Matching Gift Challenge!
As the end of our fiscal year approaches, we want to tell you about an exciting opportunity to support the Environmental Learning Center. Generous donors have pledged to match all unrestricted donations made before the end of June, up to $75,000! These gifts will have an immediate impact as we make critical repairs to our teaching dock and campus boardwalks and fund this year’s educational programs.
Even if you have already given this year, please consider an additional stretch gift to help us reach the $300,000 goal before the end of June. To make your tax-deductible donation and double your impact, please click the button below or write "Match Appeal" on your check.
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Summer Camps begin June 3rd!
Register now for the best camping experience on the Treasure Coast! Our immersive hands-on, feet-wet camps offer canoe excursions, boat trips, STEAM activities, scavenger hunts, island exploration, seine netting, field trips, nature hikes, crafts, touch tank, and more! Campers will explore ecosystems, habitats, and how animals and plants uniquely adapt in order to thrive.
All camps are 5 days from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM with after care offered on select days. Camps are for children entering grades 1-8. For more information and to register, visit DiscoverELC.org/summercamps or call us at 772-589-5050.
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We have expanded our traditional school field trips to include everyone, ages 3-99! Everyone can now experience what a field trip to ELC is like. Bring your small or large group, class, neighborhood, book club, family reunion, etc. to the ELC for a few hours or an all day eco-adventure!
Contact Bookings@DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050 to start customizing your trip!
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Reflections of Nature
presented by Orchid Island Art Club
View paintings and photographs on exhibit until the end of May. All art is for sale with a portion of the proceeds donated to the ELC. Artists in the show are Diana Bickford, Muci Clemens, Cornelia Gundlach, Jackie Harding-Chernoff, Lou Lower, Nancy Ofstie, Ruth Martin, Reggie McCormack, Judy Stach, Ann Starkey, and Mary Stewart.
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Little Wonders for Toddlers
18 months to 4 years ~ FREE
Radical Reptiles
Choose a day and time
Thursday, May 16 or Saturday, May 18
9 am - 10 am or 11 am - 12 pm
Nature Story Time
Mud Kitchen
Interactive Sing-a-long
Learn more and register here
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Youth Environmental Leaders Corps (Y-ELC)
Grades 6-12 ~ FREE
May 12 from 2-4 PM ~ Electrodynamics & Electrostatics
May 19 from 2-4 PM ~ Seining at Sebastian Inlet State Park
Learn more and register here
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Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Series
Free for Members; $10 entrance for guests
"Enchanting Encounters with Marine Mammals" - Shanen Cox
Thursday, May 2 at noon
Join ELC Environmental Educator and Marine Biologist as she talks about her experiences working with and studying marine mammals. Learn more about dolphins, killer whales, harbor seals, and sea lions.
Sign up here
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Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Series
Free for Members; $10 entrance for guests
"Manatees" - Sharon Tyson
Thursday, May 29 at Noon
Join ELC Environmental Educator and retired US Fish & Wildlife agent as she talks about her experiences with the gentle sea cows.
Sign up here
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Upcoming Guided Kayak Excursions, 9 AM on
May 2, 8, 11, 15, 22, & 25
Experience the Indian River Lagoon from a different perspective. Paddle through hidden mangrove tunnels, search for wildlife, and let our trained guide give you an eco-experience you won't forget.
Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboard rentals are also available seven days a week!
