Imagine canoeing through mangrove tunnels or strolling boardwalks and trails with holiday music filling the air around you. All this and more will be on offer at the Environmental Learning Center’s fifth annual Winter Green Night Lights on Saturday, December 2, from 4 – 8 pm.
Make pine cone bird-feeders, Christmas tree ornaments, and other nature crafts. Hear live music from 5:00pm to 5:30pm by the Beachland Sharks, and Sebastian Elementary School from 5:30pm to 6:00pm, followed by the Sebastian River Middle School Madrigal Singers from 7:30pm to 8:00pm. Have fun and run an obstacle course while balancing a package on your head!
Visit the always-popular touch tank. Go on a fairy house hunt. Experience the Star Party presented at dusk by the Brevard Astronomical Society. Be astonished by the magic of the evening in the out-of-doors. And, of course, take a canoe quick-trip through the lighted mangrove tunnels. Children must be at least 6 years old to take part in the quick canoe trips, and everyone must wear closed-toe shoes.
Wild Thyme Catering will be on-hand to provide kid-friendly, delicious food for sale, so come and have supper al fresco.
Fee for admission is $5 for adults and children 12 and older, and $3 for children 2 – 11. Admission is free for ELC members and children under age 2. Free Admission with proof of financial need: SNAP, EBT or Medicaid Cards or Free/Reduced Lunch, or TANF letters.
A special delight this year will be Sunset Holiday Lights canoe trips the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings before the Wintergreen Night Lights event, November 29th and 30th, and December 1st, from 5pm to 6pm. It’s the only time of year that these sunset trips are offered. Children must be at least 8 years old to take part in these longer canoe trips, and all paddlers must wear closed-toe shoes. The charge for adults & children 12 & older is $15, and children ages 8 to 11 $7.50. ELC members get a 20% discount, so join today! Reservations can be made at discoverelc.org
Says Executive Director Molly Steinwald, “The holiday season is the perfect time to experience nature at its best. Come join us, and be inspired by all that the Indian River Lagoon has to offer.”
The Environmental Learning Center is located north of Vero Beach off County Road 510 at the end of the Wabasso Bridge. Its mission is to educate, inspire and empower all people, including those with minimal access to nature, to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being. The 64-acre campus includes exhibit areas, native plant gardens, picnic facilities and visitor center.
ELC membership benefits, a list of its many field excursions, EcoVentures, including nature walks, canoe excursions, and boating adventures can be found at www.DiscoverELC.org. The Environmental Learning Center is located at 255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963