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Visit the Environmental Learning Center and you will see a 64-acre campus that, because of You, has undergone a much-deserved Restoration. Our improvements include:
- New state-of-the-art Education & Event Pavilion and Oval
- Newly created lagoonside picnic and event area
- New signage
- Sustainability Interpretive Walk
- Two live osprey cams
- Replacement of three roofs
- Refurbished stairs and boardwalks, including engraved planks
- Replacement of three air conditioning units
- Discovery Station immersive eco-art experience
At the same time, the ELC has expanded its menu of events and educational programs for participants of all ages. Our ongoing work spanning nearly 35 years, serving nearly 20,000 people annually, provides an experience for guests to come connect and a destination to learn about restoring our natural world.
The surrounding community participates in the ELC’s expanded adult program for personal restoration by participating in our wellness offerings of Qigong, yoga, walking meditation and more because the actualization of a healthy environment and healthy humans are undeniably interconnected. We created our Eco-Action Society, an ongoing adult community committed to learning about how to protect and restore our natural world. Our visibility in the community has grown, expanding our mission beyond the ELC campus.
The ELC’s bridges into the community are vast, partnering with businesses, nonprofits and other environmental organizations and service clubs. We are excited to announce the upcoming addition of a Seagrass educational exhibit and nursery in partnership with the Indian River Lagoon Council and Sea and Shoreline. We are continuing our lagoon water quality testing partnerships with Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Marine Resources Council. We created and have facilitated for the past two years the IRC Environmental Leaders Coalition with over 30 participating agencies and organizations - because collaboration is key to making real progress protecting and restoring the health of our natural world, and in the process our own health and well-being.
The ELC’s school district programs, camps, homeschool Lagoon Academy and our Little Wonders nature playgroups for preschoolers are thriving. Teens enjoy participating in our new Youth Environmental Leaders Corps (Y-ELC).
None of these accomplishments could be possible without YOU. Your support means the world. Literally.
We have carefully managed revenue to cover expenses and are in a sound financial position, but now our work is more important than ever. Our natural resources are stressed to a dangerous degree. We have reached a tipping point and the time to act is NOW! People need a place to be restored and a place to learn about our natural world. Together we must rewrite the future story of our relationship with all life on our planet. Each of us must be the spark that ignites the flame of Restoration.
Donate now to one or more of these areas listed below to help us in our mission “to educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and our own well-being.”
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Unrestricted Fund: Makes it possible for the ELC to connect people with nature every day.
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Maggy Bowman Scholarship Fund: Provides the ELC campus programs, camps and membership scholarships to participants with low incomes.
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Community Outreach Fund: Provides the bridge for ELC staff and volunteers to go out into the community, providing programs such as after school programs, preschools and senior centers, many of which engage participants from diverse backgrounds.
“The Time Is Now!” Your donation will support the ELC’s goal of being a significant driving force for improved quality of life in Indian River County.
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