EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Greetings ELC Friends, 


February has arrived and so I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you a few of the many things we love about the ELC!


Click here to read Barb's full message.


There is a way for everyone to be a part of our important work, so please reach out to see how your interests align with our mission so we can include you as a member of our ELC tribe.


In gratitude,

Barb

Barbara Schlitt Ford

Executive Director of your ELC

Barb@DiscoverELC.org 

772-589-5050

Attention: ELC will be CLOSED Saturday, February 3 to prepare for Mangroves, Moonlight & Mambo.

ELC HIGHLIGHTS

Pontoon Boat Dock

Ribbon Cutting


Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the completion of the new Pontoon Boat Dock on Thursday, January 18 at the ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. Honored guests included donors Ray and Susan Malamet, Hal and Brenda Reiter, Florida Inland Navigation District, Sandra Holmes from the Johns Island Community Foundation, and dignitaries from Indian River County. After the ribbon cutting, everyone enjoyed touring the dock and networking in our Lagoon-side Picnic Area.

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Speaker Panel


ELC was recently the host site of the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust speaker panel with a focus on their campaign “Win Back Our Water,” highlighting three key issues that have been identified as harming Florida’s water quality: failing and/or outdated wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, pharmaceutical contaminants, and glyphosate pollution that can result from the use of herbicides. The answer lies in being informed and being unified working toward the solutions. Win Back our Water. It’s essential to life.

ELC Voted "Best Tourist Attraction"

by readers of Indian River Magazine

We are so appreciative for the guests and readers of Indian River Magazine who voted for ELC as the best tourist attraction of the

Treasure Coast!

ELC HAPPENINGS

Dip-netting in the pond

Feeling Free!

Boat Tour to Pelican Island

Squid Dissection

Venue Rental Party

What did we find?

Air plants love it here!

Yoga with Annie

Seeing seahorses!

Native Plant Walk with Marc

Wow! Check out the wonderful email we received from a group who recently participated in a Native Plant Walk with Marc!


My fellow Smith College classmates were blown away by Marc's wonderful presentation at ELC last week. They couldn't stop talking about it. Marc, you have such an amazing depth of knowledge about our environment and you are able to communicate it clearly and easily so we could all understand. And, you have a super sense of humor!! We all felt we learned so much. So, thank you, thank you, thank you from all of us at the Smith College Club of the Treasure Coast. We appreciate all that you did for us very much. 

FUNDRAISING EVENT

ELC is taking your senses to Cuba for

Mangroves, Moonlight, & Mambo!

Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 6-9 PM


This is our signature fundraiser and is how our education programs are made possible. Ticket sales have ended but you may still participate in our 50/50 raffle which also helps support our programs. You do not need to be present to win and no purchase is necessary. 


If you are joining us, you'll get to experience a tropical evening for your senses. Hear the live music, feel the rhythm, and taste the flavors of Cuba! Get silly with our themed photo booth, bid on exclusive silent auction items, enjoy an upscale Cuban dinner menu, and dance the mambo while supporting your favorite organization!


Don't forget your raffle tickets! 

Click for 50/50 Tickets 

Thank You to all our Corporate Sponsors, In-Kind Sponsors and VIP Table Sponsors! We appreciate every single one of you and look forward to an amazing evening!

ART EXHIBITS

Join us on February 7, 2024 at 3pm for "Conversation with the Artists". Those who are exhibiting work at the current Viva FOCA! Art Show will have the opportunity to talk for a few minutes about their art. All are welcome to attend. No registration is necessary.

RSVP Artist Meet & Greet 

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Contact Bookings@DiscoverELC.org for Field Trip Proposals

Little Wonders Ages 18 Months to 4 Years Old

Little Wonders Registration

Lagoon Academy Ages 7-12

Lagoon Academy Registration and Information 

Y-ELC Ages 13-18

Y-ELC Registration

ADULT PROGRAMS

Paddle Reservations
Wellness Activities

UPCOMING EVENTS

Indian Riverkeeper Rain Barrel Sale

March 2, 2024 10AM to 4PM


Save Water, Save Money, Grow Great Gardens!


