INDIAN RIVER BIRD & NATURE ART SHOW

10th Annual Indian River Bird & Nature Art Show
September 30 thru October 26, 2024

The Pelican Island Conservation Society is sponsoring the tenth annual Indian River Bird & Nature Art Show in conjunction with National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 13-19, 2024. The event is centered at the Environmental Learning Center in Wabasso, with other activities taking place “in the field.” Be sure to get out and visit the Pelican Island NWR, or your favorite refuge during NWR Week, or anytime!

The National Wildlife Refuge Association, in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week, produced Finding Refuge, a report that celebrates “… the National Wildlife Refuge System and the diversity of imperiled species that call it home, reveal critical threats to refuges and their wildlife, and look to the future of America's public lands network dedicated to our wildlife.”

This is a juried show and the artwork will be for sale, which supports the artists, PICS and the ELC - thank you for your support! The show is accessible during normal business hours at the ELC and their normal admission policy applies, with the exception of the Artists’ Reception Friday, October 11th, and Featured Presentation, TBA. For more information, visit the ELC website at www.discoverelc.org or call 772-589-5050.

Additional information about the show, as well as artwork submission rules and application, is available on the IR Bird & Nature Art Show Facebook page.

Event Schedule

Environmental Learning Center, 255 Live Oak Dr., Vero Beach, FL 32963

September 30 through October 26 - Art Show exhibit, during normal ELC business hours. Normal ELC admission policy applies, except for the Artists’ Reception and Featured Speaker events on October 11. For more information, visit the ELC at www.discoverelc.org or call 772-589-5050.

Additional activities and tours may be planned during the month of October as we celebrate the Pelican Island NWR and National Wildlife Refuge Week. Details will be posted on our Calendar as they become available. Some events require reservations, such as the always popular wine and cheese cruises to Pelican Island!

Friday, October 11, 4:30 to 6:30pm - Artists’ Reception. The reception and featured speaker events are free and all are welcome. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

National Wildlife Refuge Week

October 13-19, 2024 - The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the nation’s first Refuge, established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, will be celebrating the National Wildlife Refuge Week with extra volunteers onsite to provide information and answer questions. In addition, they will be available to assist those needing transport to reach some of the viewing areas along the trails. You may wish to check their Facebook page for possible updates and information, at www.facebook.com/PelicanIslandNWR.

Wednesday, October 16, 6:30pm - Featured Presentation - Ospreys of Pelican Island: An Exploration into the Life of the Fish Hawk. Bob Montanaro, a local photographer and videographer spent three years documenting a pair of Ospreys throughout their nesting season at the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. The presentation is free and everyone is welcome to attend this stunningly beautiful video of the life of Ospreys at the Pelican Island NWR.

Owl Hoot & Walk with Dee & David Simpson

Friday, October 25, 2024, 6:30-8pm - Join Dee and David Simpson for an evening walk to look and listen for owls and evening critters on the ELC campus, which is filled with native native plants and wildlife. David is one of the foremost birders in the state of Florida - visit their website to learn more. Reservations are required and space is limited. The cost is $30/person - please click the button below to reserve.

Pelican Island Wine and Cheese Cruises

Join us for a memorable cruise with some delectable treats, while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Indian River Lagoon and wildlife. We will arrive at Pelican Island as some of the birds begin to return for their evening roost. The cruise takes place on the Environmental Learning Center’s pontoon boat and we will be accompanied by one of their naturalists. Please arrive on time in order to check in with the ELC staff and use the facilities - there are no restrooms on board.

The cost for the cruise is $70/person and reservations are required. Please click the button below for the desired date to show availability. Refunds will be provided only if there is a cancelation due to weather, at the ELC captain’s discretion. There are NO refunds if you miss the boat!

Saturday, October 5, 2024, 5-7:15pm

Sunday, October 13, 2024, 4:45-7pm