INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Environmental Learning Center’s 64-acre campus on Wabasso Island will be alive with the sounds of music by the much loved River Rats band as well as the voices of children and adults alike on Sunday, March 2, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Go Native! is the theme of this year’s 18th annual EcoFest open house, a celebration of plants, animals and ecosystems unique to Florida. Admission to the event is free.
There will be plenty of hands-on exhibits, crafts and other activities that emphasize the plants and animals that lived or grew naturally in our area before the arrival of European explorers and settlers.
According to ELC Education Director Heather Stapleton, these “natives” are perfectly adapted to living in Florida’s ecosystems.
“Florida native plants require little maintenance and thrive here without damaging the surrounding environment,” she says. “And they provide habitat for our native animals.”
Live animals including snakes and birds will be on display, as well as tips on what to do for injured wildlife and how to protect endangered species.
Visitors can check out the Native American “Vero Thunder on the Beach PowWow;” create manatee fans, alligator magnets or bat napkin holders; learn how to tie knots; play environmental Bingo and EcoQuest. Or just unplug for the day and enjoy the surroundings.
Hot dogs and hamburgers, walking tacos, shaved ice, Cajun as well as barbecue specialties, popcorn, and beverages both hot and cold will be available for purchase at family-friendly prices.
All projects from the Making a Difference in My World elementary school contest will be on display in the Lagoon Room. Winners of the kindergarten through second grade categories will be announced at 1:30 p.m. on the main stage; winners in the third through fifth grade categories at 3 p.m.
ELC volunteers Patty and Walter Garrard are once again in charge of the contest.
EcoFest Sponsors include The Jean Thomas Lambert Foundation, John’s Island Real Estate Company, the George E. Warren Corporation and the Press Journal. The Vero Beach Power Squadron provides the hot dogs and hamburgers, grills them on the spot and donates the proceeds from their sale.
Co-chairs Pat Casselberry and Maureen Kane are aided by a volunteer committee made up of Jan Garrison, Linda Clerch, Angie Jones, Liz and Alan Northcott, Paige Visser, Janet Kerney, Betty Saunders, Kate Wold and Jean Taber. And some 180 additional volunteers will make it all happen on March 2.
Look for signs marking the free parking location at the southeast intersection of US 1 and CR510 behind the Wabasso Tackle Shop. Complimentary shuttle buses will run continuously from there to the ELC from 10:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. Please note this year’s one hour earlier start time.
For questions about EcoFest, visit www.DiscoverELC.org or call (772) 589-5050 ext. 114.
The Environmental Learning Center is located north of Vero Beach off County Road 510 at the end of the Wabasso Bridge. Its 64-acre campus includes exhibit areas, native plant gardens, picnic facilities, gift shop, 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.