WABASSO ISLAND — The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) today released its new program guide for the 2009-10 season. The colorful catalog provides lots of information about this important county resource and its educational and entertaining programs. Events beginning later this month and extending into May of next year comprise programs for young children, for older kids and families and for adults. Included are naturalist-led land excursions and lagoon exploration by pontoon boat, canoe and kayak. A six-part lecture series, some held at the ELC and some at the Indian River Shores Community Center, will feature a conservation photographer, an archeologist, an ecological journalist as well as naturalist researchers and an artist.Green Living Workshops are Saturday hands-on sessions ranging from Organic Wine Tasting to creating “mushroom logs” for gardening in shaded areas. A special two-evening event in March will be co-sponsored by the ELC and the Lifetime Learning Institute of Indian River State College. Part one will be a presentation, at the ELC, by local farmers, ranchers, harvesters and artisans on what is grown locally; and in part two, at the Richardson Center of the IRSC, the Culinary Center of the Treasure Coast will demonstrate how these locally grown products can make delicious meals. Attendees will be the tasters.The new guides can be picked up in the Nature Nook, the ELC gift shop, or by calling (772) 589-5050. Most programs carry a modest fee, and reservations should be made by calling that same numberThe Environmental Learning Center is located north of Vero Beach off County Road 510 at the western edge of the Wabasso Bridge. Its 64-acre island campus includes exhibit areas, native plant gardens, picnic facilities, gift shop and visitor center. A list of its many field excursions including hikes, boat excursions, nature walks and bird watching can be found at www.DiscoverELC.org.
