ECOLOGY
Vero Beach natural preserve protects unique
ecosystem through educational programs
Rhian Smith, an ELC environmental educator, introduces a group of school children to a winged resident of the Vero Beach center.
A visit to the Environmental Learning Center lets
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you take a walk on the wild side and see the beauty
of Florida before the influx of development.
The 64-acre nature preserve, founded in 1988 by
members of the Pelican Island Audubon Society, provides
a natural habitat for birds, fish, crustaceans and mammals
native to the Indian River Lagoon that surrounds the
campus. The lagoon is one of the most biodiverse estuaries
in North America and home to 4,300 different species of
plants and animals, 36 of which are endangered or rare.
In accordance with the ELC’s mission to educate, inspire
and empower all people to become active stewards of
their environment and of their own well-being, there are
plenty of activities that immerse visitors in the beauty and
ANTHONY INSWASTY
solitude of nature, including group yoga, forest therapy for
self-healing in nature or exploration of the secrets of the
surrounding waters.
Whether exploring solo, with a friend or with the entire
family, the ELC has a multitude of programs and experiences
for everyone to enjoy.
Bring a cell phone because the sprawling campus offers
walking trails with 13 interactive stops that will teach
about the environment and the unique habitat when a
number on a sign is dialed.
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES
The Discovery Station Interactive Museum is home to the
largest brackish water aquarium in Indian River County. >>