INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) has earned national certification as a Nature Explore Classroom from Dimensions Educational Research Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation.
The ELC joins a growing network of organizations and institutions that have created effective nature-based outdoor learning environments for children. This network allows for idea-sharing, peer support and continuous development.
ELC naturalist Rosemary Badger said, “We call our Nature Explore Classroom ‘Imagination Station.’ One side is intentionally left ‘wild’ where exploration is encouraged. The other side is located next to the large picture window of our entry pavilion, where visitors can look out at children and families enjoying the area. It makes me smile when I hear laughter and singing coming from Imagination Station and from seeing that the area is loved by so many.”
“[The] Environmental Learning Center has shown tremendous leadership in growing the next generation of environmental stewards,” said Susie Wirth, nature explore outreach director. “Their commitment to providing research-based and nature-rich learning offers a wonderful example to educators throughout the country.”
The classrooms, which are being developed across the country, offer interactive elements such as musical instruments made of natural materials, garden or pathway areas and natural materials for building and creating art. Children who learn and grow in certified, Nature Explore Classrooms, enhance concentration, develop creativity and problem-solving, relieve stress and improve skills in many areas of development.
The mission of The Environmental Learning Center is to provide stimulating environmental education programs that instill an understanding of the natural world, enrich people’s lives, and inspire participants to be active stewards of the surrounding natural resources.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation is available at arborday.org.
The mission of the non-profit Dimensions Educational Research Foundation is to inspire children, families and educators to connect more deeply with the world around them by providing innovative, research-based programs and resources.
The Environmental Learning Center is located north of Vero Beach, off County Road 510 at the western end of the Wabasso Bridge. Its 64 acre campus includes exhibit areas, native plant gardens, picnic facilities, gift shop, and a visitor center. ELC membership benefits, a list of its many field excursions, Ecology Adventures, including nature walks, canoe excursions and other boating adventures may be found at www.DiscoverELC.org.
Admission to the ELC, a non-profit organization, is $5 per person; there is no charge for ECL members and children 12 and under. The first Saturday of every month is free-of-charge for all.
