INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Experience the magic of mangroves and water after dark at The Environmental Learning Center’s (ELC) annual celebration of Lagoon Night Lights from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Once again it is loaded with activities for all ages. Visitors may paddle a canoe through the mangrove trails dripping with twinkling holiday lights. Children can create and take home a holiday ornament made from recycled materials, and give back to our fine feathered friends by making a pine cone bird feeder. Visitors won’t want to miss the stunning illumination of the native plant garden.
The Discovery Station-Interactive Museum filled with environmental exhibits, aquariums, and Touch Tank, will be open, as well as the gift shop, stocked with perfect nature based holiday gifts. Sales proceeds support the many education programs for children and people of all ages.
Local music groups and school choral groups will perform holiday music around the ELC campus. Mother Nature will be on hand to embrace families with special photo opportunities that can be turned into family keepsakes.
Lagoon Night Lights admission is $5 for adults and children 13 and up. Children 12 and under and ELC members receive free admission. Parking is free.
The ELC is offering a special holiday extra to enjoy the Night Lights during the following week. On Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28, the ELC will be open until 7 p.m. with a 1-hour sunset/moonrise canoe trip from 5 to 6 p.m. Canoe trips are for ages 6 and up and reservations are necessary. The cost for these canoe trips is $12/member or $15/non-member for adults and $4/member or $7/ non-member for children. To register for these special canoe trips call (772) 589-5050 ext. 114 or email Reservations@DiscoverELC.org. A minimum of 24 hours cancellation notice is required to receive a refund.
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 with 1.5 miles of boardwalks and walking trails includes exhibit areas, native plant gardens, picnic facilities, gift shop, and visitor center.
ELC membership benefits, a list of its many ecology adventures about the Indian River Lagoon including nature walks, canoe excursions, and boating adventures can be found at www.DiscoverELC.org.
Admission is $5 per person, children 12 and under free, and ELC members receive free admission year-round. The first Saturday of every month is free to all. The ELC is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
