Nothing could have prepared the staff and volunteers for the challenges faced by the Environmental Learning Center after March 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Doors were abruptly closed. Parking lots suddenly were empty. The boats remained tied to their docks. The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) became eerily still, absent from the daily activity of staff, students, and volunteers. There was no sound of children laughing or of our nature guides leading inquisitive guests through our lush campus. The phones went silent and our doors remained locked. But not for long.
The innovative team quickly pivoted to virtual education and campus improvements. The solitude was short-lived as the leadership team of the ELC simultaneously formulated a strategic plan to re-open the campus. They knew that the ELC provided a much-needed safe haven for the community.
At the ELC our family, friends, neighbors, and visitors could experience the many therapeutic benefits of nature so desperately needed, especially during this time of uncertainty. Slowly and methodically the campus safely re-opened. The ELC offered its treasures using innovative planning:
- Free admission during the months of March-July, provided guests the opportunity to safely social distance outdoors and experience the healing and therapeutic benefits of nature.
- Lagoon Island Family Adventures created safe, hands-on educational adventures in the absence of summer camps.
- Nature Near You Kits provided at-home educational activities for hundreds of children.
- Virtual Events were created to connect people to nature from the security of their homes.
- Through our scholarship programs, families in need were able to participate in programs both virtually and on campus.
More than ever, Indian River County communities discovered the true hidden treasures offered by The ELC, the Indian River Lagoon, our native Florida habitat, mangrove forests, and outdoor adventures. Our dedicated staff continues to educate the community providing fun, educational and inspirational programming. With safety best practices in place, our amazing volunteers returned to campus filling a variety of roles crucial for our success. And our visitors, thirsty for nature connection and safe socialization, slowly returned as well!
Our campus has begun to return to the normal hustle and bustle of Touch Tank visitors, homeschool and small group programs, family campus exploration, sold-out pontoon boat tours, kayak and canoe adventures, summer camp schedules, nature walk tours and so much more.
In April, a testimonial of our accomplishments, the ELC broke ground to build the Thomas R. Schidel Education and Event pavilion, a multipurpose outdoor classroom and event space/stage to be completed by the end of the year. Additional funding is needed to outfit the building. Donations up to $50,000 raised by June 30, will be matched by donors Tim and Carol Buhl. This donation opportunity allows the option to double the impact of your investment with the ELC.
Your donation makes a difference. These are a small sampling of the success stories we celebrate because of your support. As we continue to set new goals it is exciting to know you are behind us 100%. Donate today. Your tax-deductible donation is an investment towards the future of The ELC. We are grateful to our donors whose generosity helps us to succeed in fulfilling our mission, “to educate, inspire, and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.”
With appreciation,
Donald E. Barr.
Chair, ELC Board of Directors
Barbara Schlitt Ford
ELC Executive Director