Indian Riverkeeper is sponsoring an event offering quality, heavy-duty rain barrels at a bulk discount price. Purchase online for pickup or delivery. All net proceeds are used to promote rain barrels and programs to help protect the health of the Indian River Lagoon. Helping homeowners grow healthier gardens, reduce stormwater runoff, and conserve water.


The pickup event is here at the Environmental Learning Center on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with home deliveries commencing after the event and continuing daily until completed. Click here for more information.

Paddle Florida Trip

February 11-17

There are a few spots left!


Paddle Florida has their Mangroves, Manatees, and More trip this month. Join them to explore the spoil islands and learn about the Indian River Lagoon. See the full itinerary, including activities and camping at ELC, here on the Paddle Florida Website.

Air, Fire, & Earth Registration

Environmental Learning Center is pleased to be the host venue for the Above and Beyond Events Wedding ExpoTreasure Coast Nature and Nuptials will showcase the ELC where the wonders of nature intertwine with the magic of matrimony. Picture a gathering of exceptional wedding vendors, all coming together in perfect harmony to celebrate the union of love and the splendor of the great outdoors. This event aims to inspire couples seeking to exchange vows in the embrace of Mother Nature's exquisite beauty of ELC.

SAVE THE DATE! Next Brown Bag Lunch is March 27th "History of Life Along the Lagoon"

Printable Summary of Events

LOOKING AHEAD

Registration now open for Envirothon!

on Wednesday, March 6 at 8 AM at ELC


Envirothon is an environmental and natural resource education program and competition that encourages students to learn about aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and current environmental issues.


Envirothon incorporates STEM principles, hands-on learning, and field experiences, where students can learn from natural resource professionals and apply knowledge and skills.

 

The Indian River Lagoon Envirothon regional competition will take place Wednesday, March 6th beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Environmental Learning Center (255 Live Oak Drive) in Vero Beach. However, demand is high and space is limited. Teams must register by Wednesday, February 14th. 

 

The Indian River Lagoon Envirothon includes middle and high school teams from Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties. Winning teams will compete in

the statewide Florida Envirothon competition (in April), and winning teams from the state competitions will compete in the National Envirothon competition (in July). 

 

Envirothon is the largest environmental competition in North America, involving over 500,000 high school students each year. The international competition hosts over 600 students, advisors, volunteers, and parents from the U.S. and nine Canadian provinces.

 

Envirothon teams can be established through public, private, and charter middle and high schools, youth clubs, and community groups. Learn more and register here.

Tickets and Full Schedule 

ATTENTION! Summer Camp registration opens Feb. 9th for ELC Members then opens to the general public on March 1st.

Space is limited. Click here to learn more about the 2024 Lagoon Island Adventures Summer Camps.

Become a Member!

ELC is hiring! Click here to view the job openings at ELC.

Volunteer with ELC!

Did you know? ELC Gift Certificates are available in any amount and can be used for purchases in the gift shop, gifts of memberships, boat eco-tours, education programs, workshops, wellness activities, etc.

Admission is FREE for Members

$10 adults 12 and up

$5 children 2-11

Children under age 2 FREE


Business Hours

Monday - Friday 8 AM-5 PM

Saturday and Sunday 8 AM-4 PM

Private Guided Pontoon Trips-Private Guided Kayak Trips

Plant and Bird Walks-Birthday Parties-Retreats-Corporate Meetings


Check out the video below to see all the wonderful ways our campus is utilized! Email info@DiscoverELC.org for more information

on group bookings and venue rentals.

Venue Rentals at the ELC - Weddings - Parties - Meetings

We Appreciate ELC's Funding Partners


Donate to Support the ELC Mission 

Follow Environmental Learning Center!


Facebook  Instagram  YouTube

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

DiscoverELC.org I 772-589-5050