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ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER | NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER | NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

November at the Environmental Learning Center


 

Barb's Monthly Message


As the weather cools and November arrives, I find myself looking forward to the simple joys of the season: Thanksgiving, family connections, and quiet moments of reflection. Beyond the welcome shift in the weather, this season reminds us all to slow down, gather with loved ones, and give thanks for our shared blessings.


It is a privilege to lead this dynamic organization and provide daily moments of restoration, inspiration, and connection for our community. Looking at our latest schedule, we have a full lineup of fun and meaningful opportunities ahead for all ages. Whether through our youth discovery programs, adult workshops, daily guided eco-tours, or community festivals, our goal is to help you step outside, recharge, and reconnect with nature and one another.


If you are seeking a special setting to host visiting family or hold a holiday gathering, our serene sanctuary and magical grounds offer a memorable backdrop for any occasion.


We are deeply thankful for your continued support and presence in our community. It powers everything we do and is truly one of the greatest gifts our center receives. Wishing you a season full of abundant blessings, and we hope to welcome you to the ELC very soon.


With gratitude,


Barbara Schlitt Ford

Executive Director

Introducing Nature Encounters, a new daily lineup of guided experiences at ELC! With diverse and complementary activities scheduled from 9 AM to 4 PM, every visit offers more ways to explore, ask questions, and get closer to nature. From butterfly gardens and pond discoveries to aquarium feedings, our guides bring the campus to life.


Explore the daily schedule

Trade a day indoors for boat rides, canoeing in mangroves, wildlife discoveries, and hands-on outdoor fun at the Environmental Learning Center. Wild Lagoon Holiday Camp invites kids ages 6–14 to get outside and explore the Indian River Lagoon over their school break.


Learn More & Register

Featured Events

November 6 | Finding Nemo

November 7 | Moana

Activities at 5 PM. Movies at sunset.


Learn More & RSVP Here

FREE to attend Speaker Events

November 5 | Land to Sea

Natalie Stephens, Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA)


November 21 | The Secret Life of a Place

Darryl J. Benjamin, Writer and Instructor


November 28 | "Melby the Manatee"
Sara Russo, Author


Learn More & RSVP Here

November 11 | Artist Meet & Greet - Free

November 21 | Artist Talks & Demonstration - Free
December 16 | Holiday Arty Party - Free


Learn More & RSVP Here

Meet Stella, ELC’s ambassador, and click to read her special message.

As a non-profit that receives no county, state, or federal funding, the ELC relies on community donations in order to operate year round.

Please Donate Now

Activities for Youth

Little Wonders - Ages 2-5

November 7 & 21 - Mangrove Mysteries

December 5 & 19 - Hibernating Homies


Wild Lagoon Holiday Camp - Ages 6-14

November 23 & 24

December 21 & 22


Outdoor Explorers - Ages 6-9

November 14 & 28 - H2Woah


Outdoor Wild Living Skills (OWLS) - Ages 10-14

November 14 - Paddle Adventure

December 19 - Animal Tracks & Solar Oven


Lagoon Girls STEM Lab - 6th-8th Grade

November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Veterinary & Health Services

December 6, 13, 20 - Agriculture & Aquaculture

Activities for Families

November

6 - Outdoor Movie Night - Finding Nemo

7 - Outdoor Movie Night - Moana

7 - Cook & Connect: Campfire Cooking

21 - Family Paddle Pro Class

28 - Family Fishing Day


December
10 - WinterGreen Night Lights - ELC Members Only (Free)

11 - WinterGreen Night Lights

12 - WinterGreen Night Lights

12 - Cook & Connect: Holiday Cookie Decorating

Activities for Adults

November

5 - Currents & Connections: Land to Sea

11 - Artist Meet & Greet

12 - Bird Walk -Members receive 20% off

14 - Nourish & Flourish-Fruit Carving

14 - Volunteer Orientation

18 - Guided Nature Walk: Ansin Riverfront Conservation

21 - Currents & Connections: Secret Life of a Place

21 - Artist Talks & Demonstration

22 - Water, Wonder, & Wellness: Blue Mind Boat Tour

28 - Currents & Connections: "Melby the Manatee"


December

8 - Sunset Kayak Tour
15 - 
Sunset Kayak Tour
16 -
Guided Nature Walk

16 - Holiday Arty Party

17 - Bird Walk
22 - Full Moon Sunset Kayak Tour
27 - Artist Talk: Suzy Mellott “Alphabet Zoo”
29 - Sunset Kayak Tour



Guided Kayak Excursions

November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28

December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 26


Art Exhibit on View

Reflections: Past, Present, & Future - Palm House Gallery


Wellness Activities

Pilates - Monday & Wednesday

Chair Yoga - Tuesday
Yoga
- Friday

Tai Chi - Thursday (Starting 11/12)

Sound Bowl - Every 3rd Sunday

Walking Meditation - Every 4th Sunday

November/December Printable Event Calendar

Explore the Indian River Lagoon

Set Sail on Our New Big Boat!

Our new boat accommodates up to 49 guests, making it the perfect option for field trips, weddings, celebrations, family and friend outings, business team-building, HOA groups, and more! For more information, email info@discoverelc.org


Award-Winning Pontoon Eco-Tours

Morning, afternoon, or sunset tours available.


Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboard Rentals

Paddle through scenic waterways and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Indian River Lagoon. Add a private guide any day of the week!


Water, Wonder, & Wellness Boat Tour

Join marine scientist and explorer Paola Espitia for a two-hour guided pontoon cruise through the IRL inspired by the book Blue Mind.

Members Only WinterGreen Night Lights - December 10, 5:30-8:30 PM (Free for members)

Join or Renew Your Membership Here

Support our Mission

What are some business sponsorship opportunities?

We have unique ways to get your message in front of 40,000 potential customers.

Give a Gift that Lasts

Support nature education for generations to come. Explore year-end giving options, including a gift from your IRA.

See What Your Support Makes Possible

Explore our 2025–2026 Annual Report for a look at the programs, people, and progress you help make possible at ELC.

Read Our Annual Report

Species Spotlight

Click on the names below and discover fun facts about the different species you can spot on our campus!



Get Involved

Volunteer Spotlight

This month, we’re happy to shine the spotlight on Rosanne Dlugosz, one of the friendly faces welcoming visitors to the ELC ! Read More


Volunteer Orientation

Join us on November 14 to learn more about how you can get involved, support our programs, and make a difference at the ELC.

October Highlights

October was full of discovery at ELC, with field trip season in full swing, STEM Girls exploring new ideas, and Little Wonders and Outdoor Explorers getting hands-on with nature.

Save the Date

 

THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL IMPACT PARTNERS

 
 

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDING PARTNERS

Thank you to our partners:

Vero Flash & Gould Cooksey Fennell

Donate to Support the ELC Mission 

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Environmental Learning Center

255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963

DiscoverELC.org 772-589-5050 


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