INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Crustaceans were the focus of the day, but there wasn’t a crabby face in sight at the 16th annual EcoFest Celebration at the Environmental Learning Center. Organizers opted to go ahead with the open house extravaganza despite the weatherman’s dire forecast of rain and high winds, and the decision was spot on.
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect – bright sunshine, not a hint of humidity and just enough of a breeze to keep the mosquitoes away. Families arrived in droves for a free fun-filled afternoon with hands-on activities, educational exhibits, music by the River Rats Band and lots of great food.
At least 120 volunteers helped out with the event, which was chaired by Pat Casselberry, and were clearly enjoying themselves as much as the visitors. Members of the younger generation volunteered as well, with Environmental Ambassadors (grades 3 to 5) luring contestants with a game of Crustacean Bingo, and Junior Interpreters (grades 6 to 8) instructing on dip-netting in the pond.
“We sure did luck out,” said Heather Stapleton, ELC education coordinator. “This morning it was iffy. I think folks are realizing it’s turned into a great day to get out. We have more volunteers than ever before. They just do such a great job. Without them it wouldn’t happen; certainly not on this scale.”
Jackie Jurgensen, a fairly recent California transplant with a degree in Marine Biology, volunteers regularly at the ELC and was in charge of the education booths.
“I wanted to get into the nature community to learn about Florida wildlife and to network myself to find a job,” said Jurgensen. “Everybody at the ELC has been so nice.”
She was also quite impressed with some of the young up and coming ecologists saying, “These Environmental Ambassadors are so smart; they’re learning all about the environment.”
Every child was encouraged to bring out their inner artist, with various crustacean crafts including crab hats, fans and notecards, eco-crafts such as soda tab bracelets and bottle top art, and lots of other fun things. Green reusable shopping bags donated by Publix were being filled up quickly with goodies crafted by children on their afternoon adventure.
Earlier in the year, all elementary school aged children had been challenged to participate in the Making a Difference in My World contest, and winners were announced throughout the day. Judges must have had a particularly difficult time, as the entire Wetland Room overflowed with colorful crustacean creations.
“I think we had over 1,500 entries this year,” said new ELC board member Josie Lieberman.
Inside the always fascinating Discovery Station, volunteer Cynthia Callander was beckoning with a hermit crab replica.
“We’re crab ladies today,” she laughed, pointing to herself and friend Liz Bech. “What’s wrong with being a crab?”
Melissa and Joel Shine brought their two daughters and 3-1/2 year-old Lola was enthralled, darting from one exhibit to another, making sure not to miss a thing.
“She’s like in heaven here,” said Melissa Shine. “This is her first time; definitely not the last.”
Holly Dill, ELC executive director was all smiles as she said with relief, “The clouds blew away and in came the people.”