ANTHONY INSWASTY PHOTOS
Carol Edwards, an ELC volunteer, and a young visiter explore the center’s
145-gallon touch tank that offers up-close views of marine animals.
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The 145-gallon touch tank offers an up-close view of some of
the marine animals that occupy the lagoon.
Visitors can touch horseshoe and hermit crabs and gently
stroke a fragile star fish or sea urchin while learning more
about that life and habitat. Three additional aquariums and
immersive floor art has even more marine life and dioramas
displaying the wild mammals and reptiles that live on the
grounds.
Proceed down the boardwalk that gently winds through
the mangroves to the waterfront dock and watch the dolphins
and manatees as they cavort in the cove. Canoes or
kayaks are available for rent to venture out into the lagoon
solo or with a guide.
If paddling sounds a bit challenging, a two-hour tour on
the ELC pontoon boat is available to view stunning vistas
and listen to informative talks about the inhabitants of the
lagoon and mangrove forests along the way. Depending upon
the weather, there might be a visit to the Pelican Island Wildlife
Refuge or Sebastian River or a stop-off for a splash on a
spoil island. Morning, afternoon and sunset departures are
available and the boat is wheelchair accessible.
The ELC has a variety of wellness programs that provide
an escape from the hustle and bustle of life by embracing
the healing power of nature. Daily yoga, qigong and tai chi
classes improve balance, tone muscles, improve flexibility
and ground the mind, body and spirit. A meditative walk
through the forest or butterfly garden might improve physical
and mental health while connecting with nature through
the five senses.
Wellness workshops that are offered provide the perfect
retreat for a group of friends or office colleagues who need to
unplug from the pressures of modern life. These retreats are >>
ECOLOGY
School children engage in outdoor games like cornhole during their visits to the Environmental Learning Center.