A jaunt to the Environmental Learning Center this weekend should be a sweet way to welcome the spring. The ELC, founded in 1988 by members of the Pelican Island Audubon Society, has carved out 65 acres of unspoiled land on the Indian River lagoon Island where you’ll discover educational programs and opportunities for EcoAdventures and just an all-around great way to really enjoy what’s in your own backyard. On Friday, April 30, you can board one of the ELC’s pontoon boats to take a relaxing ride on its Twilight Pontoon Cruise. You’ll watch the beautiful Florida sky deepen with rich colors into the evening while a naturalist guide helps you observe the wildlife which make those silky seagrass beds their home. The Pontoon Tours begin 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The cost is $35 adults, $15 children and $12 for infants under 2 years of age. There are discounts for ELC members. The group tours are limited to eight people per tour. Life jackets will be provided. But you are encouraged to bring your own binoculars. To get a ticket, it’s advised to go online at DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050, ext. 114. By the way, the ELC is looking for artists to paint murals on eight wooden picnic tables near its lagoon. The area is a peaceful tree-covered spot that is a favorite for guests to relax. The ELC hopes to get artists in the Vero Beach area to volunteer their time and talent to paint the murals. If the project becomes popular enough with area artists, the ELC might expand the project to include a set of 20 picnic tables used in the educational classes at the Discovery Station. Artists may be eligible for up to $100 in reimbursement for materials and labor. To apply for the ELC art project, call 772-589-5050 or email art@discoverelc.org. You can also apply online. The Environmental Learning Center is at 255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach.
The 12th Annual Indian River Marine Flea Market and Treasure Coast Seafood Festival runs this weekend, May 1-2, at the Indian River County Fairgrounds. The event includes a boat show and sale, a fishing show, seminars and merchants offering a whole host of items for boating and fishing. The first 5,000 attendees get a free goody bag with coupons, magazines, samples and more. The free fishing seminars include: pompano surf fishing 10 a.m. Saturday; surf fishing techniques and how to catch fish, 11:30 a.m. Saturday; shark fishing tips and tricks, rules and regulations 1 p.m. Saturday; and offshore fishing for ladies, 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The Treasure Coast Seafood Festival offers a huge range of mouth-watering menu items like fried fish (snapper, shrimp and whiting), conch salad, red snapper stick, stone crabs, oysters, Maine lobsters and Florida lobsters, fritters, shrimp scampi over rice, shrimp cocktail, crab fries, Spanish fish tacos, surf ’n turf burger, grilled shrimp remoulade, shrimp po boy … hungry yet? Or maybe you’re thirsty. No problem, there will also be a beer garden at the event. Visitors can also stroll through tents of arts and crafts and generally get their fill o’ fish. The 12th Annual Indian River Marine Flea Market and Treasure Coast Seafood Festival runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Indian River Fairgrounds, 7955 58th Ave., Vero Beach. Admission is $7 general and free for children 12 years and younger. For more information, visit FlNauticalFleaMarket.com or call 954-205-7813.
The North Indian River County Library is holding its 7th Annual Teen Poetry Contest in this Friday afternoon, April 30. The event commemorates April as National Poetry Month. Organizers hope participants will write a poem to express what’s in their heart or on their mind. Certainly, with the year we’ve all just had, there’s bound to be quite a lot to say. Poems will be judged on creativity and style. Content must be suitable for all ages. Four poems will be chosen for first and third place. There will also be an honorable mention. The poems will be on display in the library through May 15. The event is free and will run 3:16 p.m. to 4:16 p.m. Friday at the North County Library, 1001 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian. Call 772-400-6360.
