Elkhart Environmental Center

"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." -Aldo Leopold
eecmail@coelkhartindiana.org (map)

The Elkhart Environmental Center was not always a pretty site. During the time period of 1959 to 1972 the area was operated as the Lusher Avenue city dump. Initial plans for rehabilitating the area were conceptualized in 1984. With leadership from the Mayor's Office and under the direction of the Department of Public Works, ideas were solidified. Partnerships were formed with the University of Notre Dame and Elkhart Community Schools.

Through these partnerships and with the cooperation of numerous city departments, site development began in 1989. That year, clay clapping was initiated and the first constructed wetland was created. In addition, an environmental education program was launched to teach "EnviroKids" the many aspects of environmental stewardship.

In 1991, the Martin Foundation, a charitable division of NIBCO, generously donated funds for the construction of a log cabin education center. In August of that year, the Center was officially dedicated to the people of Elkhart. With a new permanent education facility and habitat reconstruction well underway, the Elkhart Environmental Center was poised to expand its role in the community. Today it has many well established environmental services and programs in operation. In addition, it is a now a beautiful site to hike along the Elkhart River or meander through the woods and small prairie areas.

Department News

• Elkhart Reaches Agreement with State, Feds on Sewer Overflow Plan
  Published: Thursday, May 21, 2009
  May 21, 2009 NEWS RELEASE Elkhart Reaches Agreement with State, Feds on Sewer Overflow Plan City Needs 25 Years to Implement Plan Mayor Dick Moore announced today the City of Elkhart, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have reached a tentative agreement on a long-term plan for controlling sewer overflows. He also announced a proposed sewer rate increase to pay for the first five years of sewer improvements. Due to the city's current,...
  
• 2009 Spring Green Gazette
  Published: Monday, March 09, 2009
  Want to learn about what's going on with Elkhart's Environmental Division? Open this up to discover what's happening!
  
• State of the City 2009
  Published: Tuesday, March 03, 2009
  Mayor Dick Moore's 2009 State of the City Speech
  
• 2009 Eco-Summer Camps Registration
  Published: Tuesday, February 17, 2009
  Kids in entering grades 1-6, we have an opportunity for you that you do not want to miss! Sign up now for the 2009 Eco-Summer Camps. CURRENTLY THE 1st-2nd GRADE & 3rd-4th GRADE CAMPS ARE FULL BUT YOUR CAMPER CAN BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST. PLAESE CALL THE ELKHART ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER AT 293-5070 FOR MORE INFORMATION!!!
  

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