More than 3,000 environmentally-minded residents flocked to the Environmental Learning Center to discover their wild side two Sundays ago at the 21st annual EcoFest. Once there they learned that on any given day visitors can discover native flora and fauna at the 64-acre natural lagoon island preserve, where spotting an osprey, gopher turtle or dolphin isn’t uncommon.
“The EcoFest is a great time to showcase what our organization does for the community,” said Heather Stapleton, ELC education director. “It’s an opportunity for us to talk about the importance of the Indian River Lagoon, environmental education and nature.”
Paige Visser, an ELC volunteer and mother of three, said she was drawn to the ELC as a way to educate her children about the environment.
“Every time I come here, even today 10 years later, I learn something new,” said Visser. “The EcoFest is a popular event because you can touch everything. That’s the thing about the ELC. There are really no rules.”
In addition to the usual Discovery Station Interactive Museum and Touch Tank, children enjoyed riding in canoes and dip-netting in the pond, and participated in eco-arts and crafts, built forts, took a virtual dolphin tour, lobbed seed bombs and made smile clouds.
There was plenty to intrigue adults, too, with workshops such as nature photography, container gardening, an introduction to birding and nature journaling. Families could also watch plein air artists capture the beauty of their surroundings on canvas and listened to the music of the River Rats and the Vero Beach Pipes and Drums.
“This is my first time trying to build a teepee, and I’m glad I don’t have to live in one,” said Adrian Perez, 12, who liked the fort building station. “Everyone is learning about nature today, so they can learn how to make a healthy environment.”
Student artwork in the Making a Difference in MY World school contest, Chalk Art and Fairchild Challenge was on display in all its colorful glory, showcasing the children’s understanding of the human-nature connection through art, science and the written word.
“The goal for this year’s EcoFest was to have people of all ages come together to try new and even adventurous activities in nature, all while also learning,” explained Molly Steinwald, ELC executive director. “People don’t commit to protect things they aren’t comfortable or familiar with. We need everyone to be on board in healing the relationship between people and the rest of nature.”
