FALL HAPPENINGS AT YOUR ELC!

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

September Greetings to our ELC Friends! 


We’ve celebrated the sizzling success of summer and our 36th Anniversary and are moving into our exciting Fall lineup of youth and adult offerings. We are off and running with our student programs, fieldtrips, volunteer opportunities, eco-tours (canoe, kayak paddle board, plant walks, nature walks), art exhibits, lunch and learns, socials and wellness classes. 


So make a plan to come on out and take a walk on the wild lagoon-side to experience native Florida ecosystems with our immersive offerings. We are so grateful for your support! Continue reading Barb's message


Hope to see you soon, 

Barb 

Barbara Schlitt Ford

ELC Executive Director 

Barb@DiscoverELC.org

Dates to celebrate this month:


9/2 Labor Day (ELC closed)

9/4 National Wildlife Day (Go outdoors and enjoy!)

9/5 National Charity Day (Who is your favorite nonprofit? Could it be the ELC?)

9/8 Grandparent's Day (Free ELC admission for grandparents with their grandkids!)


ELC'S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 8/22/24

We were sure feeling the love at our 36th anniversary celebration! Huge heartfelt thanks to all who came out for the festivities. The campus was packed with ~150 of our year-round supporters. We will work hard to make sure the next 36+ years are even more successful. If you want to chat about how to be more involved, email barb@discoverelc.org.

Cheers to 36 years!

View Party Slideshow

SUPPORT ELC WHILE YOU FISH!

Please join us for our inaugural CPR for the IRL Inshore Fishing Tournament – a Catch, Photo, Release (CPR) Tournament supporting our environmental education and conservation efforts benefitting the health of your Indian River Lagoon (IRL).


Target Species: Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout

Location: Entire length of the IRL – Ponce Inlet to Jupiter Inlet, from shore or vessel


Fish all day, every day – or as much or as little as you want - all for a great cause, great swag, and a shot at cash prizes.


Heartbeat Celebration Awards Ceremony: 10/13 - 4:00 PM

Enjoy live music from the popular band Three O'Clock Storm, free beer and BBQ, plus more chances to win great raffle prizes, all at ELC's nature-immersed event pavilion!

Non-angler tickets include BBQ meal and drink passes, so bring your friends and let’s make it one to remember! ($40pp by 10/10, $45 thereafter).

Mandatory Captain's Meeting

9/13 at 6 PM

Mandatory Captain's Meeting

9/12 at 6 PM Online (Zoom)

Learn More and Register

If you are interested in sponsoring any of our upcoming events, please contact us at Give@DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050.

Species Spotlight - Did you know?


Lionfish (Pterois volitans), are predatory reef fish with 18 venomous spines. They eat native fish, which can reduce native populations and have negative effects on the overall reef habitat and health as they can eliminate species that serve important ecological roles such as fish that keep algae in check on the reefs. Lionfish also compete for food with native fish such as grouper and snapper.


The flesh of the lionfish is not poisonous or venomous and makes for great eating. (source: MyFWC.com)

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Pelican Island Conservation Society Indian River Bird and Nature Art Show on Exhibit 10/1 through 10/31


Artist Meet & Greet on 10/11 from 4:30-6:30. RSVP Here


Calling all artists! Artist applications are due by 9/20 to be included in the Art Show.


Learn More Here

On the Water Activities


  • Award-Winning Boat Eco-Tours
  • Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals
  • Guided Kayak Excursions


Explore thriving ecosystems and diverse wildlife along the Indian River Lagoon.


Discover Your Next Adventure Here

International Coastal Cleanup

Saturday, 9/21 from 9-11 AM


Join ELC's team at Golden Sands public beach access and help collect trash. In partnership with Ocean Conservancy and Coastal Connections. Even small actions can make a big difference! #SeaTheChange


Volunteer Here

ELC Volunteer Orientation

Thursday, 9/26 from 2-4 PM


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. Indoor and outdoor opportunities available.


Learn More Here

Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Haunted Indian River County

10/16 at Noon


In this month of Halloween and unexplained phenomenon, Larry Lawson will share more about the fascinating historical stories that take place right here in IRC, plus discuss theories behind these encounters and will show us the equipment his team uses to reveal these experiences. 


RSVP Here


'24-'25 Lunch & Learn Series Lineup Here

Ethnobotany Walks

10/25, 11/2, and 12/12

9-11 AM at the ELC


Join our Native Plant Specialist, Marc Spiess, for a walking tour showcasing the diverse use of native and introduced plants, from culinary delights to medicinal wonders.


Register Here

Guided Nature Walks 9-10:30 AM

11/23, 12/11, and 1/11


  • Sebastian Inlet State Park Hammock Trail
  • North Sebastian Conservation Area
  • Ansin Riverfront Conservation Area


Register Here

STUDENT PROGRAMS

  • Little Wonders (Families with 18 months - 4 year olds) Monthly
  • Lagoon Academy (Homeschool Ages 7-12) 4 week sessions
  • Y-ELC Environmental Leaders Corps (Grades 6-12) Twice/month



Immersive ecological education discovering the complex connections between us and the natural world.


Learn More Here

WELLNESS ACTIVITIES

  • Walking Meditation
  • Chair Yoga
  • Yoga


Modern life brings noise from all directions. Under all this clamor, nature is speaking to us. Let's set aside time to quiet and listen.


Learn More and Register

Monthly Happenings Printable

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

STEAM girl's art drawings

Boat trip to Spoil Island

Meeting Argyle the terrapin turtle

Team-building and Leadership

Boating BFF's

Environmental Leaders Coalition mtg. at ELC

ELC outreach at SDIRC THRIVE event

Field Trip to VB Art Museum

Archery practice

Sebastian Chamber's Business Breakfast at ELC

Happy Camper!

Field trip to Barrier Island Center

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Mangroves, Moonlight, & Mykonos!

Saturday, March 1, 2025

6:00-9:00 PM


Save the date for our annual fundraiser with a flair! Experience authentic cuisine, festive friends, and live entertainment that will transport your senses to Greece. Sponsorships available now.


Learn More Here

WinterGreen Night Lights

December 6, 7, 13, 2025

5:30-8:30 PM


A treasured community celebration with holiday lights, campfire and smores, crafts, entertainment, vendors and the popular Magical Mangrove Encounter, where we paddle guests by canoe through the illuminated mangrove tunnels at night. A truly unique and memorable experience. (For private group experiences - Bookings@DiscoverELC.org.)


Sponsor Event

Join ELC's Family!

Join or renew online, stop in and see us, or mail a check. 

Learn More

Boat Eco-Tours - Paddle Excursions & Rentals - Aquariums - Touch Tank - Immersive Programs - Wellness Activities - Camps - Customizable Field Trips - Art Galleries - Interpretive Trails - Outdoor Nature Playscapes - Shaded Picnic Areas - Atala Meditation Garden - Eco-Boutique - Signature Events - Indoor & Outdoor Venue Rentals - and More!

Admission is FREE for Members

$10 adults 12 and up

$5 children 2-11

Children under age 2 FREE


Open 7 Days a Week

Monday - Friday 8 AM-5 PM

Saturday and Sunday 8 AM-4 PM

 

FUNDING PARTNERS

We Appreciate ELC's Funding Partners!

Thank you to the Vero Flash for your partnership.

Donate to Support the ELC Mission 

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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 772-589-5050