator garden, and an education and events pavilion including an area for special private-occasion rentals or ELC-sponsored events. Also included will be a teaching shade house including a horticultural therapy classroom, children’s nature fun zone and more unique nature experiences for all ages from children to senior adults.

With the ELC’s major focus on driving the message home that we’re all in this together locally and globally to be the solution to environmental concerns for the betterment of our lives and our world, OIGBC couldn’t have chosen a more perfect charity beneficiary for the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.