Matanzas Riverkeeper

08/29/2026

🚯 Waste-free waterways

On Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., we're teaming up with Recycle St. Johns and the Matanzas Riverkeeper again to remove garbage and debris from the water and the shoreline around the Vilano Boat Ramp (101 Vilano Causeway, St. Augustine). Come help us keep St. Johns County's waterways clean and beautiful.

Link in the comments!

08/24/2026

Sea turtles nesting on St. Augustine beaches and traveling in local waterways must overcome adversities, many of which are brought on by human action. Sea turtles must navigate increased boat traffic and recreational fishing, microplastics and FP disease as they try to lay eggs on a diminishing coastline.

Writer: Wylie Saviello Wylie Saviello
Read the full story on our website.

08/21/2026

This November St. Johns County voters will decide whether to prioritize funding for land conservation. If approved, the measure would authorize the County to issue general obligation bonds of up to $100 million to acquire land and property interests for conservation. This funding would be limited to acquiring and managing lands that protect water quality, conserve wildlife habitat, natural areas, farms, and forests. 🌳

Between now and November our community will be working hard to run a strong campaign to help this pass, but the question remains: What do we call a St. Johns County land conservation campaign? 🐢

Comment below to help us brainstorm ideas for this conservation campaign. 👇

08/19/2026

“This bond would enable us to issue up to $100 million to buy land for conservation, and that would give us the ability to leverage state and federal funding to make that pot even bigger,” said Jen Lomberk, the Matanzas Riverkeeper.

St. Johns County commissioners voted Tuesday to put a major land conservation measure on November’s ballot, giving residents the final say on a bond that could reshape how the county protects its natural lands for generations to come.

08/17/2026

TOMORROW IS THE DAY! 📅

We are currently working on campaign for St. Johns County to adopt a sustainable source of funding for land conservation. The Commission is scheduled to vote on this TOMORROW during the County Commission meeting on August 18th.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽?

💚 We need a bunch of people to show up wearing GREEN to show support for conservation. The meeting starts at 9:00 and our item will probably be heard around 10:00.

📧 Send an email urging our county commissioners to adopt a reliable, long-term source of funding for land conservation. *Link in the comment section*

👬 Share this post. The more folks that show up tomorrow and send an email - the better!

UPDATE: We did it! St. Johns County Commissioners voted to refer land conservation funding to the ballot this year. Thank you to everyone who sent emails, came to the meeting today, and spoke in support! 💚

08/14/2026

“That’s why we’re here today,” Commissioner Blonder said. “To ensure this legacy will live on in perpetuity.”

The City Commission may require a unanimous vote to remove a parcel’s conservation protection.

08/14/2026

🦪🔥Save the date for Matanzas Riverkeeper's Anniversary Oyster Roast on December 4th, a celebration of another year of protecting and preserving our beloved waterways!

💙Every oyster you shuck and every cheer you raise directly supports our mission. By attending, you are playing an essential role in our ongoing work to safeguard the health of the Guana, Tolomato, Matanzas estuary for future generations.

🎫 Keep an eye out for ticket sales to open next month!

08/13/2026

We are currently working on campaign for St. Johns County to adopt a sustainable source of funding for land conservation. The Commission is scheduled to vote on this during the County Commission meeting on August 18th (Tuesday). We need a bunch of people to show up wearing GREEN to show support for conservation. 💚

The meeting starts at 9:00, but there are a few items before us on the agenda, so our item will probably be heard around 10:00. Here is the address for the Commission meetings: 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

Please share this post and hope to see you there!