Executive Director's Message


Dear ELC Friends, 


I hope that you had a chance to slow down a bit this summer and take in this beautiful natural world that so deeply nourishes us at our core. 


We will be closed on Labor Day so staff can spend time with their families. The ELC is open every day of the year, except for six holidays.

I hope you are enjoying that beautiful Blue/Super moon!


Come and visit soon. 


In service and gratitude,

Barb

Barbara Schlitt Ford

Click to Read Barb's Full Message
Click Here for a Printable Summary of Upcoming Events 
Donate Now and Support ELC's Mission

The ELC boat dock rebuild is happening and the project is progressing daily. By the end of 2023, the new dock will provide a more attractive, safe, and efficient facility to support the educational and environmental mission of the ELC. Special thanks to Ray and Susan Malamet, Hal and Brenda Reiter, Florida Inland Navigation District, John's Island Foundation, and everyone who contributed to the project. Over 4,000 guests launch from the dock annually to enjoy our award-winning educational Pontoon Boat Eco-Tours. In addition, for over 30 years this dock has been a community location for fishing and wildlife viewing. Now is your chance to support our mission to educate, inspire, and empower environmental stewardship and show everyone how much you love the ELC! Purchase a commemorative dock post for $2500 and receive a plaque attached to one of the rebuilt recycled posts.  

Dock Post Donation 

The ELC will continue to run Pontoon Boat Eco-Tours during construction. Tours are boarding at Jones Pier Conservation Area - 7770 Jungle Trail Vero Beach, just 10 minutes from the ELC.

Save the Dates

Sponsor or Book a Table 

General Admission tickets for WinterGreen Night Lights and Mangroves, Moonlight, and Mambo will be available in October and November.

ELC Members will have early access!

Sponsorship Information 

Book Your Next Event at the ELC

This is the perfect place for a wedding, holiday party,

client dinner or strategic planning session.

Venue Rentals at the ELC - Weddings - Parties - Meetings

Summer 2023 will certainly go down in the books as memorable. Alongside ELC’s Education team, our team of nine interns made a ton of memories! We had some challenges with excessive heat warnings, intense humidity, and biting insects, but the laughter, learning, and memories made up for it.

 

A total of nine interns spent Summer 2023 at ELC; seven high school interns funded through the generous support of the United Way of Indian River County, one college student funded through Quail Valley Charities, and one student earning college credits gained valuable career skills and experience working alongside ELC’s staff.

 

Throughout the summer, the interns not only expanded their knowledge of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem but also deepened their connection to this beautiful and diverse estuary. By leading camp activities, working in the aquarium, interacting with guests, and creating educational materials, these young adults discovered the important role environmental education plays in conservation and community happiness. We’re so proud of these young adults and thrilled to know regardless of career path, they’ll continue to be lifelong environmental stewards.  

New Class Begins Thursday, September 7th for Ages 5 & 6

Sign Up for Nature Explorers 
Donate to Scholarships 
Join the Society Online 
Click here for a Printable Society Member Form
Sign up for September and October    
Read More on the Art Series 

Volunteer Training is Tuesday, September 19th.

Join ELC staff and volunteers to participate in International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 16th. Coastal Connections and KIRB (Keep Indian River Beautiful) are organizers in Indian River County and the ELC is leading the cleanup efforts at Golden Sands Beach. For over 35 years, the Ocean Conservancy has united individuals, municipalities and community groups worldwide in the challenge to clean up the beaches and waterways on International Cleanup Day. Sign up with us and be a part of this initiative to save the Indian River Lagoon.

Sign up to Volunteer for the Cleanup 
Sign up for Teen Lagoon Academy
Sign Up for Tuesday
Sign Up for Wednesday 

Admission FREE for ELC members

$10 for adults 12 and up

$5 for children 2-11

Free for children under age 2


Open 7 days a week:

Monday - Friday 8 AM-5 PM

Saturday & Sunday 8 AM-4 PM

We Appreciate ELC's Funding Partners


Check out our amazing team on the ELC wesbite. 
Visit the ELC Website for More Information 

Follow ELC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”

Environmental Learning Center

255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963

Call (772) 589-5050