Message from the Executive Director | |
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2024 was a truly wonderful year and we have such an amazing 2025 planned for you! Our wish is for you to have a happy, healthy, and connected new year.
We invite you to get involved in whatever way you can—whether as a member, donor, sponsor, program participant, volunteer, community ambassador, or visitor.
We have something for everyone from toddlers to teens to seniors. Enjoy our pontoon and paddle offerings, trails, aquariums, art exhibits, speakers or guided walks. Bring your family and friends!
Together, we will carry forward a message of wellness and hope for the natural world and ourselves.
Many thanks from the entire ELC team!
In Service,
Barb
Barbara Schlitt Ford
ELC Executive Director
Barb@DiscoverELC.org
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Lagoonapalooza
Saturday, January 25, 2025
10 AM - 6 PM
An exciting new twist to our Nature Fest (previously known as EcoFest then LagoonFest), now with live bands at our Event Pavilion and in a cooler month! Join us for this free event that features dozens of environmental partners with tons of hands-on activities, food, pontoon or canoe trips, visits to the aquarium and touch tank, dip netting in the pond, plus some of the areas best musical groups performing throughout the day.
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Art & Poetry Contest
Do you have an original poem, slogan, or artwork that shares your love of the Indian River Lagoon and encourages people to be good stewards of it?
Welcoming participants of all ages, from children to adults!
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Mangroves, Moonlight, & Mykonos!
Saturday, March 1, 2025
6 PM - 9 PM
Reserve your spot now for our annual fundraiser with a Mediterranean flair! Experience authentic cuisine, festive friends, open bar, and live entertainment in a beautiful setting that will transport your senses to Greece.
Tickets must be purchased by February 17th
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We’re planning TWO events this February, but we need to know if you’re interested!
Mangrove Magic
Valentine's by Moonlight
February 7: Family-Friendly Fun (All Ages)
February 14: A Romantic Evening for Ages 18+
5:30-8:30 PM
If you’d like to join us for either or both, please fill out our quick interest form.
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2025 WILD LAGOON SUMMER CAMP | | |
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Camp Registration is Now Open to ELC Members
- All camps are 5 days
- $295/week
- 9 AM – 3 PM
- 1st - 8th grade
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Camps begin June 2, 2025 (scholarships are available)
- Registration open to non-members starting February 1st
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INTERNSHIP & APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES | | |
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2025 Summer Internships Now Open!
Gain hands-on experience and grow your skills this summer!
Join Our New Ecology & Aquaria Academy
Exciting opportunities for apprenticeships now available—explore the world of ecology and aquatics with us!
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WILD LAGOON BOAT & PADDLE TOURS | |
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Award-Winning Pontoon Boat Cruises Boarding Daily!
~ Pelican Island Wildlife Refuge
~ Sunset Pelican Island Wildlife Refuge
~ Sebastian Inlet
~ St. Sebastian River (seasonal)
~ Spoil Island Splash (seasonal)
~ Private Chartered Tours Available!
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Guided Paddle Excursions
9-11 AM
January 4, 10, 17, 18, 24
February 1, 5, 7, 12, 19, 22, 26
Explore thriving ecosystems and diverse wildlife along the Indian River Lagoon.
Private guided tours are available with advance notice or you can go solo.
Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available to rent every day
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Wild Lagoon Field Trips
Did you know? We offer private, customizable ecological field trips for all ages! Request a field trip today for your school, group, team, class, staff, family, co-workers, and friends. Explore the Indian River Lagoon with our fun, immersive activities that will leave a lasting impression.
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HOSTING A PARTY OR EVENT? | | |
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Whether you’re hosting a conference, bridal shower, child’s birthday party, or wedding, we have the perfect space for your event.
With affordable options and a unique outdoor setting, we’d love to help you bring your celebration into nature!
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES | |
"Artistic Views of Nature" Presented by the Sebastian River Art Club on exhibit at ELC
Last Chance! Only on Display until 1/5/25
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Roger Hammer Native Wildflower Photography
On Exhibit January/February
Save the Date!
Artist Meet and Greet Luncheon
February 15th ~ 11 AM -1PM
This is your chance to meet an extraordinary individual whose life bridges art, adventure, and education. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Roger and be inspired by his remarkable work.
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Ethnobotany Walk
1/14 from 9-10:30 AM
Join our Native Plant Specialist, Marc Spiess, for a walking tour of the ELC showcasing the diverse use of native and introduced plants, from culinary delights to medicinal wonders.
