Painting by our featured artist Lisa Rose.
IN THIS EDITION
September Greetings from the Executive Director
It’s Fall ya’ll! Everyone at the ELC sends good vibes to the teachers, administrators, support staff, students and parents for a successful start to the school year. We are all trying to find our way forward safely in this new normal and we will figure it out, together! 

Here at your ELC we have lots of great offerings for our friends of all ages. We remain open seven days a week with most offerings available, all with safety protocols. From our guided canoe, kayak and pontoon trips, to our unique Lagoon Island Family Adventures, Nature Near You Kits, and Lagoon Academy, to our nature art exhibits and Master Naturalist classes, beach cleanup, National Estuaries Day virtual event and volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, there is some thing for everyone. 

We hope to see you soon and in the meantime remember to stay “calm, cool and connected!”
In Gratitude,

Barbara Schlitt Ford

Executive Director
WHAT'S GOING ON THIS SEPTEMBER:
Always something to do at the ELC
Our campus remains open 7 days a week. Get outside and explore the many things to do on our lagoon island campus. Visit our latest artist exhibit "An Outdoor Revolution" or measure up at "How wide is your wingspan?"
Come see our newest art exhibits
The artist series will be in full swing this September with "An Outdoor Revolution" in the Lagoon Room. In our Tidal Gallery "Nature in Pastels" by Lisa Rose will be available for viewing by appointment.
NEW Nature Near You Kits!
Nature Near You is a take-home STEM kit for ages 6-11.
 
Each kit comes fully equipped with supplies and instructions for 6 hands-on activities and links to exciting instructional videos. 

The Water kit is now available and the Creatures of the Night will be released in September; with perfect activities for weekend outdoor fun!
Florida Master Naturalist
Master Naturalist course are again being hosted by the ELC! This 100% online course will be lead by ELC Educators Sara Piotter and Amy Shea.

Course runs from September 14 - October 5, 2020.
National Estuaries Week
Join this FREE virtual event to celebrate National Estuaries Week! The ELC educators will be hosting one hour sessions for environmental science classes in IRC throughout the day.

At 4pm the event is open to the public to learn and share how we can be stewards of our Indian River Lagoon.
Beach Cleanup @ Golden Sands
Join our GreenTeen!s as they collect debris from Golden Sands beach as part of their NOAA Planet Stewards project. The trash will be used to create an artist display in the Discovery Station on campus.
Lagoon Academy Home School Program
Our homeschool program is back, starting September 8th with classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week to accommodate small groups of 9 students and 1 instructor. This month will focus on the world of 'Incredible Insects' and keep your student engaged outdoors. There are still spots open for the Wednesday class - sign up soon - our Tuesday and Thursday classes are SOLD OUT!
SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
Things to see at the ELC!
Red Mangrove
Zebra Longwing
SUPPORTING OUR MISSION
Donor Appreciation - Thank You David Cox!
The ELC could not continue to educate, inspire and empower our community without the generosity of our donors! This month we would like to highlight the hard work and dedication of David Cox, long time ELC donor and volunteer.
Become an ELC Sponsor!
The ELC offers different opportunities for businesses and individuals to gain recognition in our local community for their commitment to promoting environmental health and human wellbeing.  The ELC offers a variety of sponsorship levels from event sponsorship to naming opportunities.
TLC for the ELC
The ELC wants to be the keeper of your memories and we hope you will help us reshape a brighter future, as we revitalize and recover together. When you purchase a plank, you will be commemorating your celebrations while helping the ELC revitalize its infrastructure. The new plank technology uses recycled composite material, with a lifetime expectancy of 20+ years. Leave your mark today with a personalized plank!
Volunteer Corner
This new section is dedicated to our volunteers with upcoming opportunities and news for the month. We are looking for new volunteers especially for front desk greeter and landscape maintenance! Click the button to read more on our volunteer blog.
ELC NEWS
See what our families have to say!
As the weather cools down the ELC campus is the perfect destination for family adventures! Choose from a variety of activities led by an ELC educator with your own private tour. Read what our visiting families have to say:

"The ELC provides an absolutely excellent family / group adventure suitable for all ages. If you enjoy the great outdoors, do not hesitate to book an adventure with the ELC as you will not be disappointed. Professional and caring staff will guide you to enjoy new learning experiences and an all around wonderful time. They do a great job!"
Behind the Scenes at ELC

The ELC staff has been busy at work creating new and exciting exhibits to share with our community. Come visit the new "How Wide is Your Wingspan?" an exhibit that was designed by educator Heather Feather in collaboration with local artist Sandra Johnson. See how it was created in our behind the scenes look.
Accepting submissions!
The deadline for entry has been extended until November 15th. There is still time to show off your talent through this community event!
Private Pontoon Tours
An awesome small group activity. you can schedule a private trip anytime for up to eight guests for $300. Call the ELC and ask for Phil or Nancy to book.  
Guided Kayak or Canoe Tours
Go exploring on a Guided Kayak Tour! The private guided trips can be scheduled 7 days a week with advanced notice. The perfect way to get outside and learn something new.

Call 772-589-5050 and ask for Nancy.

Meet the Team - Sara Piotter
Sara grew up exploring green spaces around Indian River County, as she was raised right here in Vero Beach.  Sara’s relationship with the ELC goes back almost a decade. From 2006-2008 Sara helped teach our school programs as a part-time naturalist and returned as an educator in 2016. Let's hear more about her experience at ELC:

"It’s hard to pick out just a few reasons I love working at the ELC. My office is located outside most days, often wading waist-deep in the Indian River Lagoon. Of course working on this beautiful island, surrounded by nature is a real perk but, what I love most is that I get to help forge connections between people and nature. This summer I’ve been able to do so through guided pontoon trips to the Sebastian Inlet and Pelican Island, sharing my love and passion for our natural resources and the history of this area. I’ve also been busy leading our new Lagoon Island Family Adventure program. This program has been a hit and is personally very rewarding. I get to help families create memories and bonding time through fun, educational outdoor activities. What’s not to love?"
Our mission is to educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.
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