INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Following a week of heavy rains, the sun came out just in time for a day of celebrating the Indian River Lagoon at the Environmental Learning Center. More than 70 people of all ages came to the ELC to celebrate Estuaries Day by planting mangrove propagules, taking canoe rides, dip-netting in the pond, and learning about dolphins.
In 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency designated the Indian River Lagoon as an “estuary of national significance,” recognizing the high biodiversity, as well as its ecological and recreation importance. Of course, this is no secret to locals or visitors who come here to kayak, paddle board, fish, and swim in this verdant estuary.
Visitors listened to a story, “The Wartville Wizard,” in the Wetland Room, and had amazing encounters with all kinds of sea life in the Center’s 145-gallon Touch Tank, not to mention a story walk around the compound.
ELC Education Director Heather Stapleton was pleased with the turnout and the weather.
“We have had a lot of locals, who have potted more than 450 mangrove propagules,” said Stapleton, who also praised the many volunteers who came out to assist visitors throughout the morning.
“The potted propagules will be planted on the spoil islands, along the sides that face the Intercoastal Waterway,” said volunteer Cat Mangold, who was in charge of the greenhouse.
“They stabilize the shoreline, provide habitat for the sea life, and protect the water from pollutants,” explained Mangold.
Volunteer Dave Brown, an extremely knowledgeable tour guide, shepherded visitors on the canoe rides through the mangrove forests, while explaining the differences between the different types of mangroves and pointing out little black crabs climbing on the trees.
The Schwartz family came out and enjoyed all of the activities, but the canoe ride was their favorite.
“I wanted to stay in the canoe,” said David Schwartz, 10. “We got thwacked by mangroves.”
“It was really fun. You go through mangroves and see like 30 crabs,” said his brother, Simon, 7.
Their sister, Sarah, 3,watched patiently while her brothers took two rides in the canoes. She listened carefully during the presentation on dolphins. When her dad asked her what made dolphins similar to people, she answered, “They’re both nice, and their babies drink milk.”
Steven Schwartz, their dad, said a good time was had by all.
“The kids enjoyed the touch tank and seeing the dolphin skulls,” said Schwartz, keeping an eye on Sarah, who was yearning to go in a canoe, but was too little this year.
The Environmental Learning Center is always looking for volunteers and is open with free admission on the first Saturday of every month. The ELC offers diverse programs throughout the year, and the gift shop is full of fun, educational toys, books, and trinkets.
For more information, check out the ELC website: www.discoverelc.org.
