To preserve and protect the animals, plants, and natural communities and the land in Indian River County through advocacy, education, and public awareness. PIAS begun in 1961 as the Indian River Preservation League by local citrus growers, commercial fishermen, sportsmen and concerned citizens, mobilized to stop a proposed dredge-and-fill housing project adjacent to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the nation's first refuge established in 1905. PIAS later fought to expand the refuge boundaries. In 1964 PIAS became a chapter of Audubon Florida and the "Voice of Conservation" in the county, one of 500 Chapters and Centers within the National Audubon Society. PIAS has been voted best Audubon Florida chapter, conservation and Education chapter many times, most recently 2023 .