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Little Wonders
(18 months-4 yrs old)
1/18 ~ Wonderful Wildflowers
2/15 ~ Feathered Friends
9-10 AM or 10:30 - 11:30 AM
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Y-ELC (Grades 6-12)
4-6 PM
1/8 ~ New Year Meeting/Celebration
1/15 ~ Private Egret Marsh Birding Tour
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Broadway Babies ~ Lion King
0-4 yrs old
1/11 from 9-10 AM
Featuring a Mommy and Me style musical theatre hosted at the ELC.
$15 per person
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ELC Volunteer Orientation
1/9 at 2 PM
Join our caring network of nature enthusiasts. So many fun opportunities (both indoor and outdoor) are available. Join us at the orientation or email volunteer@discoverelc.org.
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Guided Nature Walks
1/11 & 2/18
9:00-10:30 AM
~ 1/11: Ansin Riverfront Conservation Area
~ 2/18 Sebastian River Park
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Beginners' Bird Walk
1/21 & 2/18 from 8-9:30 AM
Join us every 3rd Tuesday to go on a morning birding walk!
- Learn identification techniques
- Best time of day for birding
- Start your bird life list
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Tai Chi ~ Mondays 8-9 AM
Chair Yoga ~ Wednesdays 1:30-2:30 PM
Yoga ~ Fridays 1-2 PM
Walking Meditation ~ 4th Sunday 11 AM
Modern life brings noise from all directions. Under all this clamor, nature is speaking to us. Set aside time to be quiet and listen.
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Eugenia Native Plant Society Meeting
January 16
5:30 PM Native Plant Auction
6:30 PM Presentation – Jones Pier: Native Plant Site Restoration (Upland and Wetland Habitats)
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Unplug + Play
Every Saturday
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
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Wild Wednesdays - Unstructured Play for Homeschoolers
Every Wednesday
1 - 3 PM
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Huge Thanks to Dyer Subaru for Sponsoring WinterGreen Night Lights | |
The View From the Canoe During WinterGreen Night Lights is Always Breathtaking | |
We are Very Thankful for Volunteers like Scott who Guide our Canoes at WinterGreen Night Lights | |
Public Guided Kayak Excursion | |
WinterGreen Night Lights Canoe Guides Get Ready | |
Guided Nature Walk at North Sebastian Conservation Area | |
Wild Lagoon Campers Check out Plankton | |
Wild Lagoon Campers Learn about Box Turtles | |
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ELC Staff Celebrate the Season with a Capt. Bob's Airboat Ride | |
Argyle Goes for His Daily Walk Around Campus | |
The Playscape is Magical at Night | |
Cornelia Maize Greets Guests at WGNL | |
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Y-ELC Teens
& Volunteers at WGNL
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ELC Ambassador, Nova Makes a Friend | |
Jan Helps the Kids Make Holiday Crafts | |
Our ELC Grab-and-Go has Been a Welcome Addition | |
Many S'mores Have Been Enjoyed by the Campfire this Month | |
Elise Represents ELC at the ChoZen Market | |
Wild Lagoon Campers Dip Net in the Pond | |
Marc Educates about Our Native Plants | |
The Nature Playscape Has Had a Lot of Use This Month | | |
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Species Spotlight - Did you know?
Sensitive Mimosa (Mimosa pudica) is an interactive plant that’s fun to grow and great for the environment.
Here are a few quick facts:
- Touchy Plant: Its leaves fold up when touched, a neat trick to scare off predators.
- Pollinator Magnet: Bees and butterflies love its pretty, pink flowers.
- Natural Shield: Its thorny stems and thick growth make it a great ground cover and herbivore deterrent.
- Useful Plant: People have used it in traditional medicine for cuts, skin issues, and upset stomachs.
Want to dive deeper into Florida’s wonders? Join us at an upcoming Ethnobotany Walk.
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Join or renew online, stop in and see us, or mail a check. | 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
$8 Seniors 65+
$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
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Did You Know?
We’re committed to making our programs accessible to everyone:
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Scholarships: Available for camps and programs based on financial need.
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Free Admission: Offered daily to individuals on public assistance.
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Everyone at Your Environmental Learning Center Wishes You an Incredible 2025! | |
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As we look forward to an exciting 2025, we’re inspired to continue making a positive impact—thanks to the support of donors like you.
If you missed the chance to give last month, each month offers a new opportunity to make a difference. Your generosity fuels educational programs, ecosystem restoration, and the inspiration of future environmental stewards.
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Thank you to our partners:
Vero Flash & Gould Cooksey Fennell
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Follow the Environmental Learning Center!
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Environmental Learning Center
255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963
DiscoverELC.org 772-589-5050
| 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.” | | | | |
