Meet Volunteer Lyda Denney, DVM

Dr. Lyda Denney’s curiosity about the ecosystem around her – the south fork of the St. Lucie River, inspired her to become a Florida Oceanographic Society volunteer in 2015. She and her husband Dr. Pat Sievers had recently moved from Wellington, Florida to a home on the Delaplane Lagoon. Lyda grew up in New York fishing on Lake Ontario, and the St. Lucie’s brackish water, flora and fauna were new to her.

“I’ve been testing and reporting water quality from two sites on the St. Lucie, and it’s so interesting to see how the water changes week to week with the rain and releases from Lake Okeechobee,” says Lyda. “This job allows me to help tell the water conservation story for Florida Oceanographic Society.”

Lyda and her husband met at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. They were married in 1974, and spent most of their extensive careers as large-animal vets in upstate New York. In 1990, the couple moved to Wellington, Florida - the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World – to serve Pat’s clients. The move dovetailed perfectly with Lyda’s passion for horses. She continued her long history of competing in hunter/jumper events. When they retired and moved to Martin County, Lyda was able to stable her horses nearby. She rides seven days a week and takes regular weekly lessons. She competes at least once a month at hunter/jumper events on both Florida coasts.

Lyda likes to create fun art in the form of wall murals. Her horse breed murals at Pat’s veterinary clinics were client favorites. Since moving to Florida, she enjoys painting the birds and fish living around her home. Their favorite spot for meals is “The Denney Lanai,” where they have an outdoor kitchen and views of the river.

Though Lyda also helps with beach clean ups, seagrass and oyster restorations, and events at the Coastal Center, water testing is her favorite volunteer role. “I believe very strongly in Florida Oceanographic Society’s research and education, and I want to support that.”

Lyda Denney Snapshot

Born in: Watertown, NY

Furry family members: Dogs, cats, and horses Lubeck and Adagio

Other volunteer roles: House of Hope Thrift Stores

Media favorites: Yellowstone series on Peacock, Preston & Child novels, books by Dan Brown, listening to audiobooks while painting