Donna Vocelle and Ginger Kreigh [Photo: Kaila Jones]

The Environmental Learning Center, a magical place at any time, is especially enchanting during the annual Wintergreen Night Lights Celebration, when visitors can take advantage of incredibly special canoe trips through mangrove tunnels lit with thousands of twinkling lights, before warming up by a roaring bonfire.

To limit participation during the pandemic, reservations and a $10 contribution for the 20-minute rides are required. Optional $5 s’mores packets in reusable silicone bags are available, but otherwise, the event is free and offers plenty of activities for all ages.

“We have our Touch Tank and Discovery Station open, and we also have two different art galleries,” said Kat Redner, ELC donor and marketing manager, referencing the nature photography exhibits by Lou Lower and Scott Kelly, and paintings from Tony Rosa’s American Pickers series. And a scavenger hunt had little ones excitedly discovering twinkling fairy houses hidden amongst the bushes.

“It’s just a terrific place,” said Don Barr, ELC board chairman. “It’s a way to get in touch with the outdoors and nature. We have a lot of programs going on and things that we haven’t done in the past. We’re hoping for a lot of families because we’re trying to attract adults as well as children.”

“It was a great holiday experience and a fun way to see the mangroves and get a little bit of Florida,” said Andrea Merritt, a recent New Jersey transplant, after a canoe ride with her husband and friends. “It really puts you in the spirit. The weather was perfect, and the lights are beautiful.”

Barbara Schlitt Ford, ELC executive director, said that they limited the canoe trips this year to keep everyone safely distanced, noting that there used to be long lines of visitors waiting their turn.

“With reservations, they don’t have to wait, they can distance, and people mask when they’re out there or indoors or within 6 feet. I think everyone feels really safe being outdoors, and the mangrove tunnel tours are just always such a magical experience,” said Schlitt Ford. “It’s just very calm and peaceful; I love it here. I love our campus at night, and the stars are amazing.”

Last Thursday was also the start of Hanukkah, the Jewish faith’s Festival of Lights. Before lighting a commemorative menorah, Rabbi Michael Birnholz of Temple Beth Shalom explained that the tradition celebrates the end of a war and rededication of a sacred temple 2,000 years ago.

Birnholz noted that the menorah increases the light during winter’s darkest days, adding: “It reminds us in the darkest time to find ways of bringing light into the world.”

Wintergreen Nights continues Dec. 17, 18 and 19 and, although the ELC isn’t generally open at night, a few canoe-trip-only nights might be added. Private group trips are also available.

For more information, visit discoverelc.org.