Executive Director's Message


Dear ELC Friends,


It’s been an exciting June/July here at your Environmental Learning Center! We have served over 600 youth through our summer programs. While we won’t know for a decade or so how many of these youth have been inspired to go into environmental careers, we know from our 35 years of past experience that we have made a lasting impression on these developing minds and that they value their connection to this amazing, natural world around us more as a result of their experiences with the ELC.


And that is what we are all about! 


In service,


Barb

Barbara Schlitt Ford

Turtle-y Awesome

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 is being rebuilt using recycled, sustainable materials and we couldn't be more excited! 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. Please check in with the Welcome Center for the location to meet the boat. As of today, tours will be 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 
Sponsorship Information 

Book Your Next Event at the ELC

This is the perfect place for a holiday party!

Venue Rentals at the ELC - Weddings - Parties - Meetings

July Memories


Little Wonders - Word Collectors - Spoil Island Splash

Native Plant Society Meeting - Volunteer Orientation and Touch Tank Training

Join the Society Online 
Click here for a Printable Society Member Form

Summer Interns


In support of our mission to foster environmental stewardship in our youth, the ELC is currently working with 10 high school and college interns!


Here is a message from Lily Killpartrick.


Mangrove Tree Crabs

Summer Intern Project



Have you ever wondered if crabs could live anywhere other than the ocean or sandy beaches? Well, they can! Here in the mangrove forests of Florida and, all along the Atlantic coast of Central and South America lives the Mangrove Tree Crab (Aratus pisonii). These crabs are fully adapted to living in mangrove forests by using their shells to blend in and small black hairs on their legs to stick to the tree bark. Mangrove Tree Crabs rely on mangrove forests for their food and habitat while also helping out the trees by eating organic debris and recycling nutrients that help to improve the forest's health! So, if you ever find yourself exploring a mangrove forest, be sure to keep an eye out for these unique creatures. 

Sign up for August 
Read More on the Art Series 

The 16th Annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup was a big success! The ELC had over 20 volunteers and gathered more than 45 pounds of trash at Wabasso Causeway Park. Congratulations to the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast on the 16th year of this week-long project in Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin County.

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


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) 473 3410