Learn more and register here
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Volunteer Orientation
May 31
2-3 PM ~ General Training
3-4 PM ~ Touch Tank & Boat Guide Training
Share your time and knowledge as an ELC volunteer and join our caring network of nature enthusiasts! Learn about what we do and how you can make a difference with us. Call 772-589-5050 or Email Volunteer@DiscoverELC.org
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Wellness Activities
Walking Meditation ~ Fourth Sunday at 11:00 AM
Chair Yoga (seasonal) ~ Wednesdays at 1:30 PM
Yoga ~ Fridays at 1:00 PM
Learn more and register here
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It was a beautiful day at the City of Sebastian's Earth & Arbor Day Celebration at Riverview Park. Children had a chance to get hands-on experience using our Plankton Lab microscopes to get a closer look at organisms living in the Indian River Lagoon. Marc Spiess, ELC's Campus Manager, gave an informative talk on the importance of native plants. Congratulations to the City of Sebastian and its 100th Centennial Celebration! We were proud to participate in this outreach event showcasing all the organizations working together to protect the earth's natural resources for a healthier planet and people. | |
April was filled with engaging activities and events for the community! | |
Boys & Girls Club Field Trip | |
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Liberty Magnet PTA Fun Night | |
Community cocktail event at Vero Beach Hotel | |
Field Trip Squid Dissection | |
ELC grant from Indian River Community Foundation | |
Orchid Cove Welcome Cocktail Reception | |
Mural painted by Dania Grevengoed | |
Y-ELC teens visit Barrier Island Sanctuary | |
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Y-ELC Sea Turtle Presentation | |
TBLB Fitness Owners at Wild About Wellness event | |
Shirley Nichols, ELC Board Member at reception | |
Veronica Ory "Earth" Meditation Walk | | |
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Lagoon Academy Homeschool | |
Summer Volunteers Needed
Looking for a rewarding way to share your time and knowledge? Volunteer with the ELC and be part of our caring network of nature enthusiasts. Let us know if you are interested in Touch Tank, Pontoon Boat Guide, Summer Camps, Plant Care, Hospitality, and Outreach.
Fill Out A Volunteer Form
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Haunted Indian River County
with Larry Lawson
June 12 from 4-6 PM at
Environmental Learning Center
Paranormal investigation and book signing.
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In Memory of Douglas Moore Graybill
March 18, 1941 - April 2, 2024
Doug Graybill, 83, was a huge fan of ELC serving on the Board and volunteering for many years. He was a presence not just with his tall stature, but in always being around to lend a hand, take a picture, give advice, or even be Santa!
Throughout his life, Doug was fun loving, kind, and generous. He loved the outdoors, all animals, and the water. His thousands of pictures were reflective of this. He was a strong supporter of helping to save the lagoon, the Indian River Land Trust, the Environmental Learning Center as well as Quail Charities. He was an extraordinary husband, a devoted father, grandfather, and a loyal friend.
Donate in memory of Doug
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SUSTAINABLE LIVING CORNER | |
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Spring Cleaning/Decluttering
by Amy Zelt - Environmental and Sustainable Living Educator
Ahhh, Florida Spring. When the flowers are blooming in abundance, swallow-tail kites are soaring in the sky, and our windows are open to the still fairly cool weather.
This is the perfect opportunity to freshen up our spaces with spring cleaning. For those of us who haven’t already started, here are a few tips to motivate:
How do I begin?
Whether you only have a few minutes at a time during your day or hours on your hands, it is important to start small. Pick out just one space in your home that needs some attention. That could be one drawer, cabinet, closet, or even an entire room, if you are feeling the call to do so. Organizing a space can sometimes get a little messy during the process, so you want to be able to complete one task before moving on.
Everyone does these next steps differently, so I will share what works for me–let us know if you have another way that works for you! In the example of a drawer:
1) Take everything out.
2) Wipe out the drawer
3) Throw out any obvious trash or recycling items.
4) Sort the remaining items into piles: “Let Go, Maybe, and Keep”.
5) Only place the “Keep” items back into the drawer. Anything in the “Maybe” pile should go into a storage container with a note stating the date–If you haven’t needed the item or opened the container in over 6 months, it is time to move on to the next step.
Read more
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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
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We Appreciate ELC's Funding Partners! | |
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Follow Environmental Learning Center!
| 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.” | |
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Environmental Learning Center
255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963
DiscoverELC.org 772-589-5050
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